Alexandra Stoddard on Style

• 

  Stepping into your bedroom should be like entering a private heaven on earth. Here, you unplug technology without apology; you come together in utter privacy and oneness in love. In this sanctuary you can be restful, sensual, refreshed, revived, and soothed. I adore a four-poster bed that makes me feel sheltered and feminine. What a luxury to have Porthault Linens' hand-scalloped sheets generously dressing the bed.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Alexandra Stoddard's Decorating Tips

  Keith Scott Morton

• 

  Our living room fireplace is very important to my husband, Peter, and me. We have a love seat and comfortable upholstered chairs on swivels where we come together, alone or with family and friends. In the winter months, a roaring fire creates a focal point of warmth, energy, and the spirit of the moment. We gather there to sustain ourselves. The purple handwoven throw makes us feel cozy. Here, love is generously shared.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Alexandra Stoddard's Decorating Tips

  Keith Scott Morton

• 

  I often keep the door of our linen closet open to savor the simple pleasure of clean, fragrant laundry. Go into your closets to find yourself; your towels, sheets, pillows, blankets, tablecloths, and napkins are the basic elements for your eating, sleeping, and bathing. When putting everything together, remember: It doesn't have to be perfect. Daily living is messy.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Alexandra Stoddard's Decorating Tips

  Keith Scott Morton

• 

  I arrange hydrangeas in tight bunches in a blue vase to echo the flowers. Then I find other ways to experience the joy of this flower: in blue-painted chairs at the kitchen table, for example. If you can't always have your favorite flowers, find other ways to experience them daily.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Alexandra Stoddard's Decorating Tips

  Keith Scott Morton

• 

  Artfully displayed colorful chopsticks are an unexpected but fun addition to your dining room.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Alexandra Stoddard's Decorating Tips

  Keith Scott Morton

• 

  Weave ribbons in your favorite colors over a solid fabric background to create an unexpected and inspiring tablecloth. My color scheme was inspired by pansies. What's your inspiration?
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Alexandra Stoddard's Decorating Tips

  Keith Scott Morton

• 

  Organization is very important to a happy functional home. My approach to order is counterintuitive. I don't put things away. I don't hide beauty in dark storage space. I display my treasured objects to feast the eye and inspire great happiness in daily rituals. I have three principles for organizing: color, repetition, integrity.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Alexandra Stoddard's Decorating Tips

  Keith Scott Morton

• 

  Peter gave me a small blue antique enamel box with lovebirds resting on red hearts on either side of the inscription, "Love & Live Happy," now my mantra. I keep this precious treasure on my writing table as a daily reminder that love sustains me at home. Living with fresh flowers is essential to my happiness and love of home. Find those elements that make you happy in your home. Here are some of mine: Family pictures of our family are everywhere. Frame a picture of yourself, when you were young and adorable, to remind you of your identity and promise.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Alexandra Stoddard's Decorating Tips

  Keith Scott Morton