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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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    • At Home with Dogs and Their Designers: Sharing a Stylish Life
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Design

SFERRA ad campainn
Design, Interior design

SFERRA Linens for Fall 2013

I knew time would be tight at NY Now (the new moniker for the NY Gift Show) so last week,… Read More

Suzanne Kasler powder room
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Suzanne Kasler Brings Paris to Connecticut in Veranda

Designer Suzanne Kasler is well known for her sophisticated mix of classic and contemporary and in the upcoming September/October issue… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video esu4p4lxpha
Art & Antiques, Design, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk at Serena & Lily Beach Market

A few weeks ago, Susanna and I traveled out to the Hamptons on behalf of Serena & Lily to visit… Read More

rhubarb cherry hibiscus crumble via food52
Food and drink, Gifts

FOOD52 Provisions

I rarely write about something already published, but today’s  Wall Street Journal Off Duty section included an announcement of Amanda… Read More

At Ease, Nantucket via Quintessence
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts, Travel

At Ease | Nantucket Weekend

I’m sure many of you guessed that this week’s At Ease post would be Nantucket based. Not only is the… Read More

Nantucket sunset via Quintessence
Architecture, Garden, Travel

ACK Attack | Nantucket Getaway

Readers who follow me on instagram and twitter know by my ACK hashtags that I have been on Nantucket this… Read More

C.Z. Guest
Books, Design

C.Z. Guest | American Style Icon

True style icons are few and far between but C.Z. Guest ranks at the top of American qualifiers. More than… Read More

Christopher Maya bedroom in Sept. ’13 House Beautiful
Design, Interior design

Christopher Maya Goes Bold in the House Beautiful Color Issue

The power of color is always well expressed in the annual House Beautiful color issue. And this year is no… Read More

Dr. Armand Versace (whose daughter Lisa was in my class) and Leila Heller,
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion

Artist Rebel Dandy | Men of Fashion at the RISD Museum

Back in the spring I was honored to attend the annual gala benefit for the RISD Museum, celebrating their groundbreaking… Read More

AERIN Delph bar interior
Interior design

AERIN Furniture Collection

While I hinted at the AERIN furniture collection I saw when I was in High Point last April, I am… Read More

At Ease | Made in Maine
Design, Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

At Ease | Made in Maine

After having just returned from a brief outing at my favorite spot in Maine, it seemed appropriate that this week’s… Read More

Hydrangea Collage
Garden

The Summer of My Blue Hydrangea

Actually I have never had so many different shades as this year. From classic blue hydrangea to pink and violet,… 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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