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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Interior design

Suzanne Kasler powder room
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Suzanne Kasler Brings Paris to Connecticut in Veranda

Designer Suzanne Kasler is well known for her sophisticated mix of classic and contemporary and in the upcoming September/October issue… Read More

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Art & Antiques, Design, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk at Serena & Lily Beach Market

A few weeks ago, Susanna and I traveled out to the Hamptons on behalf of Serena & Lily to visit… Read More

Christopher Maya bedroom in Sept. ’13 House Beautiful
Design, Interior design

Christopher Maya Goes Bold in the House Beautiful Color Issue

The power of color is always well expressed in the annual House Beautiful color issue. And this year is no… Read More

At Home with Susanna Salk and Robert Couturier Part Deux | The Library
Architecture, Interior design

At Home with Susanna Salk and Robert Couturier Part Deux | The Library

There were so many scene-worthy moments at the Connecticut house of Robert Couturier that we decided to offer you a… Read More

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Architecture, Art & Antiques, Garden, Interior design

At Home with Susanna Salk and Robert Couturier

Robert Couturier is the ultimate embodiment of old school meets modern world. Raised in the elegant 16th arrondissement of Paris… Read More

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Architecture, Design, Garden, Interior design

Looking Back and Forward with a New Video Series

It is amazing to think that our Stylish Shopping video series is already almost six months old. And while we… Read More

Michele Aragon pottery
Design, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

Favorite Paris Finds | Michele Aragon

With the power of the internet and communicative nature of the blogosphere, undiscovered Paris finds are few and far between…. Read More

aerin blue necklace
Beauty, Fashion, Food and drink, Garden, Gifts, Interior design

AERIN | Living the Life and the Label

AERIN is more than merely a label. It’s a lifestyle. And nothing has more credibility, authenticity or appeal than when… Read More

le petit trianon architecture
Architecture, Design, Interior design, Travel

The Discreet Charm of the Petit Trianon

Today we travel back to Versailles to take a quick look at the Petit Trianon. Built by Louis XV for… Read More

Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk and Eddie Ross
Gifts, Interior design

Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk and Eddie Ross

Crossing the divides of styling, entertaining, decorating and production, Eddie Ross is a whirling dervish of creativity. While his career… Read More

Philip Gorrivan designed bedroom in House Beautiful
Design, Interior design

Small Space Big Style

Every city dweller’s primary design concern is optimizing the small space big style ratio. Perhaps that’s why House Beautiful‘s annual… Read More

soldiers in Anthony Baratta room
Design, Gifts, Interior design

Ronald McDonald House Long Island Project Design 2013

Last week Newel Gallery hosted a pre-construction celebration of The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island Project Design 2013. In… 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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