They used to tease me at the 'Oprah' show, 'Are you really going to do another white Shaker kitchen, with white subway tile and stainless steel appliances?' And my answer is, 'I can vary it a bit, but I'm never going to err from classic materials.'

Before you begin designing or buying anything, you need to get real and ask yourself: What do you really want to use this room for? What do you want to do in this room but can't now?

Layering in different patterns will keep things from appearing too studied.

Everywhere in my house are these little things that have meanings and make me think of great memories.

A lot of guys go in immediately for status, as opposed to comfort and allowing their home to tell a story about them.

I love linen in soothing colors for any room in the house.

You will enrich your life immeasurably if you approach it with a sense of wonder and discovery, and always challenge yourself to try new things.