John Keats was right when he observed, "A thing of beauty is a joy forever." The external, intangible qualities of beauty and character that make up our home will reward us with pleasurable feelings and deep satisfactions day after day.

As we move now to explore your house room by room, remember that we are on this journey together. We will gain gain knowledge and comfort from each other and from the excitement and joy we will take from the art of creation. Creating a beautiful home is a personal adventure.

Efficiency and convenience alone don't bring comfort: beauty is the mysterious element.

Rooms should look effortless and have an ease about them that soothes.

Pay attention to every detail.

Composition is in the art of arranging.

Style requires discipline. 

Simplicity:

Think of your rooms as intimate spaces where you want to feel comfortable, alone. Elegance is often achieved by what you leave out. As I am able to learn more of your personal style, the more easily we reach for the most authentic decorating solutions - working with the items of your own home.

Appropriateness:

What is appropriate for your house, for you and your family, for your budget, and for the limits of your room dimensions. Limitations are liberating, and their solutions self-directing. Your rooms have to work not only for you but for the unique habits, customs, and patterns of your family. Appropriateness is not about money. An appropriate room in a home should tell of the character, interests and spirit of the people who live in it.

Beauty:

Beauty in a room requires a point of view, just as it does in a garden. I always think of rooms as gardens because they are similar in many ways. In order to work toward rooms that are in full bloom, you have tot plant, tend and nurture your space carefully. Gardeners know that they can't kill every weed or catch every falling leaf. So, too, rooms can be perfectly beautiful without being immaculate or sterile. The essence of beauty - to be able to relax spontaneously in your rooms.