Alexandra Stoddard

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Alexandra Stoddard – Life, Philosophy, and Essence of Beauty

Alexandra Stoddard is an American author, interior designer, and philosopher of modern living. Discover her biography, career, key works, philosophy, quotes, and timeless lessons on living beautifully.

Introduction

Alexandra Stoddard is a prolific American author, interior designer, and thinker best known for writing about beauty, happiness, and the art of everyday living. Through dozens of best-selling books, lectures, and media appearances, she has inspired readers to infuse grace, intention, and aesthetic kindness into daily life. Her work spans personal philosophy, home decoration, and values, making her a leading voice in the "art of living" genre.

Early Life & Background

Alexandra Stoddard was born as Alexandra Green Johns (she later became known by her married name, Stoddard).

While detailed data on her childhood is less public, she trained and worked in interior design early in her career. Alexandra Stoddard, Inc.

Her design background gave her a practical foundation for later writing: a sensibility for space, harmony, and beauty that she would translate into life philosophy.

Career & Major Works

Design & Media Work

Before rising to wider recognition as an author and philosopher of living, Stoddard made her mark in interior design. She worked under Eleanor McMillen Brown (a noted design figure) before founding her own firm.

She also hosted Homes Across America on HGTV, bringing her design vision to a television audience.

Additionally, she wrote a regular column “Living Beautifully” for McCall’s magazine for several years, bridging her design ideas with daily life.

Writing & Philosophy

Alexandra Stoddard has published 28 books (as of certain counts) on beauty, happiness, choices, and meaningful living.

Some of her key works include:

• Living a Beautiful Life: 500 Ways to Add Elegance, Order, Beauty and Joy to Every Day of Your Life

• Choosing Happiness: Keys to a Joyful Life

• Things I Want My Daughters to Know: A Small Book About the Big Issues in Life

• You Are Your Choices: 50 Ways to Live the Good Life

• Happiness For Two: 75 Secrets for Finding More Joy Together

Her books often encourage rituals, small acts of beauty, gratitude, and conscious decision-making as paths toward fuller life.

Her publisher biography describes her as “a philosopher of contemporary living” who has spent decades lecturing and writing on how to break rules and live more personally fulfilling lives.

Philosophy & Themes

A few recurring themes in Alexandra Stoddard’s work:

1. Everyday Beauty as Spiritual Practice
   She argues that small touches—order, color, lighting, rituals—can transform ordinary environments and imbue life with dignity.

2. Choice & Responsibility
   The idea that we are, in large part, the sum of our choices is central to her book You Are Your Choices. She encourages readers to accept ownership of their lives.

3. Joy & Happiness as Intentional
   Happiness is not passive or accidental; it is something to be cultivated by mindset, habits, and relationship work—e.g. Choosing Happiness, Happiness for Two.

4. Inner & Outer Harmony
   The alignment between one's inner life (values, feelings) and outer life (home, design, environment) is a frequent focus. She often speaks about how living space reflects self.

5. Rituals, Celebrations & Grace
   She emphasizes the importance of rituals—or marking time, seasons, or transitions—as anchors that bring meaning.

Personal Life

Alexandra has two daughters, Alexandra B. Stoddard and Brooke Stoddard. Brandon Stoddard, a prominent television executive; they divorced in 1974.

She later married Peter Megargee Brown. Stonington Village, Connecticut, and New York City.

She has also served as President of Design & Art Society, Ltd. and has been honored as a Dame of the American Society of the Order of St. John.

Notable Quotes

• “The only life worth living is the one we take responsibility for choosing.” — Alexandra Stoddard

• From Gift of a Letter:

  “An inspired letter can be as riveting as a stare. … When written from the heart, letters are dreams on paper, wishes fulfilled, desires satisfied.”

• “What you think and do now builds. Value this moment. Be patient. Smile often. Love the process of living each minute fully.” — Alexandra Stoddard

These reflect her orientation toward presence, choice, and beauty in the everyday.

Lessons from Alexandra Stoddard

• Beauty is available daily — you don’t need grand gestures; small, consistent rituals and design choices can elevate life.

• Your environment reflects your inner life — tending to your surroundings is a way of caring for yourself.

• Choices define character — accepting responsibility for decisions empowers growth.

• Joy is cultivated, not pursued — through habits, attitudes, and relationship work.

• Ritual and grace anchor us — marking seasons, life stages, and transitions deepens meaning.

Conclusion

Alexandra Stoddard might best be described not just as an author or designer, but as a philosopher of the beautiful life. Through her many books, lectures, and design work, she invites readers and followers to notice and create elegance, harmony, and meaning in ordinary moments. Her influence lies less in dramatic upheavals than in helping people live more fully, more intentionally, and more beautifully.