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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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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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