Contributing to the geometric sense is the symmetrical composition on and around the fireplace; its classic surround is adorned with pairs of sconces, and topiaries on the mantel flank a starburst mirror and a gilt clock.

Boyd enlisted a variety of circular shapes to give this sunroom a sense of movement. Instead of drapery hardware that has little decorative impact, she used large cobalt blue rings to join sections of the white sheers. The fabric melts into the pure white background that frames the arched windows, allowing the hardware to command full attention. A central lighting fixture with intertwining circles (shown on previous slide) and a green throw with white circles tossed on the slipcovered chaise continue the theme.

Mansions & Millionaires Showhouse 2008
Mill Neck, Long Island

Boyd turned this octagonal living room of a Long Island Tudor Revival home from white, traditional, and predictable to handsome, current, and fashionable.

An unexpected Gustavian gray milk paint applied to the paneling and moldings creates a quiet envelope for a mélange of modern furnishings punctuated with exclamation points of saturated taxicab yellow. “I wanted to unify all of the paneling and moldings with one color so they wouldn’t compete against each other,” Boyd explains. “I relate color to music, and on their own, neither the gray nor the yellow works for me. But together, they are harmonious and complement each other perfectly.”

Centered on the room’s multi-paned windows, the seating area is a lesson in balance. A raw linen sofa with accent pillows in stone, yellow, and a bright, luminous blue captures the main focus. Flanking each side of the sofa, venerable tufted-back chairs are given a contemporary lift with yellow fabric and black frames.

To blur the edges of grids on the paneling and windows, elegant drapery panels in a gray-and-white burnout floral pattern cascade from moldings to the floor. A width of yellow grosgrain ribbon trimming the edges of each panel unites the other jolts of yellow. The ribbon is pierced with silver nailheads that give the draperies a measure of metallic shine.

Boyd chose quiet crea1 on the walls as an envelope for strong shots of chartreuse and hot pink, making the room traditional and timeless yet youthful in its interpretation of color and geometry.

Hampton Designer Showhouse 2011
Water Mill, New York

Though she’s always been colorful, Boyd now had one more reason to turn up the color quotient. “My fabric line had just launched,” says Boyd. “It is a collection devoted to color! And what better opportunity to highlight color than a summer environment?”

 

Brilliant yellow is the main event here, accompanied by splashes of fuchsia and teal—all kept in check with white woodwork and a neutral rug. “I love the daybed,” says Boyd. “It anchors the space and is perfect for lounging après pool/sun!”

“I found myself drawn to the room’s clean integrity,” says Boyd. “I chose to leave walls white as a foil for a symphony of electric colors that work together without being overwhelming.”

Twin slipper chairs in outrageous fuchsias coordinate with pillows tossed on the sofa. As a unifying element, saturated orange winds through the décor.