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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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Travel

Quick Peek at Nashville
Art & Antiques, Garden, Interior design, Travel

Quick Peek at Nashville

I’ve just arrived back from a whirlwind trip down south and wanted to at least give you a quick peek at what I saw in… Read More

First Peek at Paris
Design, Interior design, Travel

First Peek at Paris

Je suis arrivée! While it may have been gray for my arrival, it is already feeling festive for the start… Read More

Paris Pop Up Invitation
Art & Antiques, Design, Gifts, Interior design, Travel

Paris Pop Up Invitation

Next week, during Deco Off, please join me for a unique Paris Pop Up! I am thrilled to finally share a… Read More

Catching Up on the Road
Architecture, Interior design, Travel

Catching Up on the Road

I am on the road again and despite my best intentions, time did not allow for a full post. I… Read More

Lake Como and Beyond | Italy Redux
Architecture, Design, Garden, Interior design, Travel

Lake Como and Beyond | Italy Redux

There is only so much I can put in a post without it becoming overwhelming and unwieldy. While I hope… Read More

Nantucket House Tour | Stylish in Sconset
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Garden, Interior design

Nantucket House Tour | Stylish in Sconset

Most Nantucket regulars would agree that September is the most beautiful month on island. The throngs of tourists have left, you… Read More

A Day at Château de Vaux le Vicomte
Architecture, Garden, Interior design, Travel

A Day at Château de Vaux le Vicomte

While no doubt familiar with the palatial splendor of Louis XIV’s Versailles, what you may not know is that the inspiration, and… Read More

Virtual Postcard | Max Sinsteden in Capri
Interior design, Travel

Virtual Postcard | Max Sinsteden in Capri

Summer may be winding down, but travel inspiration continues. In the latest segment of VIRTUAL POSTCARD, designer Max Sinsteden takes… Read More

A Vicarious Visit to Camilla Guinness’ Arniano
Food and drink, Interior design, Travel

A Vicarious Visit to Camilla Guinness’ Arniano

A couple of weeks ago, T Magazine published a feature on British interior designer Camilla Guinness. Known for her eclectic mix… Read More

On the Road
Interior design, Nantucket, Travel

On the Road

Between short trips on the road and longer island stays, it’s been a busy summer. And I think I’ve set a… Read More

Virtual Postcard | Maya Williams in Coastal Italy
Interior design, Travel

Virtual Postcard | Maya Williams in Coastal Italy

Welcome to the latest episode of Virtual Postcard, our summer travel series featuring the world seen through the eyes of… Read More

Shopping Nantucket | Atlantic
Art & Antiques, Fashion, Interior design, Nantucket, Travel

Shopping Nantucket | Atlantic

Shopping Nantucket offers a plethora of tempting picks and Atlantic, in their spacious new spot on Federal Street, should most definitely be… Read More

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40 years ❤️ 40 years ❤️
A magical retreat on Paros. There’s something so c A magical retreat on Paros. There’s something so compelling about the home of an artist and collector and @toddmarshard’s is as distinctive and personal as his work @Marshard.Paros . The ceramic artist has filled his stunning home with art and collections gathered over a lifetime. Our latest At Home With is now live - LINK IN PROFILE

Architecture: ALONI | Architects — Elena Terzi @iaveria & Dimitris Popotas
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.
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