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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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DIFFA

DIFFA Dining by Design 2018
Design, Interior design

DIFFA Dining by Design 2018

Continuing our look at DIFFA’s Dining by Design 2018, we start with the beautiful Ralph Lauren Home table. Inspired by… Read More

Peter Pennoyer at DIFFA Dining by Design
Design, Interior design

Peter Pennoyer at DIFFA Dining by Design

DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) is a cause close to the design community’s heart and their annual Dining by Design… Read More

DIFFA Dining by Design 2017
Interior design

DIFFA Dining by Design 2017

On Monday evening Dining by Design 2017 marked the 20th anniversary of DIFFA‘s (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) landmark event,… Read More

Going Green at the AD Design Show and Dining by Design
Design, Interior design

Going Green at the AD Design Show and Dining by Design

Nature is in the air. And not just because it’s almost spring but because going green with natural themes seems… Read More

New York Design Center at DIFFA Dining by Design 2015
Design, Interior design

New York Design Center at DIFFA Dining by Design 2015

This year’s DIFFA Dining by Design was held at Pier 92, a short yet brisk walk from the AD Home… Read More

Echo DIFFA table detail
Design, Interior design

DIFFA Dining by Design Continued

There were many glamorous tables at this year’s DIFFA Dining by Design. Luxury living was exemplified at Inson Wood‘s table… Read More

Rachel Laxer DIFFA table place setting
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

DIFFA Dining by Design 2013

DIFFA is a cause close to the members of the design community’s hearts and Dining by Design always brings out… Read More

RDYC-DIFFA-Dining-by-Design
Design

DIFFA Dining by Design at the Architectural Digest Home Show 2012

A week of amazing design inspiration has me (and my photo file) on visual overload. Contemplating where to even start,… Read More

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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
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!!
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