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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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    • At Home with Dogs and Their Designers: Sharing a Stylish Life
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    • At Home with Designers and Tastemakers: Creating Beautiful and Personal Interiors
    • Making a House a Home: Designing Your Interiors from the Floor Up
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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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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!!
Some homes are beautiful. Others tell a story. Th Some homes are beautiful. Others tell a story. 
The Yucatán home of interior designer @laurakirar and architect Richard Frazier @rwf333 is both -  a masterful reflection of its surroundings, where architecture, landscape, light, and craftsmanship come together in perfect harmony.
Tag along for a visit to this extraordinary retreat and discover how years of collecting, collaboration, and creative vision shaped a house that feels deeply connected to its place. LINK IN PROFILE
Wishing everyone a very happy Mother’s Day! 🌸 Flow Wishing everyone a very happy Mother’s Day! 🌸 Flowers from my thoughtful husband - all else from my shop (plates coming soon - DM to be notified).
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