What we say about design

• Know the rules. Respect the rules. Break the rules.

• Humour is a design element.

• There are no bad colours, there's only fear of commitment to colour.

• By all means step out of the box. Then burn the box.

• Style is only style if it evokes emotion.

• God is in the details, and even negative space is a detail.

• Since all colours can be found in nature, they are neutrals in training.

• Fear and good design do not happy bedfellows make.

• Measure a 9' x12' room that is painted white. Now paint it a darker colour and re-measure. I rest my case.

• Insistence on painting ceilings white, regardless of wall colour, is as much a senseless, nervous habit as nail-biting.

• A room without some form of art is also known as a storage locker.

• Pinning furniture against walls to create more space does that - simultaneous to driving people away due to explicit ugliness.

• Conservative ought not mean devoid of style.

• Everything has been done before, but has it been done like this?

• Paint is an accessory, not a dress.

• No sofa is an island. Items in clever combination make for good design.

• Be inspired first, by fabric or a piece of art - then pick a paint colour. If you don't have either yet, it's not time to paint.

• Purchase with integrity. Bargains are great if they're not gained at someone else's expense.

• Everything connects with everything.

• Edit anything you don't love from a room. Energy medicine 101.

• Your brain deserves to focus on one important thought at a time, which is why focal points were invented.

• A space should be a heartwarming reflection of its owner. If yours looks like the store you purchased your decor from, please note - you are not a store.