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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Christopher Spitzmiller

At Home on Clove Brook Farm with Christopher Spitzmiller
Architecture, Books, Food and drink, Garden, Interior design, Video

At Home on Clove Brook Farm with Christopher Spitzmiller

During the week, gifted ceramicist and designer Christopher Spitzmiller is busy creating his exquisite lamps, tableware and accessories found in the most stylish… Read More

Merry Christmas!
Entertaining, Holiday, Interior design, Tabletop

Merry Christmas!

I meant for this to arrive in your inboxes this morning but with the excitement of having everyone home, guests… Read More

At Home with Susanna Salk and Christopher Spitzmiller
Architecture, Garden, Interior design

At Home with Susanna Salk and Christopher Spitzmiller

During the week, gifted ceramicist and lamp designer Christopher Spitzmiller is in his New York City studio, busy creating the exquisite lamps, plates… Read More

Tis the Season
Books, Entertaining, Fashion, Gifts, Style, Tabletop

Tis the Season

December is not only the time for making your list and checking it twice but tis the season for gatherings galore. The… Read More

A Busy Week in the World of Design
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Jewelry

A Busy Week in the World of Design

As December hit, so have a multitude of events in the world of design. In catching up, let me share a… Read More

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40 years ❤️ 40 years ❤️
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.
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