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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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    • Books that I have collaborated on, as photographer, with design author Susanna Salk
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Design

Picture Perfect Parties
Books, Entertaining, Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday

Picture Perfect Parties

Even though it’s not officially fall, the “season” seems to have already gotten underway with invitations flowing in. How convenient… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video kx8qkcrvos8
Design, Interior design

Escapade | A Parisian Love Affair by La Maison Pierre Frey

La Maison Pierre Frey is a family firm that continues to straddle past and present with chic Parisian flair. From… Read More

Christie’s Interiors auction
Art & Antiques, Interior design

Christie’s Interiors

Sometimes you have to go with the flow. I had a different post planned for today but then my very… Read More

new orleans garden by sawyer berson
Architecture, Design, Garden, Interior design

The Design Landscape of Sawyer Berson

After seeing the modern monolithic limestone and glass Southampton manse Sawyer | Berson created for designer Kelly Behun in last… Read More

Eric J. Smith
Architecture, Design

The Classic Architecture of Eric J. Smith

As I was savoring the last weekend of August, trying not to do too much of anything, I fell down… Read More

Alessandra branca acid green fabrics
Interior design

Alessandra Branca for Schumacher

I had been anxiously waiting to see designer Alessandra Branca‘s much anticipated fabric collection for Schumacher. I shared this with… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video iqmsfvaulsu
Architecture, Design, Garden, Interior design

At Home Poolside with Susanna Salk and Bunny Williams

Bunny Williams certainly needs no introduction. The acclaimed designer is celebrated not only for her inspiring interiors but her refreshing… Read More

Juliska autumn colors
Design, Interior design

Peacock, Gloss & Glimmer at the NY Now Gift Show

While there didn’t seem to be any singular overwhelming trend at the gift show, some styles were seen at several… Read More

Tom Scheerer Book
Books, Design, Interior design

Tom Scheerer Decorates

Tom Scheerer has clearly struck a chord. Already there have been quite a few pieces about this book, even before… Read More

Thibaut bungalow
Interior design

Creative Collaboration | Oomph & Thibaut at NY Now

Sometimes two companies’ visions are so in-synch that a collaboration is almost inevitable. This seems the case with Oomph and… Read More

Matouk Sebastian bed
Design, Gifts, Interior design

NY Now | New Offerings from Old Favorites

Sunday I spent the day perusing the new set up at NY Now (otherwise known as the gift show). It… Read More

Quintessence blog on Lonny
Books, Entertaining, Food and drink, Garden

Thank you Lonny!

Last week I had the pleasure of hosting friend Michael Devine for a lovely evening on my terrace in Connecticut… Read More

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Charleston has a way of drawing people back again Charleston has a way of drawing people back again and again—and homes like this remind us why.
Tag along as designer @michaelmitchelldesigner welcomes us inside his gracious home, where layers of history, thoughtful collecting, and a deeply personal approach to design make every room a reflection of both its owner and the city itself.
LINK IN PROFILE.
One of my favorite things about setting a table is One of my favorite things about setting a table is that it never has to begin from scratch.

The most beautiful tables are collected over time—mixing old favorites with new discoveries, heirlooms with contemporary pieces, and the things you’ve loved for years with something that brings fresh perspective.

For this table, I’ve paired PeterDunham + Hudson Grace’s (@peterdunhamdesign @hudsongracesf ) beautiful salad and bread plates and napkins with Blue Carnation dinner plates, table linens, glassware, and flatware from my shop, alongside a few favorite pieces from my personal collection.

I hope this table is a reminder that you don’t need everything to match—or come from one place. The magic is in the mix. Every new piece should make you fall in love with the pieces you already own all over again.

That’s the joy of collecting—and the beauty of a table that reflects your own story.

Shop the table through link in profile
Very excited to be returning to @eleishvanbreems o Very excited to be returning to @eleishvanbreems on Nantucket for a 2 day trunk show next Thursday and Friday! If on island, do stop by! There will be many new introductions you will be the first to see!!
Some homes are beautiful. Others tell a story. Th Some homes are beautiful. Others tell a story. 
The Yucatán home of interior designer @laurakirar and architect Richard Frazier @rwf333 is both -  a masterful reflection of its surroundings, where architecture, landscape, light, and craftsmanship come together in perfect harmony.
Tag along for a visit to this extraordinary retreat and discover how years of collecting, collaboration, and creative vision shaped a house that feels deeply connected to its place. LINK IN PROFILE
Wishing everyone a very happy Mother’s Day! 🌸 Flow Wishing everyone a very happy Mother’s Day! 🌸 Flowers from my thoughtful husband - all else from my shop (plates coming soon - DM to be notified).
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