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Quintessence

Quintessence

Lifestyle blog | Living Well with Style and Substance

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    • Books that I have collaborated on, as photographer, with design author Susanna Salk
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    • Making a House a Home: Designing Your Interiors from the Floor Up
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Interiors

At Home in Millbrook with Ashley Whittaker
Architecture, Interior design, Video

At Home in Millbrook with Ashley Whittaker

Few designers walk the line between pretty and fearless quite as well as Ashley Whittaker. A traditionalist at heart, her… Read More

Haute Bohemians
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Books, Design, Interior design

Haute Bohemians

Miguel Flores-Vianna’s photographs are more than merely beautiful. They are poetic, instinctively capturing the spirit of place and the essence… Read More

Villa Santo Sospir
Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel

Villa Santo Sospir

Sometimes, as you’re falling down a rabbit hole, you happen upon a rare gem. Hence this weekend treat. Jean Cocteau’s amazing Milly… Read More

Gaston y Daniela Jaen
Design, Interior design, Travel

A Taste of Paris Deco Off

In this fourth edition of Paris Deco Off, over 70 houses have participated in presenting their latest collections throughout the… Read More

8027682781_880a2ff34f_z
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design

The Scottish Country House

The Scottish Country House counts as one of my favorite volumes this season. While I am dreadfully behind in my book… Read More

Nude, Study for a Painting
Art & Antiques, Design, Fashion, Interior design

Fortuny y Madrazo | An Artistic Legacy

It wasn’t until I saw the exhibit Fortuny y Madrazo: An Artistic Legacy at the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute that… 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.

Several 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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