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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Interior design

Alex Papachristidis Trunk Show at Moda Operandi
Design, Gifts, Interior design

Alex Papachristidis Trunk Show at Moda Operandi

Designer Alex Papachristidis is known not only for his elegant interiors but his layered and luxurious entertaining style. Incorporating collections… Read More

Jessica McCormack at Moda Operandi
Fashion, Gifts, Interior design, Jewelry

Jessica McCormack at Moda Operandi

Originally founded as the exclusive online destination to preorder runway collections, Moda Operandi has, since its inception, branched out to… Read More

Happy Thanksgiving
Holiday, Interior design

Happy Thanksgiving

While I am always aware at this season how much I have to be thankful for, this year is a… Read More

The Salon Art + Design 2018
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

The Salon Art + Design 2018

This past week marked the opening of the Salon Art + Design 2018 show at the Park Avenue Armory. Including… Read More

At Home with Timothy Corrigan at Chateau de la Chevallerie (the before)
Architecture, Interior design, Travel, Video

At Home with Timothy Corrigan at Chateau de la Chevallerie (the before)

There are few people who could not only imagine but are capable of bringing an 18th century French chateau back… Read More

TEFAF New York Fall 2018
Art & Antiques, Interior design, Jewelry

TEFAF New York Fall 2018

This weekend marked the opening of the TEFAF New York Fall 2018 show. The third edition of this prestigious art… Read More

At Home with Carolyne Roehm – Design & Style: A Constant Thread
Books, Design, Fashion, Garden, Interior design, Jewelry, Video

At Home with Carolyne Roehm – Design & Style: A Constant Thread

We have celebrated Carolyne Roehm’s many talents here before – in the garden, setting the table, the renovation and decoration… Read More

San Francisco Fall Art and Antiques Show
Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel

San Francisco Fall Art and Antiques Show

This week I was honored to speak at the San Francisco Fall Art and Antiques Show on a panel about… Read More

Out and About Here and Across the Pond
Books, Design, Interior design, Travel

Out and About Here and Across the Pond

For all of you who may have been wondering (or not) about my recent absence in these parts, let me… Read More

At Home in Connecticut with Bunny Williams
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Video

At Home in Connecticut with Bunny Williams

Over the years, I have had the privilege of documenting many aspects of celebrated designer Bunny Williams‘ talents. And while… Read More

Château de Villette
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Interior design

Château de Villette

With design attributed to François Mansart (architect to Louis XIV) and gardens inspired by, if not actually designed by Le… Read More

The Power of Pattern
Books, Interior design

The Power of Pattern

Not only is my talented video partner Susanna Salk an insightful interviewer on our YouTube series, but a creative and… Read More

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As we start the new year, taking a deep fresh brea As we start the new year, taking a deep fresh breath with inspiration from Spanish designer @ludovicoporta . See how he creates a sense of calm elegance using curated collections and negative space in his magnificent renovated 18th century palacio. Watch the entire house tour on the Quintessence YouTube channel.
Monday blues with an international cadre of artisa Monday blues with an international cadre of artisanal tableware from our @shopqworthy collection. Shop it all through link in profile.
And the winner of the @academia_de_la_mesa table c And the winner of the @academia_de_la_mesa table contest is… (drumroll please!) this extraordinary table by @Monicabardaji!! She entered on the very last day of the competition and completely won us over! With this table, Mónica has managed to create something both modern and classic, using completely unexpected elements. Nothing on the table is unnecessary and yet nothing is missing. The mix of wood and silver is phenomenally chic, the color and size of the flowers are perfect and we found it extremely elegant! It was a tough choice for us judges, as there was strong competition right on her heels!

Mónica is the lucky winner of the best prize we have ever given (what you see in the last photo), consisting of a Limoges porcelain tableware set, Cristóbal Marine, offered by @raynaud_porcelaines; six hand engraved glasses from @artel_glass; six embroidered placemats with their napkins from @noel_lingedemaison_paris; and six Tokyo Noir cutlery sets from @alain_saint_joanis.

All the finalists’ tables were wonderful, each with something that made it extraordinary, and we can only congratulate you on your creativity and craftsmanship!

Congratulations to Mónica as the winner, but also to all the other participants—each of you, with your tables, makes this possible! Over the coming days we will be raffling off the remaining prizes!!

Heartfelt thanks to the “usual” jury (@azarraluqui @amarosanchezdemoya @bea_satrustegui @carmencarooneill @paz_qb @raulromeropress and @vanessacraccoliving) and to our guest stars @bonadeaofficial @casa__lopez @quintessence (honored to be included) and @vioscooking — it has been a fantastic edition! ♥️
In this snowy January weather, see how @timothycor In this snowy January weather, see how @timothycorrigan uses a plethora of @benjaminmoore whites to full advantage in his elegant Paris apartment. Full home tour on the Quintessence YouTube channel!
Quiet breakfast on this snowy morning. I cross sti Quiet breakfast on this snowy morning. I cross stitched these placemats for my mother YEARS ago when I was living in Switzerland. They have recently come full circle back to me and on this holiday are a lovely reminder of both her and my time spent there. Grounding tablecloth from @heathertaylorhome  @latuilealoup aptware and mini baskets. Flatware from @alain_saint_joanis in my shop and last, but certainly not least, my spectacular handpainted pitcher and glassware set by the talented @margotlar (available by special order through the shop).
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