Feb 25, 2026 4 min read

7 favourite design quotes + Farewell, Areaware

Photo: Guy Koolhof

The weekly micro-decorating newsletter * Issue 6 of 13, W26 * Subscribe free *

This week, let's tune in to the thoughts of some visionary creators. Here are seven favourite quotes on aspects of design:

On seeing

To see a world in a grain of sand
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour.
– William Blake

This opening stanza from Blake's poem Auguries of Innocence has always been my North Star for what it means to pay attention.

On stillness

“You do not need to leave your room. Remain sitting at your table and listen. Do not even listen, simply wait, be quiet, still and solitary. The world will freely offer itself to you to be unmasked, it has no choice, it will roll in ecstasy at your feet.”
– Franz Kafka

This could be a mantra for those who rediscovered their homes during the pandemic. Its hopeful lesson is calming and surprising in equal measure.

On curiosity

“The artist is a collector of things imaginary or real. He accumulates things with the same enthusiasm that a little boy stuffs his pockets. The scrap heap and the museum are embraced with equal curiosity. He takes snapshots, makes notes and records impressions on tablecloths or newspapers, on backs of envelopes or matchbooks. Why one thing and not another is part of the mystery, but he is omnivorous.”
– Paul Rand

This is the other end of the spectrum from Kafka's sentiment. At times, stillness may suffice, at others, a restless drive into the world's teeming variety is what we're called to pursue.

On talent

If you can design one thing, you can design everything.
– Massimo Vignelli

Massimo and Lella Vignelli designed an astonishing cornucopia of things, from home products to printed matter, so this remark is well-earned. It's also a reminder that we can borrow from one design realm – what we like to wear, for example – and apply it to another – such as how we style our homes.

On atmosphere

"I'm interested in objects, but I'm more interested in the atmosphere they create. For me, an object is like a tea bag. When you put it in a room, it's like putting a tea bag in a glass of hot water. It generates something in the atmosphere."
– Ronan Bouroullec

This is my all-time favourite description of what objects do to a room. As you may recall, I featured it in 3 tips for a home as unique as you are.

On co-creation

"Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody."
– Jane Jacobs

What a powerful reminder that design is a collective enterprise! Designers and architects may seem to hold all the cards, but in reality we're all engaged in the ongoing work of creating cherished spaces.

On slowness

"An interior design is really a slow-motion movie of junk changing position."
– Alexander Girard

This remark is a wry counterpoint to William Blake's high-mindedness. When I get too caught up in arranging things, I remind myself of Girard's dictum. For more on this topic, see Decorating, fast and slow.

Got a favourite quote about design? Feel free to share it in the Comments section below.

Farewell, Areaware

Running an indie design business is hard, and tariffs have made it harder. It was heartbreaking to learn that Areaware, celebrated for its whimsical housewares and toys, will be closing its doors as of May 1.

Even if their name isn't familiar to you, you've likely seen their goods in gift shops and museum stores, like geometric coasters...

Six wooden coasters that fit together in a geometric pattern. — Table tiles by Bower Studios | Photo courtesy of Areaware

...and building sets that play on styles of architecture:

A box of building blocks representing the Brutalist style. — Blockitecture set by James Paulius | Photo courtesy of Areaware

In my own space, I've long been delighted by my Cubebot, who continually finds new spots to hang out:

Another shot of the Cubebot, this time standing on a stack of books, one hand upraised in a wave. — Cubebot by David Weeks | Photo: Guy Koolhof

The company's imminent demise convinced me to get a set of balancing blocks that had been on my want list for ages:

On open box showing ten stacking blocks. — Balancing blocks by Fort Standard design studio | Photo: Guy Koolhof

For a fuller picture of why they can't continue, this article provides some background details:

In the meantime, there are two shops I know of that carry their wares in Toronto, Easy Tiger at 1447 Dundas Street West...

Shop Areaware at Easy Tiger

and Swipe Design at 401 Richmond:

Shop Areaware at Swipe Design

You can also access a dwindling supply on the Areaware website, where they're promising a free mystery archival product with your order.

I'm hoping that the designers they collaborated with find new partners to release their work, because the world needs more of their grin-inducing wonders.

🥰

Forward this newsletter to friends
They can sign up here. It's published on Wednesdays.

Thank you for reading.