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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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Art

Spring Show NYC Collage
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

AADLA Spring Show NYC

This year marks the third edition of the AADLA Spring Show NYC at the Park Avenue Armory. Wednesday evening I… Read More

Poulin talk
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Graphic Design and Architecture | a 20th Century History

How often do you think about the connection between graphic design and architecture? My guess is not that frequently. And… Read More

Nude, Study for a Painting
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Interior design

Fortuny y Madrazo | An Artistic Legacy

It wasn’t until I saw the exhibit Fortuny y Madrazo: An Artistic Legacy at the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute that… Read More

baccarat at designing greenwich with Zenith candleabra
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Designing Greenwich Preview

This weekend premieres Designing Greenwich, an exciting new venue here in Connecticut. Upscale local publication Connecticut Cottages and Gardens,  with… Read More

French school eglomise painting
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Interior design, Jewelry

International Fine Art and Antique Dealers Show

Browsing events like the International Fine Art and Antique Dealers Show isn’t just for potential buyers. Anyone interested in art… Read More

Maison Gerard
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Art and Antiques at the Armory

I have written before about the good work that The Fund for Park Avenue does for the community. In honor… Read More

Voce di
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Voce di and New Voices

There is a new voice in luxury lifestyle in New York City. Last week I had the opportunity to visit… Read More

Christopher Coleman master bedroom
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Thank you ELLE DECOR: My Pick from The Modern Life Concept House

Thank you to ELLE DECOR for including me in their “Great Ideas from the Modern Life Concept House” piece online…. Read More

Secto-Design-lighting-&-Vallila-Interior-textiles
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Kicking off Design Week at Wanted

Did you know it is Design Week in New York City? Well it may be a bit under the public… Read More

P1060093
Art & Antiques, Fashion

My Amazing Mother

My mother was truly exceptional, but growing up, it somehow seemed normal that we had couture quality Easter coats she… Read More

Allison-Hennessy-and-Christina-Murphy-rooms-from-TradHome-spring-2012-issue
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

New Trads at the Armory Art and Antique Show

Yesterday evening was opening night at the Art and Antique Dealers League of America Spring Show at the Park Avenue… Read More

Global-views-decorative-pillows
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

High Point Picks – Eclectic Elements

Natural Curiosities strikes just the right creative note with its eclectic and somewhat eccentric collections encompassing the “beautiful, historical and… Read More

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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.
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
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