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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Interior design

Virtual Postcard | Michelle Nussbaumer in Gstaad
Travel

Virtual Postcard | Michelle Nussbaumer in Gstaad

Welcome to Virtual Postcard! Our new travel series features top designers and stylemakers sharing, in brief videos, what they love about… Read More

Special Savings in the Final Month at Treillage
Gifts, Interior design

Special Savings in the Final Month at Treillage

Ever since Treillage opened in 1991, Bunny Williams and John Rosselli have been delighting customers with their stylish and unique… Read More

Decorate Fearlessly and Designing Paradises book signing at Day of Design
Design, Interior design, Travel

Day of Design 2015

Based on the success of last year’s inaugural event, the Day of Design is returning this year on Saturday, June… Read More

Design Video Update
Garden, Interior design, Travel

Design Video Update

I’ve been so busy trying to keep you up to date with my latest inspiration and finds, that I hadn’t realized… Read More

Luxe Minimalism at Christian Liaigre
Books, Design, Interior design

Luxe Minimalism at Christian Liaigre

Christian Liaigre has been busy. Several months ago I stopped by the stunning NYC showroom to see the new spring collection. In… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video hpm3pyg9yoa
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

A Video Journey of Four Rooms at the Kips Bay Showhouse 2015

The Kips Bay Showhouse 2015 edition is celebrating its 43rd year and the 100th year of its beneficiary organization, the Kips Bay… Read More

Pierre Frey Inspiring Interiors
Books, Design, Interior design

Pierre Frey Inspiring Interiors

Since 1935, Pierre Frey has been inspiring interiors around the world with their exquisite fabrics and wallpapers. Known for successfully weaving… Read More

Catching Up Out and About
Architecture, Interior design, Nantucket

Catching Up Out and About

When you have young children, May is always the busiest month with year end performances, sports championships and exams. And it… Read More

Inspirations from Italy
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Garden, Interior design, Travel

Inspirations from Italy

What a whirlwind of a week! With not a moment to write a proper post, I wanted to at least… Read More

The Creative World of Charles de Beistegui at Legends
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

The Creative World of Charles de Beistegui at Legends

Exploring the creative world of the brilliant Charles de Beistegui would certainly involve more than a single post but Timothy Corrigan‘s… Read More

Los Angeles collage
Interior design, Travel

Report from Los Angeles

It’s been a very busy few days here in Los Angeles (did I tell you I was coming?). From filming… Read More

A Video Visit to Mercanteinfiera | the Parma Antiques Fair
Art & Antiques, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

A Video Visit to Mercanteinfiera | the Parma Antiques Fair

Twice a year, in spring and fall, Italy’s largest antiques fair, the Mercanteinfiera, takes place in the historic and gastronomic… 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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