First and foremost, I'm a decorator and product designer. Everything I do, the television shows, the books, that comes from the design work. It's what I love.

Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love brought together under one roof.

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.

It's important how we feel in our homes, because feeling good makes us more gracious. And that makes it easier to welcome others not only into our homes but into our lives.

Your home should tell the story of who you are.

I always want objects in my home that have a connection to me or something I've loved. It's still stuff, but it's stuff that has meaning.

In a minimal interior, what you don't do is as important as what you do.

Everywhere your eye travels in your home, it should land on something that resonates with you.

If you actually keep things very organized and clutter-free, you can have more furniture than you think you can in a small space.

In a modern loft, you can't just fill a space with furniture. Each piece has to be perfect.

Books are the heart of any home, and I spend hours going through books for design inspiration.

Every new day, we must refocus, to see the beauty of the moment

Imagine yourself doing what is best for you. Commit yourself to excellence. Transform yourself with dedication into excellence, from daily self-improvement and practice. Enjoy doing the process.

When you feel a weak moment coming on, the key is self-control.

I have forgotten all about my school days. I have a vague impression that they were detestable.

The strength of our economy allows us to maintain the mightiest military in the world, effectively enforcing a Pax Americana.

Chicago has a strange metaphysical elegance of death about it.

Cupid's not the only one with an arrow," I scowled

If we think long term, we can accomplish things that we couldn't otherwise accomplish.

I've achieved 'the American dream.' I feel it's my duty to help others achieve their vision, too - especially the youth.