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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Interior design

Perry Street Cocktail Ottoman
Interior design

Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman Return to High Point Market

Although they manufacture in their own factory only eight miles from High Point, NC, Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman, one… Read More

Pierre Frey Broderie
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

Welcome Back to the 18th Century at the Louvre

Next week marks the reemergence of the 18th century at the Louvre. In the north wing of the museum’s Cour… Read More

CR Laine Aledo chair
Interior design

The Colorful World of CR Laine at High Point

As VP of Merchandising and Marketing, Holly Blalock, explains, “Color is not a trend for CR Laine. We are committed… Read More

George Stacey
Books, Interior design

Spring Design Books Round Up

While it’s usually the fall season that brings out the blockbuster line up of design books, this spring, a strong… Read More

Nick Olson, Tilton Fenwick and Sara Gilbane
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Designers’ Picks From the Christie’s 20th Century Decorative Art & Design Auction

Auctions, especially at distinguished houses, can be intimidating. And yet they are some of the best sources for great buys. So… Read More

Doug Meyer Legends window
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Interior design, Travel

A Fountainhead Fantasy by Doug Meyer at Legends

The best gathering at Legends was no doubt in Doug Meyer’s brilliant window installation for Dragonette, sponsored by the Palos Verdes Art… Read More

Saint Louis Art Museum
Design, Interior design

Thank You Domino Magazine

Those of you on social media may have seen the article Domino Magazine published yesterday. They put out their first… Read More

bespoke chocolates at Dragonette
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Interior design, Jewelry, Travel

The Art of Vintage and Modern at Dragonette

What do resourceful designers do when they can’t find what they want? Why they make it themselves of course. Befitting… Read More

Veranda finale party at Legends 2014
Art & Antiques, Design, Garden, Interior design

Making the Rounds at La Cienega Legends 2014

Every year the word spreads wider. La Cienega Legends 2014 was hopping with packed standing-room-only venues for all three days…. Read More

la cienega design quarter legends 2014
Art & Antiques, Design, Food and drink, Interior design, Travel

La Cienega Design Quarter Legends

It’s been a whirlwind few days here at the La Cienega Design Quarter Legends 2014 edition. In the beautiful California… Read More

Madeline Stuart LCDQ Legends Window for Compas
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

First Peek at LCDQ Legends Windows

I am excited to be reporting from Los Angeles as a Legends Ambassador for one of my favorite annual design… Read More

Catherine Tompkins table at the Red Cross Red & White ball 2014
Interior design

Red Cross Red & White Ball 2014

Saturday night the Metro New York North Red Cross held its annual Red & White Ball, one of the largest fund raising… Read More

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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.
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!!
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