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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Interior design

Stephen Elrod and Aerin Lauder
Interior design

Aerin Lauder for Lee Jofa

Aerin Lauder has been very busy. In addition to her furniture collection for EJ Victor, she has also completed a… Read More

Randall Tysinger Vendome ottoman
Design, Interior design

EJ Victor | Home to AERIN, Ralph Lauren and more

As some of you may remember EJ Victor kindly sponsored my latest trip to High Point Market. Their big news… Read More

Celerie Kemble teal malachite table lamp
Design, Interior design

Celerie Kemble for Henredon & Maitland-Smith continued

While there was a great assortment of furniture, accessories and lighting in the lines Celerie Kemble designed for Henredon and… Read More

celerie kemble leopard boxes
Design, Gifts, Interior design

Celerie Kemble for Henredon

In what seems a perennial state of catch up, I can’t believe it’s already June while I still have collections… Read More

Parisian Delights in CT Cottages and Gardens
Design, Interior design, Travel

Parisian Delights in CT Cottages and Gardens

While I have often contributed to the online edition of CT Cottages and Gardens, I am delighted to report that… Read More

Elissa Grayer-2
Design, Interior design

2013 Designer Showhouse of Westchester

After our break for the latest Stylish Shopping episode yesterday, we continue with a look at some more rooms at… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video noufvfzamsw
Books, Garden, Interior design

Stylish Shopping with Susanna Salk and Carolyne Roehm

Carolyne Roehm has an exquisite eye for beauty and a passion for perfection. No wonder everything she touches is divine…. Read More

Rachel Laxer ceiling
Architecture, Design, Interior design

Designer Showhouse of Westchester First Peek

From North Carolina to NYC to Westchester, each location has welcomed a designer showhouse this spring. On the heels of… Read More

West Chin spa
Design, Interior design

Kips Bay Decorator Show House Finale

It’s always takes time for me to work my way through sharing a show house, especially one like Kips Bay… Read More

memorial-day
Design, Interior design

More From Kips Bay Decorator Show House 2013

As I start to continue my coverage of the Kips Bay Decorator Show House 2013, I am longingly looking at… Read More

Kathryn Ireland fabrics for Scalamandre
Design, Interior design

Kips Bay Kathryn Ireland Bedroom

One of the few oddities of the Kips Bay show house is that there is only one bedroom. But Kathryn… Read More

James Magni rooftop lounge
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Interior design

Magni Modernism

James Magni’s new volume, Magni Modernism, celebrating his 25 years of design, is a testament not only to the longevity… 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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