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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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Interior design

Inspirations from Italy
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Garden, Interior design, Travel

Inspirations from Italy

What a whirlwind of a week! With not a moment to write a proper post, I wanted to at least… Read More

Greetings From Lecco, Italy
Design, Interior design, Travel

Greetings From Lecco, Italy

Greetings from Lecco, Italy! This charming town on the shores of beautiful Lake Como is where Susanna and I are calling… Read More

The Creative World of Charles de Beistegui at Legends
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

The Creative World of Charles de Beistegui at Legends

Exploring the creative world of the brilliant Charles de Beistegui would certainly involve more than a single post but Timothy Corrigan‘s… Read More

Chairs for Charity with Promemoria at Dragonette
Design, Interior design

Chairs for Charity with Promemoria at Dragonette

While I was not able to stay for the week of festivities at La Cienega Design Quarter‘s Legends, I was… Read More

Los Angeles collage
Interior design, Travel

Report from Los Angeles

It’s been a very busy few days here in Los Angeles (did I tell you I was coming?). From filming… Read More

A Video Visit to Mercanteinfiera | the Parma Antiques Fair
Art & Antiques, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

A Video Visit to Mercanteinfiera | the Parma Antiques Fair

Twice a year, in spring and fall, Italy’s largest antiques fair, the Mercanteinfiera, takes place in the historic and gastronomic… Read More

The Chic Table | Hermès Voyage en Ikat
Design, Interior design

The Chic Table | Hermès Voyage en Ikat

While many of the recent introductions from tabletop market will not be out until late summer, one stellar debut is available now for… Read More

Final Tabletop Inspiration from the Lenox Hill Gala
Interior design

Final Tabletop Inspiration from the Lenox Hill Gala

The Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Gala is always full of fabulous tabletop inspiration. Whether ideas for floral arrangements, textiles for… Read More

More Designer Tables from the Lenox Hill Gala 2015
Design, Interior design

More Designer Tables from the Lenox Hill Gala 2015

With over 50 tables at the Veranda Magazine sponsored Lenox Hill Gala 2015, it was a visual feast with endless… Read More

Thank You Domino | 24 Best Design Blogs of 2015
Design, Interior design

Thank You Domino | 24 Best Design Blogs of 2015

Domino Magazine has just announced its round up of the 24 Best Design Blogs of 2015 and I am thrilled to once… Read More

Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Gala 2015
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Gala 2015

Last Wednesday evening, crowds turned out for the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Gala 2015. Honoring long time board member Juan A…. Read More

Sotheby’s Designer Showhouse Auction
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Sotheby’s Designer Showhouse Auction

Tomorrow (Monday) is the Sotheby’s Designer Showhouse auction. Whether you are attending in person or considering an online bid, I share… 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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