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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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Interior design

Soane Britain Jumps the Pond
Interior design

Soane Britain Jumps the Pond

While craft and the art of bespoke are experiencing a resurgence in appreciation, it’s always been the singular mission at Soane Britain…. Read More

In Paris Black and White est Toujours Right
Interior design

In Paris Black and White est Toujours Right

Among the surging sea of colors at Paris Deco Off was also a strong undercurrent of black and white. From exuberant… Read More

New Collections at Paris Deco Off 2016
Interior design, Travel

New Collections at Paris Deco Off 2016

It’s wonderful that more and more companies are choosing to do pop ups in the city during the shows but… Read More

Welcoming McAlpine Home
Architecture, Interior design

Welcoming McAlpine Home

Thirty years ago, McAlpine Tankersley Architecture was born in Montgomery, Alabama. Since then, the firm has grown into a national powerhouse,… Read More

Paris Update
Interior design, Travel

Paris Update

It’s been a whirlwind 48 hours. Deco Off officially opened today and so did the Pop Up. Our small salon… Read More

First Peek at Paris
Design, Interior design, Travel

First Peek at Paris

Je suis arrivée! While it may have been gray for my arrival, it is already feeling festive for the start… Read More

A Day at Château de Fontainebleau
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Interior design, Travel

A Day at Château de Fontainebleau

Whereas many chateaux are associated primarily with a particular resident or royal, Chateau de Fontainebleau represents almost 1,000 years of… Read More

Paris Pop Up Invitation
Art & Antiques, Design, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

Paris Pop Up Invitation

Next week, during Deco Off, please join me for a unique Paris Pop Up! I am thrilled to finally share a… Read More

Introducing Schumacher Couture and Classics Collections
Design, Interior design

Introducing Schumacher Couture and Classics Collections

Before the holidays I visited the Schumacher headquarters to preview their early 2016 releases. While most of you are no doubt… Read More

First Stop Atlanta at Americasmart January Market
Interior design, Travel

First Stop Atlanta at Americasmart January Market

2016 is already shaping up to be an inspiring year with exciting events, travel and collaborations in the next several months…. Read More

New Digs for Newel
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

New Digs for Newel

As a source of decorative and fine arts for both the entertainment and design/antiques industry, Newel has been an insider’s choice… Read More

Christmas in Connecticut
Architecture, Holiday, Interior design

Christmas in Connecticut

My friend, designer Lisa Hilderbrand, lives in a renovated 18th century saltbox that each year she transforms into the epitome of Christmas… 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.

Several 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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