One thing I hear often is the word simple. "I'd like to something simple" says the client or "Let's do something simple" says the designer. Yes, fewer things can help bring more emphasis to an exceptional work of art. A plain cotton fabric can emphasize a form and be infinitely more suitable than a lavish silk.

However, in interiors, as is the case with most design, the ones that are simple and successful are a result of a complex process of consideration and editing. The problem is that all too often, simple is a euphemism for lazy and unconsidered.

A justification for not putting forth the effort required to make something special

A fear of doing something different that might not be to everyone’s taste

A worry that your friends might judge you because you’ve done something against the grain

A timidity to make a statement and express a point of view

The question then becomes: is simple your excuse? Or are you doing something bold, different, opinionated, and considered that happens to be simple?

If you want to do credible work, the path to take is clear. And the path is certainly not simple.

Images: Cy Twombly, John Fowler, John Saladino