Having people be impressed with a house is not a compliment. You don't want them to say, 'What a place!' You want them to sit down and enjoy it.

Cooking is like decorating - it never bores me.

I'll accept commissions from anyone who isn't frightened by my proposals.

Appearance is everything. I find that a view is secondary. Even in those apartments on the East River, it's dull, looking out at those little boats.

Never put sofas against wall.

Find the ideal in something not ideal.

A la Rothschild, a style I define as many good things used irreverently.