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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

Walton Ford print at Peter Fasano’s house
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

Road Trip: Peter Fasano

I have long been a fan of Peter Fasano‘s appealing fabrics and wallpapers, so when designer friend Mally Skok (below)… Read More

Gilliard Fendant wine
Design, Fashion, Food and drink, Travel

Fancy Some Fondue?

It’s been a slow reentry after the holidays here. I’d become accustomed to the kids’ schedule – late nights playing… Read More

William Yeoward Bunny Champagne Flute
Food and drink, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Coupe or Flute?

This is the age old champagne dilemma – coupe, flute or tulip! Last year I wrote about Seth Box, director… Read More

Quintessence blog Christmas table
Design, Entertainment, Holiday, Interior design

Merry Christmas

As some of you know, I’ve been obsessing over tartan this fall and I am thrilled that I finally have… Read More

Dale May’s X-Ray Trooper Lightbox in his Lego Star Wars show at the Samuel Owen gallery in Greenwich, CT
Art & Antiques

Dale May: Lego Star Wars at Samuel Owen

It’s no secret here that I love Legos. And clearly so does photographer Dale May. What a fun evening I… Read More

paris-apartment-design-ideas-deniot-0511-01
Architecture, Interior design

Thank You Elle Decor – My Favorite Space

Yesterday Elle Decor featured 30 design insiders’ picks for their favorite ELLE Decor Rooms of 2011. I was thrilled to… Read More

Verdura Lily Bracelet
Books, Fashion, Gifts, Holiday, Jewelry

Verdura Splendor

Only a handful of jewelry companies today can claim a legacy rich in history and design. Verdura is among them… Read More

Grande Singerie by Christophe Huet in the Petit Chateau at Chantilly
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Interior design

Exotic Taste

It is almost impossible to have an interest in interiors and the decorative arts and not be fascinated by Chinoiserie… Read More

Books, Design, Gifts, Holiday, Travel

Traveler’s Tips and Treats Redux

I didn’t get a chance to finish the post I had planned for today so I am reissuing some handy… Read More

Irene Neuwirth Jewelry
Design, Fashion, Jewelry

Neuwirth’s Natural Beauty

Irene Neuwirth‘s statement jewelry has major IT girl appeal. Ever since college when she started dabbling with beaded jewelry as… Read More

Video thumbnail for vimeo video 33577238
Entertainment, Gifts, Holiday

#Jingletweet Finale

What a wonderful evening of friends, colleagues and good cheer!! A huge thanks to Audiocom for sponsoring the evening in… Read More

Christmas in Connecticut
Architecture, Interior design

Christmas in Connecticut

The season is certainly upon us and everyone seems to be in the spirit this year. The stores are crowded,… 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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