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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Travel

Nautic lighting at Maison
Interior design, Travel

Vintage Meets Modern at Nautic Lighting

While wandering the overwhelming halls at Maison et Objet, I was stopped by the stunning lighting at Nautic. Part of… Read More

Dedar ABout Flowers
Interior design, Travel

The Sophisticated Chic of Dedar at Deco Off

In an old house in Paris, not covered with vines, I fell in love with the new Dedar fabric collection…. Read More

Christopher Maya prints
Design, Interior design, Travel

Holland & Sherry Hosts New Collections at Deco Off

One of the most appealing aspects of Paris Deco Off is the conviviality of seeing the collections in the showrooms…. Read More

Video thumbnail for vimeo video 58854236
Design, Interior design, Travel

BEHIND THE Q | Introducing Lalique Maison

One of the most striking booths at Maison et Objet was that of Lalique with their introduction of a full… Read More

van cleef paris
Architecture, Design, Travel

Out and About in Paris

While out and about in Paris between the shows, it’s a miracle I wasn’t hit by a pedestrian-loathing Belmondo look-alike,… Read More

Pierre Frey 1920 print
Design, Interior design, Travel

Pierre Frey Paris | Part 2

Continuing our look at the beautiful new Pierre Frey Paris collections, I thought you might enjoy seeing a bit more… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video 5xtm1pwzcys
Design, Interior design, Travel

BEHIND THE Q | Pierre Frey at Paris Deco Off

In this era of corporate consolidation and luxury conglomerates, Pierre Frey is a breath of fresh air. While I have… Read More

Champagne toast
Interior design, Travel

Thank you Currey and Company

Taking a break from Paris, I’d like to revisit Atlanta briefly to thank Currey & Company, who hosted me for… Read More

fornasetti Teatro in linen and aqua
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

Cole and Son Fornasetti II at Maison et Objet

Cole and Son has long been one of my favorite wallpaper lines so I was delighted to see their booth… Read More

Gaston y Daniela Jaen
Design, Interior design, Travel

A Taste of Paris Deco Off

In this fourth edition of Paris Deco Off, over 70 houses have participated in presenting their latest collections throughout the… Read More

Screen Shot 2013-01-03 at 6.26.33 PM
Design, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

Meet Me at AmericasMart

I am thrilled to share that next week I will be speaking at the AmericasMart Gift and Home Furnishings Market… Read More

Museum of bags and purses cafe
Architecture, Fashion, Travel

The Museum of Bags and Purses

Yes, you read that right. I am happy to report that there is actually a Museum of Bags and Purses…. 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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