What Would You Do...

...if you weren't afraid of color?  Would you be bold enough to try something like Eileen Kathryn Boyd?  This is her house featured in the holiday issue of Lonny.  I, for one, am obsessed with it.  It takes a certain kind of person to use this much bold color in one space.  It is rare to find a client willing to do it and most designers are scared of it as well.  One wrong move can take it from beautiful to circus side show.



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Boyd balances everything by keeping her flooring and furniture very light and neutral.  She also uses pattern in small doses but in the appropriate places.  Her mix of traditional and contemporary furnishings is spot on and, speaking of spots, the dog portrait over the mantel is pretty great.

If you look closely, she is only using three colors in combination with neutrals.  Blue, green and pink used in three main areas, walls, fabrics and accessories.  She uses the same colors throughout the house and calms all the bold with a healthy dose of white.  Balance is key!  The whites act as negative space and allows you to visually breathe and enjoy the colors even more.



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This image of her breakfast room is my favorite.  The geometric patterned wallpaper gives just the right amount of interest to the walls and is complemented by the fabulous painting that Boyd created.  Little pops of pink and a load of white create a fun and fresh space.  I wouldn't mind eating here everyday.

If you haven't had a chance to look through the Lonny holiday issue click here.  Trust me, it's worth it.