In the dining room, next to my collection of colorful papier-mache Mardi Gras float art, hang draperies made of the New Orleans toile fabric that I designed pre-Katrina for Hazelnut.

It's funny... musical theater is what paid my rent and kept me going for the longest time.

Be fun! I don't like homes or rooms that don't have a sense of humor or have some sense of whimsy or a personality. Your home should reflect who you are, and what you love. I would never have something in my home because it's the thing to have. I have to love it and it needs some connection to me.

My mantra is, 'Don't be afraid of color.' What did it do to you? Do a color testing in alternate kinds of light you desire in the room because the pigment will change. And I refuse to believe that pale pale or white colors in a small room will buy you more square footage. Go with color all the way.

Labels don't really impress, it's the uniqueness and risk in decor that inspire.

I live a bi-coastal and sometimes tri-coastal life.

Put every light you have on a dimmer. Because after a certain age, we can play with the lighting and set it on how you look best on it. Its cheaper than plastic surgery.