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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Style

Coming Soon
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Interior design, Travel

Coming Soon

I’ve been out and about and will have lots to share but until I have a chance to catch up,… Read More

YSL gloves on quintessenceblog
Fashion

Fashion Friday | Holiday Wish List

As many of you know, I moonlight as the co-style editor for the non-profit Women’s Voices for Change. This week… Read More

Monique Lhuillier purple gowns
Fashion

A Fashionable Day | Valentino and Monique Lhuillier

Despite the dismal weather, yesterday was one of those days that involved a lot of pretty. First the Valentino team… Read More

Doris Day
Style

Shhh…it’s a Secret

At least until 9 am. Stop back then to see what’s new – I can’t tell you until then (and… Read More

scent diffusers
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Gifts, Interior design

J. Seitz | Connecticut Country Chic

In a picture perfect vintage building overlooking a waterfall in the historic village of New Preston, Connecticut, J. Seitz is a… Read More

baccarat at designing greenwich with Zenith candleabra
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Designing Greenwich Preview

This weekend premieres Designing Greenwich, an exciting new venue here in Connecticut. Upscale local publication Connecticut Cottages and Gardens,  with… Read More

250 west street nyc
Architecture, Fashion, Interior design

Hearst Designer Visions | Antony Todd for Veranda

This year’s Hearst Designer Visions takes place in the landmark building 250 West Street in Tribeca, renovated by Gal Nauer… Read More

hurricane-sandy-2
Style

Sandy’s Wake

As I’m sure many of you realized, there was no post today due to the effects of hurricane Sandy in… Read More

fetch
Art & Antiques, Books, Fashion, Food and drink, Gifts, Interior design

Thank you Taigan and Fetch!

Any of you longtime readers will be familiar with the online shopping site Taigan. I have written before about their… Read More

Niamh Barry Fouette chandelier detail
Art & Antiques, Interior design, Jewelry

2012 International Fine Art & Antique Dealers Show Finale

The International Fine Art and Antique Dealers Show had a sensational selection of jewelry and I could certainly have written… Read More

French school eglomise painting
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Interior design, Jewelry

International Fine Art and Antique Dealers Show

Browsing events like the International Fine Art and Antique Dealers Show isn’t just for potential buyers. Anyone interested in art… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video yabnjttcxd4
Design, Fashion, Interior design, Jewelry

Veranda Magic Makers Awards

In a world that is all too often focussed on expedience and mass market appeal, it is refreshing to read… 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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