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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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Interior design

Demijon cloche at Europe 2 You
Design, Food and drink, Interior design

New York Gift Fair | Recycling the Past

While I of course love seeing what’s fresh at vendors I know, part of the fun of attending the New… Read More

Loominaries pillows
Design, Gifts, Interior design

Accessorizing with Color at the New York Gift Show

While some are comfortable with major colorful statements in their home, many find it easier to live with a more… Read More

Diane James winter candle
Design, Gifts, Interior design

Old and New at the New York Gift Fair

A recurring theme throughout the design world is the mix of old and new. From rejuvenating heritage brands to repurposing… Read More

Juliska holiday with paisley and fur
Design, Entertainment, Gifts, Holiday, Interior design

Local Favorite Juliska at the New York Gift Show

Located not far from me in Connecticut, Juliska is a local design favorite. Their store in Stamford is a constant… Read More

New York Gift Fair collage
Design, Garden, Gifts, Interior design

The New York Gift Show – A Sneak Peek

I spent the entire weekend at the New York Gift Fair. Saturday I perused Pier 94 which is large but… Read More

Lexington Furniture Althena Chaise
Design, Interior design, Travel

Las Vegas World Market with Traditional Home

Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of traveling to Las Vegas with a small group of bloggers sponsored by… Read More

Library-bookcase-in-Libby-Langdon-Fun-Room
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

2012 Hampton Designer Showhouse Finale – Fun Room

Designer Libby Langdon, below, was assigned the largest and perhaps most challenging space at the showhouse. The only unfinished room… Read More

Decorex International
Design, Garden, Interior design, Travel

Thank You Decorex!

Decorex International, the legendary British interior design show, just announced its #DECOREX100 – a list of the top 100 interior… Read More

Katie Leede and Patrick Lonne
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

2012 Hampton Designer Showhouse Bedroom

Katie Leede‘s rooms always have an alluring artsy edge with an interesting narrative. Her bedroom at the Hampton showhouse is again… Read More

tara_seawright-5094
Design, Fashion, Interior design

2012 Hampton Designer Showhouse Pool Area

My visit to the showhouse included the evening of the opening night party. And thanks to the beautiful weather, everyone… Read More

Schatzi McLean garden in a Richard Keith Langham project
Architecture, Design, Interior design

Richard Keith Langham’s Country Charm

Richard Keith Langham is decidedly old school. And I mean that as a compliment. It certainly doesn’t imply his designs… Read More

Antony Todd
Architecture, Design, Interior design

The Sixth Annual Hearst Designer Visions

While I plan on enjoying the rest of August, which is already passing way too quickly, I am, at the… 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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