Founder of the wonderfully inspiring lifestyle blog; Quintessence, and producer of our favorite “At Home With” video series, Stacey Bewkes has always been an arbiter of good taste and a trusted source of well researched inspiring content. What began as a creative outlet, upon leaving her 17-year publishing career at Simon & Schuster, is now a coveted editorial destination in the worlds of design and lifestyle with a notable list of loyal subscribers. Like many of us, Stacey finds inspiration everywhere; from travel to books, to movies, and especially in curious minded individuals whom she features in her popular video series, co-produced with acclaimed author Susanna Salk. In addition to authoring Quintessence, Stacey sources beautifully crafted objects for her wonderfully curated online shop; Q Worthy, and has also photographed four magnificent books; At Home with Dogs and Their Designers, At Home in the English Countryside: Designers and Their Dogs , At Home With Designers and Tastemakers and Making a House a Home.
Stacey is the proud mother of four children, and is based on Nantucket, where she co-chairs the Nantucket Historical Association‘s wonderful summer fundraiser; Nantucket by Design, alongside Olivia Charney.
We couldn’t be more delighted to sit down with Stacey to chat about what living beautifully means to her, where she turns to for inspiration, and more!
Where did you grow up and how has your past shaped your design aesthetic?
I grew up in Westchester, New York. Both my parents were very artistic. My father was a silversmith and jeweller, eventually opening a shop that also included select home goods. He was also an avid gardener and self-trained woodworker (with a workshop in the basement) who built many pieces around the house. My mother was trained as a painter and sculptor and was endlessly creative and stylish. She was also an incredible seamstress, making clothes for herself, my sister, myself, and eventually my girls. Everything was a creative endeavour including setting the table. I then studied art history and was a publishing art director for almost 20 years so words and pictures have been a mainstay for much of my life.
How would you describe your personal style?
Eclectic and imperfect, classic with a bohemian edge.
Who are some of your style icons?
All the usual suspects – Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, Oscar de la Renta, Jackie & Lee, Mica Ertegun, and Jacqueline De Ribes.
Where do you turn to for inspiration?
Everywhere! It’s so important to look – and hopefully see. Nature, museums, auctions, books, and travel.
How did you start Quintessence and what do you love most about what you do?
I started Quintessence in 2010 as a creative outlet for sharing what I love in design and style with a focus on quality, craftsmanship and hopefully intelligent and thoughtful original content. I love research, connecting the dots, meeting creative people and sharing their talents, as well as, of course, taking pictures and filming. And now, I love finding unique artisanal products for Q Worthy, my online shop.
What would your dream project or collaboration be?
So many ideas!! Having a travel sponsor/partner, so I could 1) visit and film many more places and homes in the United States and around the world, and 2) be able to visit artisans in many places to expand my exclusive product collections and include a jewelry collaboration – another form of decorative art I adore.
Which decorators from the past do you most often turn to for inspiration?
Again, too many to name but Mongiardino, Geoffrey Bennison, Frances Elkins, Georges Geffroy, Madeline Castaing, John Fowler, Bill Willis
If you could hire any decorator and/or architect from the past to design your home, who would it/they be?
If for my current home, probably Robert Kime or Jaime Parlade – I think either could create a uniquely personal Nantucket home with an authentic sense of place and an unpretentious sophistication
What are some of your indispensable items when entertaining and how do you ensure a memorable dinner party?
A selection of dinnerware, linens and glasses so I can be creative in terms of mixing. I find small vessels useful to have several arrangements going down the table. Multiple salt and peppers to reduce endless passing and votives and candlesticks for flattering evening light. The most important elements for a memorable dinner party are a great mixed guest list, ample good wine, simple but delicious food and a relaxed host(ess).
What tabletop items do you invest in, and which ones do you save on?
Well I’m a bad person to ask because I love it all. But I would say, splurge on the dinnerware but not all the same pattern – you need to be able to mix and match. I would probably say save on napkins but that being said, I also love beautiful embroidered ones.
If you could invite any three individuals from the past, who would they be and what would you serve for dinner?
Queen Elizabeth II, Julia Child and Suzanne Belperron. I would serve Julia’s coq au vin, a favorite because you can make it ahead, there is no day-of stress or clean up and there are so many great wines to accompany it.
What does living beautifully mean to you?
Comfort, ease, and being surrounded by the things and people I love.
How do you make every day feel special in your home?
I don’t save the “good” stuff. I use everything I have.
What is your typical morning routine?
Coffee, feed the dog, check email and Instagram, a little light exercise and then work.
How do you like to unwind after a busy day?
I love a good TV series – mostly British – often detective or espionage.
What do you love most about living in Nantucket?
The sunsets and natural beauty, the focus on preservation, craft and sustainability and the strong sense of community.
While traveling, are there any objects you enjoy collecting?
Nothing in particular – if I decide I can’t live without it, I buy it.
What is at the top of your bucket list?
Right now? Lifting our house to create a basement – I desperately need storage.
What are some of the greatest lessons you learned from your parents?
Artistic integrity, the importance of education, the pleasure of family, the appreciation of art in all its forms.
What can we expect to see from Quintessence in the near future?
More visits to inspiring homes, new products in Q Worthy, and more original content.
Stacey's Favorites
Favorite Travel Destination?
Every place I visit is my new favorite.
Favorite historic house museum?
Favorite interior of all time?
Impossible!!
Favorite design era?
Either the interwar period or the 18th century.
Favorite piece of furniture in your home?
I have two – one is an antique French bamboo and rattan etagere, and the other is actually not in my home at the moment – it’s still in storage from when we moved here full time, but it’s what we call a pouf – more officially a “bourne”. It was an antique piece that I had expertly reupholstered by Anthony Lawrence-Belfair in a Carolina Irving fabric. It’s divine!
Favorite design book(s) you most often turn to for inspiration?
There really isn’t just one – I have a large collection and look at many of them frequently.
Favorite movie(s) every design lover should watch at least once?
I am a movie fanatic so here are a few: Rebecca, Indiscreet, The Leopard, I Am Love, Emma, Barry Lyndon, Auntie Mame, and Holiday.
Favorite tabletop shops?
Well Q Worthy of course, La Tuile a Loup and The Ark Elements.
Favorite restaurants on Nantucket?
Favorite family tradition?
Christmas morning – stockings first, then big breakfast cooked by my husband and then presents – opened one by one.
Favorite piece of advice from your mother?
Never stop learning.
