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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Decorating

Dineen pillows and throw
Architecture, Design, Interior design

Kips Bay Decorator Show House Part 3

Finishing off the main floor at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House is James Huniford‘s dramatic atrium. With the feel… Read More

Doris Leslie Blau Oushak
Interior design

Doris Leslie Blau | Expanding the Tradition

Founded in 1965, Doris Leslie Blau’s rug emporium is the stuff of design legends. For decades it was known as… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video 6k2pfllvzyk
Interior design

Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk and Mario Buatta

Mario Buatta is a design legend. For over 50 years the multitalented decorator has been designing rooms known for their… Read More

Susanna Salk and Alex Papachristidis at Gerald Bland
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Stylish Shopping Bonus at Gerald Bland

As with our last Stylish Shopping episode with Alexa Hampton, our cup runneth over with sage advice and creative ideas… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video zggbyugw0w4
Art & Antiques, Interior design

Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk and Alex Papachristidis

To quote my video partner in crime, Susanna Salk, Alex Papachristidis is just yummy. And it’s so true! His enthusiasm… Read More

chateau de grand luce_c
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Timothy Corrigan on Antiques and Interiors Part 2

Today we continue our conversation with Timothy Corrigan on antiques and interiors. I am a fan of his great use… Read More

Timothy Corrigan | Designing and Living with Antiques
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Garden, Interior design

Timothy Corrigan | Designing and Living with Antiques

Timothy Corrigan’s tag line “A World of Comfortable Elegance” tidily sums up his distinctive design ethos. Known for his fusion… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video yff-vujn8ys
Design, Interior design

Stylish Shopping Dividend | Bunny Williams Home at John Rosselli

Just as Alexa Hampton described the John Rosselli showroom as an embarrassment of riches in Susanna Salk’s and my stylish… Read More

Martha Angus_Vinny Stripe
Interior design

NIBA Rugs Where Custom is Key

Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of being introduced by friend Patrick Hamilton to NIBA rugs who were visiting New… Read More

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The Christmas Tablesetting Contest starts now!! Fr The Christmas Tablesetting Contest starts now!! From this moment until midnight on January 7, 2026 you can post photos of your tables to win the contest and a myriad of incredible prizes. To take part you need:

1. To post photos on a public IG account
2. ⁠To tag in the picture of your post @Academia_de_la_mesa & mention you are taking part in the Contest 
3. You can publish as many photos of your table as fit in a single POST (no reels, no stories, no videos please). We need to see AT LEAST 2 pictures of your table showing the entire table and one placesetting.
4. ⁠You can take part a maximum of 3 times, with 3 different tables (one single post for each)
That’s it!! Winners will be announced in January. Please post pictures of your own tables at home, no event or magazine pictures 🙏🏻 (and no AI). 

The winner will receive a wonderful prize of the best of the best that there is in tableware kindly donated by @alain_saint_joanis @artel_glass @noel_lingedemaison_paris and @raynaud_porcelaines AND just for taking part you will be eligible for 7 additional magnificent  prizes by @aquazzuracasa (in conjunction with @incasastudio) @elalmacendeloza @erbavoglio.milano @gordiola_vidrios @palmira_decoracion @staub.es and @thetablelove (see stories for details). (NB: unless otherwise stated by the donors all prizes will be delivered in Spain but we can help winners arrange shipping) 

We can’t wait to see your tables! Happy tablesetting with love from the jury, made up of: 
@amarosanchezdemoya @azarraluqui @bea_satrustegui @bonadeaofficial @carmencarooneill @casa__lopez @paz_qb @quintessence @raulromeropress @vanessacraccoliving and @vioscooking
Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susan Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susannasalk at the welcoming Connecticut retreat of designer @tamara_meadow_interiors where lake views and meaningful furnishings distinguish this stylish custom built home! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
While much of my tabletop arsenal is still in stor While much of my tabletop arsenal is still in storage, I managed to pull together a simple table for a small family dinner to give thanks on this special day. Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susan Our latest video visit is here! Join me and @susannasalk at the glamorous Manhattan maisonette of designer @james_andrew and artist @scottmcbee41 where James magically transformed a characterless prewar apartment into a sparkling jewel box! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
Our latest video visit is here! Join me at the stu Our latest video visit is here! Join me at the stunning countryside home of Spanish interior designer @ludovicoporta where he transformed a ruin of an 18th century palazzo into an idyllic weekend retreat ! LINK IN PROFILE (latest video).
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