What happens when two passionate creatives cross paths at the right moment? You get Quintessence — a breathtaking video series that takes viewers inside the homes (and hearts) of some of the world’s most admired designers.
This is the story of how a casual book signing turned into one of YouTube’s most beloved interior design journeys. And how Stacey Bewkes and her co-creator transformed storytelling in the world of style and home décor.
A Chance Encounter That Sparked an Idea
It started with a handshake and a signed book.
Stacey Bewkes — already known for her widely respected blog Quintessence — had only just met her future video partner at a local event. As fate would have it, that brief interaction lit the spark for something extraordinary.
On the drive home, an idea took root: What if we filmed top interior designers in their own homes?
Not in sterile studios or magazine sets — but in their real spaces, with all the charm, flaws, character, and beauty intact.
Why the World Needed This Series
Traditional magazines offer just a glimpse — a carefully curated, edited version of design. Beautiful, sure. But flat. Lifeless.
“We wanted to break that barrier,” Stacey said.
“Let’s give design a voice,” added her partner.
And just like that — Quintessence: At Home With… was born.
The mission was simple:
🎯 Showcase designers not just for their work, but as human beings.
🎯 Tell real stories behind those perfect coffee tables and color palettes.
🎯 Travel the world — one charming doorway at a time.
From Local Streets to Global Recognition
In the early days, shoots happened in nearby towns — Connecticut, New York, Nantucket. The duo did everything themselves: filming, editing, driving, booking, promoting. Often surviving on granola bars and sheer adrenaline.
But soon, the world noticed.
💬 A woman in Charleston thanked them on the street.
✈️ A priest on a plane recognized them on the way to Rome.
🌍 Comments poured in from Brazil, Poland, Morocco.
They hit 10,000 views.
Then 100,000.
Then over a million monthly views.
What Makes Quintessence So Special?
While many YouTube design channels exist, Quintessence is different.
Here’s why:
- Authenticity: No scripts. No staged lighting. Just raw, real, beautiful living.
- Access: Viewers get to peek into closets, junk drawers, even paint color mistakes.
- Depth: Videos aren’t restricted by magazine page counts — they can be 15, 30, even 45 minutes long if needed.
- Emotion: Every episode feels like a coffee chat with a friend who happens to be incredibly stylish.
Behind the Scenes: The Hustle Is Real
This wasn’t just some fancy production. It was passion-fueled grit.
- Stacey drove. Her partner navigated.
- They quizzed their kids on homework during long drives.
- Instagram was their scouting tool.
- “Oh…my…God…” was their unspoken anthem as they approached one dreamy house after another.
They didn’t have a massive crew or big brand backing — just vision, teamwork, and love for design.
The Power of Personal Touch
One of the secrets to the show’s magic?
Stacey’s still photography.
While one camera was rolling video, she’d be snapping shots — capturing spontaneous, intimate moments that magazines could never stage.
Those images — unfiltered and full of soul — became part of the Quintessence brand’s signature look.
What’s Next for Quintessence?
Seven years.
One hundred homes.
Countless “wow” moments.
And they’re not slowing down.
As Quintessence prepares to debut fresh content in partnership with platforms like PARK Magazine, the mission remains the same:
Celebrate personal design, emotional storytelling, and the homes that reflect who we are.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Design Voice
Design isn’t just about trends or expensive furniture.
It’s about feeling something.
About telling a story with colors, textures, shapes.
About creating a space that reflects you.
Quintessence isn’t just a video series.
It’s a reminder that beauty lives in the everyday.
Whether you’re designing your dream home or simply rearranging your living room, may you find your own design voice — just like Stacey and her co-creator did, one story at a time.
Thanks for reading! For more inspiring home stories and design tips, visit us anytime at ThisOlderHouse.