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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Interior design

le prince jardinier labels
Design, Garden, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

Paris Finds | Palais Furst in Saint Germain

The allure of Saint Germain in Paris seems to know no bounds. The challenge is to allow time for both… Read More

Michele Aragon pottery
Design, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

Favorite Paris Finds | Michele Aragon

With the power of the internet and communicative nature of the blogosphere, undiscovered Paris finds are few and far between…. Read More

aerin blue necklace
Beauty, Fashion, Food and drink, Garden, Gifts, Interior design

AERIN | Living the Life and the Label

AERIN is more than merely a label. It’s a lifestyle. And nothing has more credibility, authenticity or appeal than when… Read More

le petit trianon architecture
Architecture, Design, Interior design, Travel

The Discreet Charm of the Petit Trianon

Today we travel back to Versailles to take a quick look at the Petit Trianon. Built by Louis XV for… Read More

Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk and Eddie Ross
Gifts, Interior design

Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk and Eddie Ross

Crossing the divides of styling, entertaining, decorating and production, Eddie Ross is a whirling dervish of creativity. While his career… Read More

versailles with sun king clock
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Garden, Interior design, Travel

Timeless Design at Versailles

I was somehow surprised that my girls voted a visit to Versailles as their favorite part of our week in… Read More

Philip Gorrivan designed bedroom in House Beautiful
Design, Interior design

Small Space Big Style

Every city dweller’s primary design concern is optimizing the small space big style ratio. Perhaps that’s why House Beautiful‘s annual… Read More

hydrangea
Design, Interior design

Thank You Luxe Magazine

What a lovely welcome back this evening from my week in Paris. Firstly, a thank you to Luxe Magazine for… Read More

soldiers in Anthony Baratta room
Design, Gifts, Interior design

Ronald McDonald House Long Island Project Design 2013

Last week Newel Gallery hosted a pre-construction celebration of The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island Project Design 2013. In… Read More

Stephen Elrod and Aerin Lauder
Interior design

Aerin Lauder for Lee Jofa

Aerin Lauder has been very busy. In addition to her furniture collection for EJ Victor, she has also completed a… Read More

Randall Tysinger Vendome ottoman
Design, Interior design

EJ Victor | Home to AERIN, Ralph Lauren and more

As some of you may remember EJ Victor kindly sponsored my latest trip to High Point Market. Their big news… Read More

Celerie Kemble teal malachite table lamp
Design, Interior design

Celerie Kemble for Henredon & Maitland-Smith continued

While there was a great assortment of furniture, accessories and lighting in the lines Celerie Kemble designed for Henredon and… Read More

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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).
Great day at this year’s @thetickingtent with a fa Great day at this year’s @thetickingtent with a fabulous selection of new and repeat vendors in a spacious new tent ! A few of my faves - some of which didn’t make it in only because I couldn’t get good shots with the crowds! Wonderful to see so many design friends and congrats to @christinajuarezandco and @aspoonfulofbenjamin on an even bigger and better event at the beautiful @springhillvineyards !
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