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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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    • Books that I have collaborated on, as photographer, with design author Susanna Salk
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Travel

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

de Gournay Willow
Design, Interior design, Travel

De Gournay at Home in New York

The mere mention of the name de Gournay instantly conjures up images of timeless elegance, of exquisite hand painted wall… Read More

Ambiente-Club
Design, Travel

Italo | Chic Train Travel in Italy

Train travel is not what it used to be here in the states. When I was little, my mother, sister… Read More

Mayflower Inn Shakespeare Garden vignette
Garden, Interior design, Travel

The Mayflower Inn Shakespeare Garden

While all the grounds at the Inn are beautiful and immaculately groomed, the Shakespeare Garden at the Mayflower Inn is an… Read More

Mayflower Inn spa tea
Architecture, Beauty, Garden, Interior design, Travel

The Mayflower Inn Spa

While the sumptuous Mayflower Inn is, in and of itself, enticing, it is the Spa that seals the deal. There is… Read More

Mayflower Inn porch
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Food and drink, Garden, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

Welcome to the Mayflower

A mere two hours from New York City, nestled in the heart of rural Connecticut, sits an idyllic luxury resort… Read More

Masseria Castellini
Architecture, Design, Interior design, Travel

At Home in Italy

As many of us are celebrating the long weekend here in the States, perhaps some are still on vacation, enjoying… Read More

Jonathan Charles etagere
Design, Interior design, Travel

Trends at Las Vegas World Market Part 2

As we know, interiors tend to follow fashion. Those of you who saw my coverage of fashion week last spring… Read More

Lexington Furniture Althena Chaise
Design, Interior design, Travel

Las Vegas World Market with Traditional Home

Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of traveling to Las Vegas with a small group of bloggers sponsored by… Read More

Decorex International
Design, Garden, Interior design, Travel

Thank You Decorex!

Decorex International, the legendary British interior design show, just announced its #DECOREX100 – a list of the top 100 interior… Read More

Deborah Needleman
Beauty, Design, Entertainment, Fashion, Gifts, Travel

Ten Picks for a Simply Splendid Summer

As some of you know, I also moonlight over at the worthy non-profit Women’s Voices for Change. “Celebrating the potential,… Read More

Chairs-at-Hollyhock
Design, Garden, Interior design, Travel

L.A. Style File – At Home at Hollyhock

The Sunday evening before the Design Bloggers Conference was one of supreme visual artistry. First was an awe inspiring visit… Read More

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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).
Let the family festivities begin. All four chicks Let the family festivities begin. All four chicks are in the nest, the table is set, the tree is decorated. A Merry Christmas Eve to all from our Nantucket home to yours!

And don’t forget to enter your table in the @academia_de_la_mesa table contest. There are amazing prizes to enhance your tabletop repertoire
The Christmas Tablesetting Contest starts now!! Fr The Christmas Tablesetting Contest starts now!! From this moment until midnight on January 7, 2026 you can post photos of your tables to win the contest and a myriad of incredible prizes. To take part you need:

1. To post photos on a public IG account
2. ⁠To tag in the picture of your post @Academia_de_la_mesa & mention you are taking part in the Contest 
3. You can publish as many photos of your table as fit in a single POST (no reels, no stories, no videos please). We need to see AT LEAST 2 pictures of your table showing the entire table and one placesetting.
4. ⁠You can take part a maximum of 3 times, with 3 different tables (one single post for each)
That’s it!! Winners will be announced in January. Please post pictures of your own tables at home, no event or magazine pictures 🙏🏻 (and no AI). 

The winner will receive a wonderful prize of the best of the best that there is in tableware kindly donated by @alain_saint_joanis @artel_glass @noel_lingedemaison_paris and @raynaud_porcelaines AND just for taking part you will be eligible for 7 additional magnificent  prizes by @aquazzuracasa (in conjunction with @incasastudio) @elalmacendeloza @erbavoglio.milano @gordiola_vidrios @palmira_decoracion @staub.es and @thetablelove (see stories for details). (NB: unless otherwise stated by the donors all prizes will be delivered in Spain but we can help winners arrange shipping) 

We can’t wait to see your tables! Happy tablesetting with love from the jury, made up of: 
@amarosanchezdemoya @azarraluqui @bea_satrustegui @bonadeaofficial @carmencarooneill @casa__lopez @paz_qb @quintessence @raulromeropress @vanessacraccoliving and @vioscooking
Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susan Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susannasalk at the welcoming Connecticut retreat of designer @tamara_meadow_interiors where lake views and meaningful furnishings distinguish this stylish custom built home! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
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