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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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    • At Home with Designers and Tastemakers: Creating Beautiful and Personal Interiors
    • Making a House a Home: Designing Your Interiors from the Floor Up
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Design

Niamh Barry Fouette chandelier detail
Art & Antiques, Interior design, Jewelry

2012 International Fine Art & Antique Dealers Show Finale

The International Fine Art and Antique Dealers Show had a sensational selection of jewelry and I could certainly have written… Read More

French school eglomise painting
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Interior design, Jewelry

International Fine Art and Antique Dealers Show

Browsing events like the International Fine Art and Antique Dealers Show isn’t just for potential buyers. Anyone interested in art… Read More

Maison Gerard
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Art and Antiques at the Armory

I have written before about the good work that The Fund for Park Avenue does for the community. In honor… Read More

Designer fabrics and wallcoverings
Interior design

High Point Picks | Keeping Tradition Fresh at Thibaut

While Thibaut is the oldest continuously operating wallpaper company in the country, that doesn’t keep them from pushing the envelope… Read More

Pedestal table
Design, Interior design

High Point Picks | Bernhardt’s Home Run

One of the unanimous hits of High Point this season was the new Bernhardt showroom. Under the stylistic direction of… Read More

Drexel Heritage upholstered console detail
Interior design

High Point Picks | Drexel Heritage Delivers

Drexel Heritage wants you to tell your story at home your way. And to help, they focus on offering customization… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video yabnjttcxd4
Design, Fashion, Interior design, Jewelry

Veranda Magic Makers Awards

In a world that is all too often focussed on expedience and mass market appeal, it is refreshing to read… Read More

Gold-drinks-tables
Design, Interior design

High Point Picks | Luxe Neutrals

While color is still going strong at High Point, there was also a resurgence of luxe neutrals in ivory, black… Read More

Lisa Kahn for Chelsea House
Design, Interior design

High Point Picks | Blue is Back

I just arrived back from High Point last night and in looking through some of my many photos from market,… Read More

Selection of finds from High Point
Design, Interior design

High Point Peek

It’s been a busy weekend in High Point, visiting showrooms and scouting out new design inspiration. While I haven’t had… Read More

Video thumbnail for vimeo video 51268626
Design, Interior design

Iris Apfel at Stark Carpet

One of the final events at fall market was hearing the legendary Iris Apfel speak at Stark Carpet. In her… Read More

D&D building fall market Collage
Design, Interior design

Fall Market at the D&D

What a packed day at the D&D building yesterday! From 9 am to 1o at night, it was a day… 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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