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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Interior design

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Art & Antiques, Fashion, Interior design

Dressy Designers We Love Video Part 1

There has long been a link between fashion and interiors, with some designers straddling both sides of the creative divide…. Read More

Altuzarra checks for spring 2015
Fashion, Interior design

The Timeless Appeal of Checks

After seeing the Altuzarra spring show online yesterday, my love of checks, as well as stripes, was reaffirmed. Both timeless… Read More

Fall Design Books
Interior design

And Suddenly It’s September

It seemed to happen practically overnight this year. Labor Day came and went, ushering in September with seemingly little warning and… Read More

Ananbô Bengale panoramic wallpaper
Art & Antiques, Interior design

Ananbô Panoramic Wallpapers

It’s been a busy week in these parts as my youngest prepares to go off to school. In the midst… Read More

At Ease | Labor Day
Food and drink, Gifts, Interior design

At Ease | Labor Day Lounging

It has been a glorious summer here in the northeast. Although it’s hard to believe, September is upon us. So… Read More

Abbazia
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

My Vicarious Travels

Many of you readers let me know that you enjoyed traveling with me out and about so today I am sharing some… Read More

Aerin Lauder’s Southampton home
Gifts, Interior design

AERIN at Bergdorf Goodman

If I were to bury my ashes at Bergdorf’s, it would probably be on the seventh floor, where all temptation… Read More

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Interior design

At Home in Connecticut with Susanna Salk and Alexandra Champalimaud

Award winning designer Alexandra Champalimaud not only brings a wealth of knowledge and international experience to every project she touches… Read More

Modern History at NYNow Market
Gifts, Interior design

The Midas Touch at NY Now Market

The mania for brass and gold tones continues as warm metallic finishes extend their dominance at NY Now Market. Whether considering… Read More

Jonathan Adler Venom coasters
Design, Gifts, Interior design

Jonathan Adler Going for the Gold at NY Now

After spending much of the day at NY Now, it was clear that brass and gold finishes are a continuing theme for… Read More

Calvin Klein Creative Director Francisco Costa’s weekend home
Gifts, Interior design

Calvin Klein Collection Luxury Bedding

Although we’ve been enjoying the luxurious langour of August weather, the home market is just heating up to present fall furnishings and… Read More

trudy dujardin nantucket house
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Garden, Interior design, Nantucket, Travel

Trudy Dujardin and the Eco-Elegant Interior

Not only does Trudy Dujardin create beautiful serene settings in which to live but healthy and environmentally conscious ones. “My dream… 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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