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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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Antiques

The Luxury of Time at the Met
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

The Luxury of Time at the Met

The luxury of time is a valuable asset when visiting the vast collections, exhibits and shops at the Metropolitan Museum. The phrase… Read More

New Digs for Newel
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

New Digs for Newel

As a source of decorative and fine arts for both the entertainment and design/antiques industry, Newel has been an insider’s choice… Read More

Winter Antiques Show 2016
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Winter Antiques Show 2016

While our focus may be on the upcoming holidays, treats in the new year will include the prestigious Winter Antiques… Read More

2015 International Show Sneak Peek with Michael Boodro
Art & Antiques, Interior design

2015 International Show Sneak Peek with Michael Boodro

This Thursday marks the 27th Annual Opening Night of the 2015 International Show (formerly known as The Preview Party for the… Read More

At Home with Susanna Salk and Michael Bruno in Tuxedo Park
Architecture, Art & Antiques

At Home with Susanna Salk and Michael Bruno in Tuxedo Park

Not only is Michael Bruno, founder of 1stdibs and now Housepad App (more on that in a bit) a man of… Read More

Shopping Nantucket | Atlantic
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Interior design, Nantucket, Travel

Shopping Nantucket | Atlantic

Shopping Nantucket offers a plethora of tempting picks and Atlantic, in their spacious new spot on Federal Street, should most definitely be… Read More

Antiques & Design Show of Nantucket 2015
Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel

Antiques & Design Show of Nantucket 2015

Benefitting the worthy Nantucket Historical Association, the Antiques & Design Show of Nantucket is always an August highlight on island. With… Read More

A Video Visit to Mercanteinfiera | the Parma Antiques Fair
Art & Antiques, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

A Video Visit to Mercanteinfiera | the Parma Antiques Fair

Twice a year, in spring and fall, Italy’s largest antiques fair, the Mercanteinfiera, takes place in the historic and gastronomic… Read More

Sotheby’s Designer Showhouse Auction
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Sotheby’s Designer Showhouse Auction

Tomorrow (Monday) is the Sotheby’s Designer Showhouse auction. Whether you are attending in person or considering an online bid, I share… Read More

Last Looks at the Sotheby’s 2015 Showhouse
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Last Looks at the Sotheby’s 2015 Showhouse

Continuing our pre-auction tour of the Sotheby’s 2015 Showhouse, we visit Eric Cohler‘s family room. Inspired by the family room in the… Read More

Last Call to See the 2015 Sotheby’s Designer Showhouse
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Last Call to See the 2015 Sotheby’s Designer Showhouse

This weekend is the last chance to see the 2015 Sotheby’s Designer Showhouse. On Monday, April 20th, the auction will begin for the… Read More

Sotheby’s Showhouse Part II
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Sotheby’s Showhouse Part II

When touring the Sotheby’s Showhouse, a fellow visitor paid it an enormous compliment, explaining that to him it felt like a… Read More

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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!!
Some homes are beautiful. Others tell a story. Th Some homes are beautiful. Others tell a story. 
The Yucatán home of interior designer @laurakirar and architect Richard Frazier @rwf333 is both -  a masterful reflection of its surroundings, where architecture, landscape, light, and craftsmanship come together in perfect harmony.
Tag along for a visit to this extraordinary retreat and discover how years of collecting, collaboration, and creative vision shaped a house that feels deeply connected to its place. LINK IN PROFILE
Wishing everyone a very happy Mother’s Day! 🌸 Flow Wishing everyone a very happy Mother’s Day! 🌸 Flowers from my thoughtful husband - all else from my shop (plates coming soon - DM to be notified).
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