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

Texture and pattern should function as a surprise.

Never put sofas against wall.

Everything is really about lighting.

Find the ideal in something not ideal.

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.

Cooking is like decorating - it never bores me.

I don't like bare floors.

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.

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

The formula of happiness and success is just, being actually yourself, in the most vivid possible way you can.

Cultivate those who can teach you.

I don't see anything immoral, unethical or illegal for a person in a democratic society to be able to spend their own money on the health care of themself or a loved one.

Music satisfies and nourishes the hunger within ourselves for connection and harmony.

If you play something well, I don't care what it is. I mean, I don't play an electric [violin] - I tried. It's actually interesting.

The undoubted sign of a society well under control or in decline is that language has ceased to be a means of communication and has become instead a shield for those who master it.

It was satisfying to take a risk and see it pay off.

People of all countries have the right to choose their own social system and road to development in the light of their national conditions and characteristics.

Perception can be changed

One rarely does well what one rarely does.