Designer offers a glimpse into her life

World-renown interior designer and author Alexandra Stoddard offered a glimpse into her life recently when she spoke at the December First Friday event at the Las Vegas Design Center, which is located within the World Market Center in downtown Las Vegas.

Stoddard, who began her career 44 years ago under the tutelage of Eleanor McMillan Brown, showed slides of her New York apartment and Connecticut cottage to interior designers and professionals in the home-furnishings industry.

"This is the most personal presentation I've ever given," she said. "As a decorator, I've done embassies, banks ... but to show my own work, the place where I live, is more meaningful. This is what makes me happy."

Stoddard began by showing slides of the Carnegie Hill apartment in Manhattan that she shares with her husband of 331/2 years, Peter Megargee Brown, who also is an author.

Among her most prized possessions are pieces of furniture that once belonged to her mentor and numerous original paintings created by a favorite artist.

"Beauty and design are the most important things in our lives," she said, adding that together they help bring out maximum joy each day.

It is for this reason that Stoddard keeps herself surrounded by flowers whether they be live blossoms, paintings or incorporated into textiles.

"I love flowers. I like to feel like I'm living in a flower garden," she said.

One of the things that attracted her to the cottage, which was built in the 1700s, was its gardens. Since moving in, she said she planted a blue hydrangea forest.

"Living in Connecticut is like being on vacation every day," she said.

Stoddard said her homes are filled with pieces that she and her husband have picked up during their travels. One such piece is the dining table that now graces their cottage. The couple were at an auction in Paris. Brown was sitting behind her and she had no idea that he was bidding on the table until the auctioneer asked if she wanted his bid to be added to her bid number. At the time, they didn't own the cottage and had no place to put the table and chairs.

"Everything has a story," she added.

Memories play a key part in her interior designs. She likes to be reminded of special occasions and moments in her life by showcasing photographs, including one of herself when she was a child, and picture postcards.

Another design trick she likes to use is to put her upholstered chairs on swivels so she can turn them around as needed to create sitting areas.

Before ending her presentation, Stoddard answered questions from the audience, admitted she wasn't a super person who could do it all and advised interior designers to have confidence in their value.

"Don't design scared," she said. "If you do, you'll never be paid what you're worth."