Written by Stacey Bewkes, Quintessence focuses on “those special discoveries that make life just that much better.”
Quintessence is a lifestyle blog I really enjoy. Written by Stacey Bewkes, Quintessence focuses on “those special discoveries that make life just that much better.” After working as an art director in NYC for 17 years, Stacey left that world to raise her four children in Connecticut. She then created Quintessence to continue to say involved in every aspect of the world of design and fashion. Stacey attends design, lifestyle, and fashion events, and then blogs about them to bring the experience to her readers. She also shares content on topics from art to movies and food to books, meaning you’ll always find something new and interesting at Quintessence.
Quintessence appeals to me because it is very cultured. Stacey is worldly and involved and is always current on what’s happening. She really does her homework and is clearly knowledgeable. Her posts are interesting and relevant. Having had the opportunity to meet Stacey, I know she is a lovely lady, very passionate and direct!
I like the segment of Stacey’s blog called Behind the Q, which is a monthly post showcasing an individual stylemaker. I want more of it! Stacey really creates an intimate behind the scenes look of people such as Thom Felicia and Miles Redd. Her videos combined with the writing and several stunning photos is a clever new approach. I can’t wait for the next installment!
Behind the Q
Before and after of Thom Filicia’s home, featured in his book American Beauty.
One of my favorite Quintessence posts was about NIBA rugs. It jogged my memory of a source I had seen before but hadn’t logged into my mental catalog of go-to rugs. I am so excited to incorporate some of these rugs into my interiors!
Hand knotted wool and silk rugs from NIBA.
Persian carpets from NIBA.
Since I was not able to make it to this year’s Southampton Showhouse, Stacey’s blogs about many of the spaces allowed me to think that I was there in person. I love the dining room, with the large drum fixture and dining room chairs. The combination is whimsical. Thanks, Stacey for great observations and attention to detail in every room you visited at the Southampton Showhouse!
Showhouse dining room designed by Mabley Handler.
Study designed by Patrick Lonn at the Showhouse.Guest suite designed by Jennifer McConnell.
Another fascinating blog post focused on Stacey’s visit to Tramshed during the London Design Festival. Although her visit to Tramshed was quick, Stacey still managed to take plenty of photos of incredible products from a variety of vendors. Sharing this kind of experience with readers is part of what makes Quintessence such a fascinating blog.
Quarry lights by Benjamin Hubert.Porcelain by Karen Morgan.
Hand blown lighting from Bocci.
I love that I can use Quintessence as a catalog of great thoughts and a resource to turn to for inspiration! I hope you visit Quintessence soon; you can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!
Red excites people with an enticing, energetic jolt of color.
Red is simply a sexy, va-va-voom color. It makes people think of lipstick, fast cars, love, and risk. Red excites people with an enticing, energetic jolt of color. Brunettes and blonds look great in red, and it’s hard to think of a color that implies more emotion. You can saturate an entire room in this bold palette or wear it all over for a glamorous night out!
The combination of black and white in both fashion and design is always very graphic.
The combination of black and white in both fashion and design is always very graphic. You have two strong elements that are not at all subtle. People shy away from using it in interiors, especially those clients with families, but a black and white color scheme makes for a striking environment. On their own, each color evokes its own singular response (mysterious black, pure white) but when used together, the results are quite stunning.
Charlotte Brody’s collections feature exactly the details and qualities that appeal to me.
I was fist introduced to the Charlotte Brody clothing line by Will of Holland and Sherry’s Bespoke store in NYC and I immediately loved what I saw. I’ve always been inspired by fashion. Interior design and fashion are two separate worlds that are connected by trends and creative influences. The intricacies of a beautiful fashion piece are things I can incorporate into design. Charlotte Brody’s collections feature exactly the details and qualities that appeal to me. I really appreciate such well tailored, well made things.
Navy honeycomb wool roll neck sweater with black slacks.Embroidered wool blouse, lizard belt, and flair pant.
Charlotte Brody’s fashions show a great use of color. It’s a very well-edited collection, with such interesting key pieces. Apparel from the Cabana line is ready to wear, or clients can choose their own fabrics to create a specific and unique wardrobe. Charlotte Brody’s fabrics include Italian cashmere, Scottish tweed, silk, and linen and are hand embroidered by select artisans.
Hand embroidered feather skirt, velvet shirt, jade drop earrings, suede clutch.Totally me to a T! Leopard shirt, lucite necklace, black silk short.Black cashmere dress with black leather details.Tie sleeve boat neck dress.
Even items like bags and accessories show smart choices in their design. The jewelry is great!
Ebony studded sphere necklace.Grey lizard clutch.
To see the full Charlotte Brody collection, visit their website. You can also connect with Charlotte Brody on Facebook to learn about trunk shows, new designs, and other events.
One of my favorite go-to designs, chevron’s classic herringbone pattern never goes out of style.
One of my favorite go-to designs, chevron’s classic herringbone pattern never goes out of style. It’s a great graphic whether you go with a large, medium, or small style. A chevron pattern has a subtle or bold impact depending on the color or scale. I love this pattern on an entryway’s wood floor, but you can implement a chevron design in many other ways. Here are some chevron examples I love!
1. Antique French oak floor in a chevron pattern, from Exquisite Surfaces:
Grey is certainly in fashion now, a softer alternative to black.
Grey is definitely part of a very neutral palette. It’s certainly in fashion, a softer alternative to black. Grey isn’t dreary at all, can be read as blue, and doesn’t compete with other colors. Other colors can be interjected with grey, but it’s a color to be mindful of to avoid taking it to a severe level.
Burgundy’s warm, spicy tones make it such a hot color for fall!
Burgundy’s warm, spicy tones make it such a hot color for fall! It’s a color with great saturation that looks good on anyone and makes a wonderful accent for interiors.
For most people, the cooler weather and colorful leaves of fall signal the start of a cozy, relaxing time of year to enjoy the season with friends and family. For me, fall also means it’s time to bring out the boots! My love of fashion is no secret, and boot season is something I find myself looking forward to as summer winds down. Here are some of my favorite examples of fabulous boots. Which would you choose to wear?
With the approach of fall and cooler temperatures, the rich earth tone of brown becomes a color I naturally gravitate toward.
With the approach of fall and cooler temperatures, the rich earth tone of brown becomes a color I naturally gravitate toward. It lends itself well to the season, being a great color for boots and coats as well as a warm and inviting interior color. It’s definitely one of my favorite go-to colors!
1. Photograph by Julia Hetta: Luscious color and true to the hue.
The color yellow makes me think of summer and the warmth of the sun.
The color yellow makes me think of summer and the warmth of the sun. It’s an energetic and vibrant shade that, I have to admit, I’m just lately being drawn to. It’s not a color I typically present to clients, maybe because I grew up surrounded by it in my mom’s house. I feel good when I’m wearing yellow, I just don’t often design with it. Now, however, I find myself liking yellow more and more. Not a pale yellow, but a bright, saturated hue ideally suited to long summer days!
Quintessence is a lifestyle blog I really enjoy. Written by Stacey Bewkes, Quintessence focuses on “those special discoveries that make life just that much better.” After working as an art director in NYC for 17 years, Stacey left that world to raise her four children in Connecticut. She then created Quintessence to continue to say involved in every aspect of the world of design and fashion. Stacey attends design, lifestyle, and fashion events, and then blogs about them to bring the experience to her readers. She also shares content on topics from art to movies and food to books, meaning you’ll always find something new and interesting at Quintessence.
