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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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Interior design

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Art & Antiques, Interior design

Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk & Ellie Cullman at the New York Art, Antique & Jewelry Show

Antique shows can be overwhelming and intimidating. Yet shopping a show with an expert can be illuminating and entertaining. We… Read More

Miss J. Alexander at What’s New What’s Next
Fashion, Interior design

Fabulous at What’s New What’s Next

While fashion week in New York may be over, I will be continuing to explore the connection between fashion and… Read More

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Fashion, Interior design

MORE Dressy Designers We Love Video

Today we bring you MORE dressy designers we love whose style quotient raises the bar with their apparel as well as… Read More

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Art & Antiques, Fashion, Interior design

Dressy Designers We Love Video Part 1

There has long been a link between fashion and interiors, with some designers straddling both sides of the creative divide…. Read More

Givenchy at Christie’s
Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel

Hubert de Givenchy for Christie’s during the Biennale des Antiquaires

This week marks the Biennale des Antiquaires in Paris. The prestigious show presents the crème de la crème of antiques,… Read More

Altuzarra checks for spring 2015
Fashion, Interior design

The Timeless Appeal of Checks

After seeing the Altuzarra spring show online yesterday, my love of checks, as well as stripes, was reaffirmed. Both timeless… Read More

Fall Design Books
Interior design

And Suddenly It’s September

It seemed to happen practically overnight this year. Labor Day came and went, ushering in September with seemingly little warning and… Read More

Ananbô Bengale panoramic wallpaper
Art & Antiques, Interior design

Ananbô Panoramic Wallpapers

It’s been a busy week in these parts as my youngest prepares to go off to school. In the midst… Read More

At Ease | Labor Day
Food and drink, Gifts, Interior design

At Ease | Labor Day Lounging

It has been a glorious summer here in the northeast. Although it’s hard to believe, September is upon us. So… Read More

Abbazia
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

My Vicarious Travels

Many of you readers let me know that you enjoyed traveling with me out and about so today I am sharing some… Read More

Aerin Lauder’s Southampton home
Gifts, Interior design

AERIN at Bergdorf Goodman

If I were to bury my ashes at Bergdorf’s, it would probably be on the seventh floor, where all temptation… Read More

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Interior design

At Home in Connecticut with Susanna Salk and Alexandra Champalimaud

Award winning designer Alexandra Champalimaud not only brings a wealth of knowledge and international experience to every project she touches… 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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