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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
    • At Home in the English Countryside: Designers and Their Dogs
    • 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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Veranda Magazine

Sneak Peek – Veranda Wanderlust
Architecture, Books, Interior design

Sneak Peek – Veranda Wanderlust

Ask any designer to name their favorite source of inspiration and many will cite travel. Nothing quite refreshes and expands… Read More

Plain Chic in Connecticut
Architecture, Interior design

Plain Chic in Connecticut

I’ve written many times about the exceptional shopping in the tiny town of New Preston, Connecticut. Here, an array of… Read More

If It’s Tuesday…
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Gifts, Interior design

If It’s Tuesday…

This week felt a bit like the 60s comedy, If It’s Tuesday It Must be Belgium. With a plethora of… Read More

The Timeless Attraction of Toile
Design, Interior design

The Timeless Attraction of Toile

Another story in the 30th anniversary issue of Veranda that resonated with personal relevance was the icon selection in the… Read More

Catching Up Out and About
Architecture, Interior design, Nantucket

Catching Up Out and About

When you have young children, May is always the busiest month with year end performances, sports championships and exams. And it… Read More

More Designer Tables from the Lenox Hill Gala 2015
Design, Interior design

More Designer Tables from the Lenox Hill Gala 2015

With over 50 tables at the Veranda Magazine sponsored Lenox Hill Gala 2015, it was a visual feast with endless… Read More

Veranda Magazine Look Book May/June
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Garden, Interior design, Jewelry

Sneak Peek at What’s New in Veranda Magazine

As the new May/ June Veranda Magazine is about to hit mailboxes and newsstands, I was delighted to recently meet with editor-in-chief… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video jmgt_j2c5yy
Interior design

Setting a Stylish Table with Carolina Irving for Oscar de la Renta Home | Video

Carolina Irving has worn many stylish hats. But her most recent incarnation is that of Creative Director of Oscar de… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video xlne6m5qkec
Garden, Interior design

Behind the Scenes Video at the New York Botanical Garden Orchid Dinner

Sometimes it indeed takes a village and this is often the case when the talented designers are creating tables for… Read More

aerin lauder new year’s lunch
Food and drink, Holiday, Interior design

Rustic Chic New Year’s Lunch with Aerin Lauder

Attending elaborate parties thrown by her legendary grandmother, Estée Lauder, certainly influenced Aerin Lauder’s entertaining style. And tempered by her… Read More

Suzanne Kasler powder room
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

Suzanne Kasler Brings Paris to Connecticut in Veranda

Designer Suzanne Kasler is well known for her sophisticated mix of classic and contemporary and in the upcoming September/October issue… Read More

Christopher Spitzmiller table at the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House spring 2013 gala
Design, Interior design

Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Spring Gala

The Lenox Hill Neighborhood House tabletop event is one of my very favorites. Benefitting this well respected and worthy organization,… Read More

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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).
Great day at this year’s @thetickingtent with a fa Great day at this year’s @thetickingtent with a fabulous selection of new and repeat vendors in a spacious new tent ! A few of my faves - some of which didn’t make it in only because I couldn’t get good shots with the crowds! Wonderful to see so many design friends and congrats to @christinajuarezandco and @aspoonfulofbenjamin on an even bigger and better event at the beautiful @springhillvineyards !
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