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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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Fabrics

Chateau Progress: A Sneak Peek with Timothy Corrigan
Architecture, Interior design, Travel, Video

Chateau Progress: A Sneak Peek with Timothy Corrigan

Readers rejoice! In response to many requests, Susanna Salk’s and my latest video is a special sneak peek of Timothy… Read More

Soane Spring 2018
Design, Interior design

Soane Spring 2018

Twice a year, it has been my privilege to share with you sneak peeks from the beautiful new offerings of… Read More

Introducing Schuyler Samperton Textiles
Design, Interior design

Introducing Schuyler Samperton Textiles

Known for her low-key lived-in style with flair, Schuyler Samperton has a knack for making rooms look like they’ve always been that… Read More

Sneak Peek – Soane Spring 2017 Launch
Interior design

Sneak Peek – Soane Spring 2017 Launch

As we all avidly anticipate the arrival of spring, we can also look forward to the hatching of new collections…. Read More

Metallics and Geometry of the Cosmos
Interior design

Metallics and Geometry of the Cosmos

In case you were puzzled by the title of this post, let me assure you it does not refer to new… Read More

Paris Deco Off 2017 Color and Pattern
Interior design, Travel

Paris Deco Off 2017 Color and Pattern

Of the colorful and pattern laden fabrics of the Paris Deco Off 2017 collections, many were conceived from travel and nature inspired sources…. Read More

Paris Deco Off Preview
Design, Interior design, Travel

Paris Deco Off Preview

While I continue to edit my photos from Paris, I bring you a quick Deco Off preview. Among the showrooms I… Read More

Paris Deco Off Favorites
Design, Interior design, Travel

Paris Deco Off Favorites

While I organize my thoughts and photos, I thought I’d share a few Deco Off favorites. Ancien et Moderne was such… Read More

Stephen Elrod and Aerin Lauder
Interior design

Aerin Lauder for Lee Jofa

Aerin Lauder has been very busy. In addition to her furniture collection for EJ Victor, she has also completed a… Read More

Lisa Kahn for Chelsea House
Design, Interior design

High Point Picks | Blue is Back

I just arrived back from High Point last night and in looking through some of my many photos from market,… Read More

Video thumbnail for vimeo video 48943065
Design, Interior design

DwellStudio Modern Color Theory for Robert Allen Design

DwellStudio is already over a decade old – it’s hard to believe! Originally focussed on bedding, the company, founded in… Read More

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Follow

In this snowy January weather, see how @timothycor In this snowy January weather, see how @timothycorrigan uses a plethora of @benjaminmoore whites to full advantage in his elegant Paris apartment. Full home tour on the Quintessence YouTube channel!
Quiet breakfast on this snowy morning. I cross sti Quiet breakfast on this snowy morning. I cross stitched these placemats for my mother YEARS ago when I was living in Switzerland. They have recently come full circle back to me and on this holiday are a lovely reminder of both her and my time spent there. Grounding tablecloth from @heathertaylorhome  @latuilealoup aptware and mini baskets. Flatware from @alain_saint_joanis in my shop and last, but certainly not least, my spectacular handpainted pitcher and glassware set by the talented @margotlar (available by special order through the shop).
Let the family festivities begin. All four chicks Let the family festivities begin. All four chicks are in the nest, the table is set, the tree is decorated. A Merry Christmas Eve to all from our Nantucket home to yours!

And don’t forget to enter your table in the @academia_de_la_mesa table contest. There are amazing prizes to enhance your tabletop repertoire
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).
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