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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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    • Making a House a Home: Designing Your Interiors from the Floor Up
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Art

AD Design Show Part 2
Art & Antiques, Interior design

AD Design Show Part 2

With such a wide and deep variety of categories, the AD Design Show makes picking just a few favorites a… Read More

Leon leon furniture
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Favorite Finds at the Architectural Digest Design Show

Nature is the ultimate backdrop for any vignette as we saw in our look at going green at the Architectural Digest… Read More

Rajiv Surendra Letters in Ink
Art & Antiques, Design

Rajiv Surendra Letters in Ink

If you have received your March issue of House Beautiful, you have no doubt noticed the amazing artwork of Rajiv Surendra…. Read More

Year of the Monkey
Art & Antiques, Gifts, Interior design

Year of the Monkey

Monday marks Chinese New Year with the Year of the Monkey, the ninth animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle. For… Read More

Boutet de Monvel at Sotheby’s
Art & Antiques

Boutet de Monvel at Sotheby’s

Today continues the story of Paris and Art Deco with the work of fascinating artist Bernard Boutet de Monvel, whose art is… Read More

2016 Young Collectors Night at the Winter Antiques Show
Art & Antiques, Interior design

2016 Young Collectors Night at the Winter Antiques Show

The 2016 Young Collectors Night last Thursday at the Winter Antiques Show, was, as always, a festive evening celebrating what… Read More

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

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

Mathilde Nivet and the Art of Paper
Art & Antiques

Mathilde Nivet and the Art of Paper

With the holidays upon us, window displays are front and center. From Bergdorf’s legendary masterpieces to the many brands that spare… Read More

Villa Santo Sospir
Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel

Villa Santo Sospir

Sometimes, as you’re falling down a rabbit hole, you happen upon a rare gem. Hence this weekend treat. Jean Cocteau’s amazing Milly… Read More

Sotheby’s Auction of a Distinguished Estate
Art & Antiques, Interior design

Sotheby’s Auction of a Distinguished Estate

While it would be impossible to top the enormity and stellar selections of the milestone Bunny Mellon sale last fall, an upcoming Sotheby’s auction… Read More

If You’re Heading to London
Art & Antiques, Travel

If You’re Heading to London

This summer’s theme in these parts has clearly settled on travel. Whether extended weekends or weeks long summer idyls, inspiration is everywhere. For… Read More

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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).
Great day at this year’s @thetickingtent with a fa Great day at this year’s @thetickingtent with a fabulous selection of new and repeat vendors in a spacious new tent ! A few of my faves - some of which didn’t make it in only because I couldn’t get good shots with the crowds! Wonderful to see so many design friends and congrats to @christinajuarezandco and @aspoonfulofbenjamin on an even bigger and better event at the beautiful @springhillvineyards !
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