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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 Designers and Tastemakers: Creating Beautiful and Personal Interiors
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Quintessence provides exclusive insider access to top designers and tastemakers at home around the world. Tag along with Quintessence founder Stacey Bewkes and series host Susanna Salk for the most inspiring interiors, design and style. You'll feel like you're right there with us! Subscribe so you never miss a thing!
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At Home with Susanna Salk and Laura Kirar
Art & Antiques, Design, Interior design

At Home with Susanna Salk and Laura Kirar

Laura Kirar is a designer who approaches her work with the heart of an artist. Known for her artistic approach to interiors… Read More

At Home with Susanna Salk and Hutton Wilkinson
Architecture, Books, Garden, Interior design, Jewelry, Travel

At Home with Susanna Salk and Hutton Wilkinson

A multi-talented creative force, Hutton Wilkinson began his career at the age of 18 as apprentice to design icon Tony Duquette. He went… Read More

Because It’s All About the Story
Design, Fashion, Interior design

Because It’s All About the Story

Thank you dear readers for being patient as I prepare many wonderful features coming soon. This coming week will include… Read More

At Home with Susanna Salk and Timothy Corrigan in Los Angeles
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel

At Home with Susanna Salk and Timothy Corrigan in Los Angeles

When visiting Timothy Corrigan in Los Angeles, you are greeted with the same sense of comfort and elegance that is evident in all… Read More

Virtual Postcard | Susanna Salk in Iceland
Travel

Virtual Postcard | Susanna Salk in Iceland

The second installment of our new travel video series comes via my video partner, Susanna Salk, who recently traveled on a… Read More

Virtual Postcard | Michelle Nussbaumer in Gstaad
Travel

Virtual Postcard | Michelle Nussbaumer in Gstaad

Welcome to Virtual Postcard! Our new travel series features top designers and stylemakers sharing, in brief videos, what they love about… Read More

Design Video Update
Garden, Interior design, Travel

Design Video Update

I’ve been so busy trying to keep you up to date with my latest inspiration and finds, that I hadn’t realized… Read More

Los Angeles collage
Interior design, Travel

Report from Los Angeles

It’s been a very busy few days here in Los Angeles (did I tell you I was coming?). From filming… Read More

Giving Thanks to You
Interior design, Travel

Giving Thanks to You

Since this holiday weekend is all about giving thanks, I’d like to acknowledge the many featured guests and visitors who have helped… Read More

Quintessence blog on instagram
Interior design

Design Video Summer Extravaganza

Throughout the year, as Susanna Salk and I get inspired with ideas for our design video series, our enthusiasm perhaps… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video 7m0zmrooeti
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design

Kips Bay Showhouse 2014 Video Tour

Almost everyone has agreed that this year’s Kips Bay Showhouse is one of the best in years. Set in the… Read More

Video thumbnail for youtube video blk9e4vhs_y
Architecture, Art & Antiques, Interior design, Travel, Video

At Home with Timothy Corrigan at Chateau du Grand-Lucé

As the indomitable Ms. Vreeland taught us, the eye indeed has to travel, so today we are delighted to introduce… 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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