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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Quintessence provides exclusive insider access to top designers and tastemakers at home around the world. Tag along with Quintessence founder Stacey Bewkes and series host Susanna Salk for the most inspiring interiors, design and style. You'll feel like you're right there with us! Subscribe so you never miss a thing!
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At Home in Paris with the Hurleys
Antiques, Architecture, Decorative Arts, Interior design, Travel, Video

At Home in Paris with the Hurleys

When Chilean born designer Micky Hurley and wife Malu decided to split their time between New York and Europe, they… Read More

At Home in Paris with designer and creative director Valentin Goux
Video

At Home in Paris with designer and creative director Valentin Goux

Tag along to France as we visit the colorful Parisian apartment of Valentin Goux. As the president and creative director… Read More

At Home with Veere Grenney in his Extraordinary Gardens in Tangier
Books, Design, Garden, Interior design, Travel, Video

At Home with Veere Grenney in his Extraordinary Gardens in Tangier

When designer Veere Grenney bought his house in Tangier, it was not only the breathtaking hilltop location with its captivating… Read More

At Home with Martina Mondadori and the World of Cabana in Milan
Video

At Home with Martina Mondadori and the World of Cabana in Milan

Tag along to Milan as we visit the inspiring world of Martina Mondadori, the founder and editor-in-chief of Cabana Magazine…. Read More

At Home with Marta de la Rica in her eight story Madrid Townhouse
Video

At Home with Marta de la Rica in her eight story Madrid Townhouse

Tag along to Madrid for a behind the scenes visit with AD100 designer Marta de la Rica at her eight… Read More

At Home with Alfredo Paredes in his historic Locust Valley house
Video

At Home with Alfredo Paredes in his historic Locust Valley house

Tag along to Locust Valley, NY as we visit the stylish home of designer Alfredo Paredes. As the former chief… Read More

At Home with fashion designer Adam Lippes at his bucolic Berkshires home
Video

At Home with fashion designer Adam Lippes at his bucolic Berkshires home

Tag along to bucolic western Massachusetts for a behind the scenes visit with fashion designer Adam Lippes at his enchanting… Read More

At Home with Fashion Designer J.J. Martin & La DoubleJ in Milan
Video

At Home with Fashion Designer J.J. Martin & La DoubleJ in Milan

Tag along to Milan for a behind the scenes visit with exuberant designer and entrepreneur J.J. Martin at her chic… Read More

At Home with Frank Di Biasi and Gene Meyer at their new home in Tangier
Video

At Home with Frank Di Biasi and Gene Meyer at their new home in Tangier

Join us in Tangier for an updated behind the scenes visit with designers Frank de Biasi and Gene Meyer at… Read More

At Home with Veere Greeney in Tangier, Morocco
Architecture, Books, Design, Interior design, Travel, Video

At Home with Veere Greeney in Tangier, Morocco

Tag along to Tangier for a behind the scenes visit with designer Veere Grenney at Gazebo, his extraordinary Moroccan home… Read More

At Home with Alexander Doherty in his Manhattan apartment
Video

At Home with Alexander Doherty in his Manhattan apartment

Tag along to Manhattan for a behind the scenes visit with interior designer Alexander Doherty at his elegant Upper West… Read More

At Home with Timothy Corrigan in his glamorous Paris apartment
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At Home with Timothy Corrigan in his glamorous Paris apartment

Tag along to Paris for a behind the scenes visit with acclaimed designer Timothy Corrigan at his beautiful Belle Époque… 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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