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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

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

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

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40 years ❤️ 40 years ❤️
A magical retreat on Paros. There’s something so c A magical retreat on Paros. There’s something so compelling about the home of an artist and collector and @toddmarshard’s is as distinctive and personal as his work @Marshard.Paros . The ceramic artist has filled his stunning home with art and collections gathered over a lifetime. Our latest At Home With is now live - LINK IN PROFILE

Architecture: ALONI | Architects — Elena Terzi @iaveria & Dimitris Popotas
Nantucket baskets are suddenly everywhere this sum Nantucket baskets are suddenly everywhere this summer — filling Instagram feeds, appearing in the pages of The New York Times and garnering attention in publications around the world. Coveted by collectors and a whole new generation of enthusiasts, these iconic baskets are having an undeniable moment. Yet behind all the current excitement is a fascinating story of history, tradition, ingenuity and exceptional craftsmanship.

Five years ago, I had the privilege of making this film with @Mary_emery_design, Director of Heritage Craft for the @nantuckethistoricalassociation , exploring the history and evolution of Nantucket lightship baskets through the people who know them best. We visited master basket makers Karl and Susan Ottison, Tim Parsons and Nap Plank, and heard about legendary maker José Reyes from his son-in-law, Maurice Gibbs. We also spent time with Nantucket scrimshander Michael Vienneau, whose work illustrates another chapter in the continuing evolution of the basket.

The film was made at the time the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum became affiliated with the Nantucket Historical Association, bringing its extraordinary collection — and the stories and traditions it represents — into the care of the NHA.

With Nantucket baskets now capturing the attention of an entirely new audience, it seemed the perfect time to revisit the film and celebrate the remarkable makers, history and craftsmanship behind this enduring Nantucket tradition.

Watch the full film at the link in bio.
August, stay a while. August, stay a while.
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.
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