Quotes from Catherine Martin

If you go to old houses on Long Island you will see painted Chinese wallpaper, which was big in the 18th century. Throughout history, notable, established families have always tried to link to the 18th century.

I am sufficiently wary of dangerous situations, but I'm not scared of having a go.

I doubt I'll ever retire, but if I do, I see myself as the little old Parisian lady pushing her trolley from the supermarket to her apartment. Everyone needs a pipe dream.

When you're surrounded by feathers and sequins and ridiculous Lycra outfits, it's impossible not to have a smile on your face.

I wish I could swap closets with Diana Vreeland, but I think only my left thigh would fit into her clothing.

My children's favourite thing is to con me into buying them ice-cream if there's not too big a queue at our local gelataria, Messina.

I always look forward to going for a walk in Rushcutters Bay Park, right down to the bottom where you can look in the clear water of the harbour. I use that time to clear my head and really focus my thoughts.

I love every period in design history. Even the ugly ones.

My workspace is a white room with a big computer monitor and a light box. It can be very messy. Sometimes I get into trouble with my husband for that. Then I run around like a lunatic cleaning up and creating the appearance of order.