What are five things a well-designed space should have?
1. Custom window treatments
These don't have to be expensive. Right now I have bamboo blinds that I cut down from Cost Plus. They were $86 for the whole room but they're custom. They fit my windows.2. Organic fine linens and towels are important.
The things you sleep in or have next to your body should be without pesticides and as fine as possible. Then they can really replenish you and your system.
3. Good storage space
I firmly believe getting the clutter out of the way and having a place for everything makes life simpler — and that's what it's all about.
4. Accessories that are one-of-a-kind or special to you
It can be a panting your kid did and you framed beautifully, something that's been handed down to you or is handmade. Not something from IKEA or mass marketed.
5. Trees
You can be dead broke but if you have some nice trees and one chair you can make a statement. The one chair should be comfortable and that's about it.
Where can homeowners get design inspiration?
I'd say anywhere. I think it's fun if you stay in historical boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts when you go traveling; you'll also get the flair and flavor of a different place.
I've been to about 22 different countries. Every one of them had something inspiring. There's the obvious: Italy and France — how can you not be inspired in those places? A city I love is Amsterdam. The people there are very modest and their philosophy matches mine: Even though the places are small, they're very well designed, simple but elegant. The canal system is gorgeous with all the lights reflecting in the water.
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