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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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    • At Home with Dogs and Their Designers: Sharing a Stylish Life
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Travel

Balbaniello-16
Architecture, Garden, Interior design, Travel

Lake Como Charm | Villa del Balbianello

Lake Como is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots I know, having visited on several occasions, including my honeymoon…. Read More

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

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40 years ❤️ 40 years ❤️
A magical retreat on Paros. There’s something so c A magical retreat on Paros. There’s something so compelling about the home of an artist and collector and @toddmarshard’s is as distinctive and personal as his work @Marshard.Paros . The ceramic artist has filled his stunning home with art and collections gathered over a lifetime. Our latest At Home With is now live - LINK IN PROFILE

Architecture: ALONI | Architects — Elena Terzi @iaveria & Dimitris Popotas
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.
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