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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

sea goddess
Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts

At Ease | Channel Your Inner Sea Goddess

Whether an afternoon or a week, on a sailboat or a motor yacht, summer is the time to channel your… Read More

At Home with Susanna Salk and Robert Couturier Part Deux | The Library
Architecture, Interior design

At Home with Susanna Salk and Robert Couturier Part Deux | The Library

There were so many scene-worthy moments at the Connecticut house of Robert Couturier that we decided to offer you a… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video k-ujgueqcqi
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Garden, Interior design

At Home with Susanna Salk and Robert Couturier

Robert Couturier is the ultimate embodiment of old school meets modern world. Raised in the elegant 16th arrondissement of Paris… Read More

le quatorze juillet
Beauty, Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday

Le Quatorze Juillet

So today we recognize Bastille Day, le quatorze juillet, with a little red white and blue, French style. I’ve gathered… Read More

At Ease | Riviera Refinement
Fashion, Gifts, Travel

At Ease | Riviera Refinement

Who doesn’t dream about renting a villa with water views on the French Riviera? It’s all about summering at ease with a… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video ymcf54j3h20
Architecture, Design, Garden, Interior design

Looking Back and Forward with a New Video Series

It is amazing to think that our Stylish Shopping video series is already almost six months old. And while we… Read More

French pastry baking class
Beauty, Food and drink, Gifts, Travel

What to do in Paris | Investing in the Experience

What to do in Paris? As we were planning our recent trip, my sister and I wanted to introduce the… Read More

le prince jardinier labels
Design, Garden, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

Paris Finds | Palais Furst in Saint Germain

The allure of Saint Germain in Paris seems to know no bounds. The challenge is to allow time for both… Read More

flag of books
Books, Holiday

Happy 4th of July

Wishing everyone a very happy, safe and festive 4th of July! American flag made of books arranged by Thatcher Wine… Read More

Fourth of July
Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday

At Ease | Low Key Luxe for the Fourth of July

Starting with this shopping collage for the fourth of July, I am hoping to inaugurate a light summer series entitled… Read More

Michele Aragon pottery
Design, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

Favorite Paris Finds | Michele Aragon

With the power of the internet and communicative nature of the blogosphere, undiscovered Paris finds are few and far between…. Read More

aerin blue necklace
Beauty, Fashion, Food and drink, Garden, Gifts, Interior design

AERIN | Living the Life and the Label

AERIN is more than merely a label. It’s a lifestyle. And nothing has more credibility, authenticity or appeal than when… 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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