If it is not useful or necessary, free yourself from imagining that you need to make it.

If it is useful and necessary, free yourself from imagining that you need to enhance it by adding what is not an integral part of its usefulness or necessity.

And finally: If it is both useful and necessary and you can recognise and eliminate what is not essential, then go ahead and make it as beautifully as you can.

Rocheleau & Sprigg
Shaker Built: The Form and Function of Shaker Architecture

Photo: Detail of single-drawer sewing stand, by Combray Furniture Studio.

Quote via What I Want to Read, Hear & See.