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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Interior design

Doug Meyer Legends window
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Interior design, Travel

A Fountainhead Fantasy by Doug Meyer at Legends

The best gathering at Legends was no doubt in Doug Meyer’s brilliant window installation for Dragonette, sponsored by the Palos Verdes Art… Read More

Veranda finale party at Legends 2014
Art & Antiques, Design, Garden, Interior design

Making the Rounds at La Cienega Legends 2014

Every year the word spreads wider. La Cienega Legends 2014 was hopping with packed standing-room-only venues for all three days…. Read More

la cienega design quarter legends 2014
Art & Antiques, Design, Food and drink, Interior design, Travel

La Cienega Design Quarter Legends

It’s been a whirlwind few days here at the La Cienega Design Quarter Legends 2014 edition. In the beautiful California… Read More

Madeline Stuart LCDQ Legends Window for Compas
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design, Travel

First Peek at LCDQ Legends Windows

I am excited to be reporting from Los Angeles as a Legends Ambassador for one of my favorite annual design… Read More

Catherine Tompkins table at the Red Cross Red & White ball 2014
Interior design

Red Cross Red & White Ball 2014

Saturday night the Metro New York North Red Cross held its annual Red & White Ball, one of the largest fund raising… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video 7m0zmrooeti
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design

Kips Bay Showhouse 2014 Video Tour

Almost everyone has agreed that this year’s Kips Bay Showhouse is one of the best in years. Set in the… Read More

Veranda Magazine Look Book May/June
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Garden, Interior design, Jewelry

Sneak Peek at What’s New in Veranda Magazine

As the new May/ June Veranda Magazine is about to hit mailboxes and newsstands, I was delighted to recently meet with editor-in-chief… Read More

James Huniford at Design on a Dime 10th anniversary
Interior design

Design on a Dime 10th Anniversary Edition

While we ended yesterday looking at bold and bright rooms at this Design on a Dime 10th anniversary show, there… Read More

Pamela Banker Associates Design on a Dime 2014
Art & Antiques, Interior design

Housing Works Design on a Dime 2014

Design on a Dime 2014 marked the 10th anniversary of one of the most popular design events in the New York… Read More

Jennifer Mehditash Lenox Hill Gala
Interior design

Lenox Hill Gala Finale

With all the design events lately, it’s been challenging to keep up and then when I saw Lilly Bunn‘s lovely feature… Read More

royal crown derby bristol belle
Gifts, Interior design

Good as Gold at Tabletop Market

Just as we saw the warmth of golden hues at High Point, gold at tabletop market was a continuing theme… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video jmgt_j2c5yy
Interior design

Setting a Stylish Table with Carolina Irving for Oscar de la Renta Home | Video

Carolina Irving has worn many stylish hats. But her most recent incarnation is that of Creative Director of Oscar de… 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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