Quotes from Alexandra Stoddard

The correct word is like any small detail - it enhances life.

We can live closer to our dreams if we are willing to dream them. And we can create a life as we want it to be.

I want to inspire through example. I hope my books motivate others to open doors and windows that will help them to embrace their own truth, light and joy.

Our painful experiences strengthen us in becoming more empathetic, more caring, and deeper human beings. We grow in depth of understanding, with greater appreciation for the miracle of life.

I want my readers to find their own way.

Puttering is really a time to be alone, to dream, to get in touch with yourself...To putter is to discover.

My message is that happiness is the first principle of life. But you must choose it. We all have pain, but suffering is a choice. You can be happier if you make some changes in your life.

You learn to give up what's not working and surround yourself with things you love - not what's correct or proper.

If we have authentic, honest, earthy materials in our houses, we'll be more authentic, honest and natural.

The home is the center of your soul; it's a total reflection of your inner life. If you have a dreary home, it means you are dark inside.

I love people and care about them, and I felt I had a gift to cheer people up. If I could get into their homes and make their environment more attractive, they'll be happier, and it would be very rewarding for me.

I'm an interior designer from the soul. It's not about just putting things in a room. It's much deeper and broader. It's about self-discovery.

You can sometimes avoid costly mistakes. Paint a corner of the room a certain color to see how the light affects it. Or buy just one yard of an expensive fabric to see how you like it in your room.

When you leave a beautiful place, you carry it with you wherever you go.

Each of us must become impassioned, finding meaning and self-fulfillment in our own life's journey.

I have my clothes made in Hong Kong, but I love Shangai Tang in New York.

If we could make our house a home, and then make it a sanctuary, I think we could truly find paradise on Earth.

Our home, just like our garden, evolves. We experiment, try out different things and new colors until we feel content. Try to keep the metaphor of home as garden in your consciousness.

I find it soothing to take something wrinkled and make it smooth. It feels anticipatory. It's what I do before a celebration. And nobody bothers me when I'm ironing.

My mantra is: Let there be happiness in my soul, and let me share it with the world.

When I was little, I got to pick my hair ribbon from my mother's collection that hung over her dressing-table mirror. I have an entire room of ribbons in my New York apartment.

Colors are important. People are in clinical depression whether they are on medication or not. Neutrals are another form of medication.

Unhappy people make me feel like I've done something wrong.

We can raise our sights high when we're willing to break free from being conformists who live a conventional life simply because we are too afraid to express our uniqueness.