MEET THE DESIGNER

AN INTERIOR DESIGNER WITH A SEEMINGLY ENDLESS SUPPLY OF ENERGY AND PASSION

You own a thriving interior design and retail business, are launching your third home fragrance this summer, and just released your sixth book. How do you balance such a thriving career? It looks like I work with a lot of different things, but they are all related; everything I do is related to the home. And of course it all is balanced with lots of hours, time management and a great staff. How is A Flair for Living different? It's a photo essay wrapped with text, where the photos are allowed to tell their story and reveal a message. It was styled more like an art book, meaning no captions to describe the items in the photos. After all, this is a visual business; one doesn't need a lot of rap. What was your inspiration behind the new fragrance? Years of staying at the Hotel Costes in Paris and enjoying their delicious candles. I was waiting for the right opportunity to create something spicy, sultry and appealing to both men and woman. And then Agraria came along with an opportunity to collaborate, and we created Left Bank. What is your favorite element of an interior design project? I love the details in designing—whether it be an embroidery pattern or getting a client excited about collecting. What do you enjoy about the Hamptons? I love the beach early in the morning and late in the afternoon. I like puttering around my garden, reading books in the hammock and sitting by the fireplace listening to crickets and the ocean. It lowers my blood pressure. What factors do you take into account when designing? Lifestyle is key. I ask the client, when the house will be used and how will it be used? I try to identify the clients fantasy escape and what relaxing means to them. This is our entertaining issue, do you have any rules you follow or tips for a summer fête? Keep it simple. Always be relaxed because if you're not, your guests won't be. And take advantage of all those glorious roadside stands out here for fresh vegetables, herbs and a fresh bucket of zinnias. Identify the dishes you are really good at and make them your signature. What's your personal motto? Keep your passport handy and your wish list updated. Other than that, being prepared always works. What is your own vacation home like? I don't view my homes as vacation homes; they're a place to unwind and relax. Vacation suggests no responsibility and "room service" whereas a home has responsibility and a punch list accordingly. How do you see yourself inspiring those in the future? Enthusiasm is contagious and when you love what you do, you can then inspire, motivate and teach everyday and at every opportunity.