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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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Carey Karlan

Christmas in Shangri-La
Holiday, Interior design

Christmas in Shangri-La

Every year friend and designer Carey Karlan goes all out creating themed holiday decorations for her charming 1926 cottage-style home. Past years… Read More

Berdie Brady and Beth Dempsey’s shoes
Art & Antiques, Interior design

Black & White Carpet: Stéphane Kossman

Between fashion week and the upcoming Oscars, the latest offering at the Samuel Owen Gallery is perfectly timed. Last week… Read More

Twin bedroom designed by Glenda Moralee and Polly Denham  in the guest cottage at the Connecticut governor’s residence
Architecture, Design, Interior design

The People’s Project – Pool House & Guest Cottage

The governor’s residence includes two charming outbuildings. Closest to the main residence is a pool house. From the Philip Gorrivan… Read More

The Connecticut Governor’s Residence
Architecture, Design, Interior design

Creative Collaboration: The People’s Project – An Introduction

I recently had the privilege of previewing the spectacular renovation of the historic Connecticut Governor’s Residence in Hartford. What an… Read More

bar cart
Art & Antiques, Interior design

Nirvana in Westchester

This spring is hopping with design activities, from benefits and showhouses to Brimfield and Blogfest. Last week I had the… Read More

Diane Sawiki & home boutique
Interior design

Help is Here

Saturday night I was invited to the press preview of the Greenwich Chapter of the American Red Cross‘s annual Red… Read More

CFDA6439A
Art & Antiques, Interior design

Working the Wakefield

Tucked away in an industrial park in Stamford, CT is a wonderful design resource. Last week I attended a fun… Read More

thomas jayne room
Entertainment, Interior design

Rooms With A View

I just got back from the Rooms With A View Gala Preview party. Despite the dismal weather, there was a… 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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