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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Interior design

The Legacy of Luxury Linens at E. Braun and Jesurum
Interior design

The Legacy of Luxury Linens at E. Braun and Jesurum

Luxury linens are a pleasure that easily enhance your life every single day. Especially as the winter days get short, it can be… Read More

The Exciting New Drake + Anderson
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

The Exciting New Drake + Anderson

While I am frequently touting the stylish mix of the well established with the new, I am not normally referring to… Read More

At Home with Susanna Salk and Windsor Smith
Interior design, Travel

At Home with Susanna Salk and Windsor Smith

Windsor Smith embraces a style that melds modern living with old fashioned values. While she crafts luxurious homes with elegant interiors,… Read More

Parish-Hadley Tree of Life Celebration at the Antique and Artisan Gallery
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Interior design

Parish-Hadley Tree of Life Celebration at the Antique and Artisan Gallery

There is no question that Parish-Hadley Tree of Life is a must-have volume for any interior design aficionado. Authored by distinguished alumni… Read More

A Milan Townhouse Mix of Old and New
Architecture, Interior design

A Milan Townhouse Mix of Old and New

The holiday festivities have begun and while I certainly enjoy celebrating with the design community, it doesn’t always leave time for… Read More

Beth Webb at Greystone Mansion Maison de Luxe
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel

Beth Webb at Greystone Mansion Maison de Luxe

Adjoining Nina Campbell’s bedroom for Mr. Doheny, designer Beth Webb of Beth Webb Interiors created a tranquil retreat for the woman… Read More

Nina Campbell Mr. Doheny Suite at Greystone Mansion
Interior design

Nina Campbell Mr. Doheny Suite at Greystone Mansion

While Nina Campbell‘s vision for the Mr. Doheny Suite at Greystone Mansion was certainly befitting a successful captain of industry,… Read More

Patrick Dragonette at Maison de Luxe 2015
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

Patrick Dragonette at Maison de Luxe 2015

When Patrick Dragonette was assigned his “Room without a View” for Maison de Luxe, he thought about what kind of room he… Read More

Luxe Magazine Greystone Mansion Showhouse Sneak Peek
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel

Luxe Magazine Greystone Mansion Showhouse Sneak Peek

This week designers have been putting the finishing touches on their rooms in the Luxe Magazine Greystone Mansion Showhouse. The… Read More

Design Leadership Summit in Los Angeles
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Travel

Design Leadership Summit in Los Angeles

Last week the Design Leadership Summit marked its tenth anniversary with an impressive line up of events in Los Angeles. Now over… Read More

Eddie Ross Modern Mix
Books, Design, Food and drink, Interior design

Eddie Ross Modern Mix

As Bunny Williams says in her foreword to Eddie Ross‘ entertaining new tome, Modern Mix, “Eddie takes the hunt to a… Read More

Suzanne Rheinstein Rooms for Living
Books, Interior design

Suzanne Rheinstein Rooms for Living

Suzanne Rheinstein is a self proclaimed champion of the limited palette. That is not to say her palettes are not interesting because they… 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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