Eileen Kathryn Boyd: May 2012

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Joyfully Feeling Blue

With summer officially here I'm feeling more blue than usual - happily so! I'm dreaming of clear skies, walks along Nantucket's beautiful beaches and hydrangeas in full bloom. And when it comes to interiors, my mind wanders to that blue and white beach house we'd all love to consider our home away from home. Sometimes the biggest impacts are in the simplest color combos and in this case the classic, crisp, nautical feel of blue and white is what I'm loving this week. Here are a few favorite rooms ...

I love these relaxed, slip-covered couches paired with this modern, graphic rug and a splash of tangerine.

Navy upholstery is a durable solution to kids, pets, surf, sand and summer stains!

Designer: Victoria Hagan/Photographer: Michael Mundy/Courtesy: Elle Decor

Using a navy and white bold pattern and wide stripes can make a strong, less predictable statement.

Designer: Tom Stringer/Photographer: Ngoc Minh Ngo/Courtesy: House Beautiful

A country feel ...

Tailored sophistication ...

Over-the-top inspiration ...

Mondrian Soho

A family-friendly space, I'm a big fan of using children's art and have created a similar gallery in my own home.

Courtesy: Elle Decor

A touch of green ...

Designer: Jonathan Adler/Photographer: Ngoc Monh Ngo/ Courtesy: House Beautiful

One of my favorite showhouse spaces. I love that apple green mixed with the blue and white.

Eileen Kathryn Boyd Interiors

Some plums and a bouquet can give any summer lover the right kind of blues. Enjoy!

Designer: Frank Randolph/Photographer: Annie Schlechter/Courtesy: Coastal Living

“Blue color is everlastingly appointed by the deity to be a source of delight.” -- John Ruski

Friday, May 25, 2012

A Love Affair with Lavender

I'm dreaming of a trip to Provence and a stroll through the lavender fields that would awaken so many of my senses. Alas, I'll have to settle for some interior inspiration and a lavender purchase or two to satiate my love for one of my favorite colors.

Some ideas ...

Crisp lavender slipcovers against a neutral palette.

Designer: John Saladino/Photographer: Antoine Bootz/Veranda

A tranquil retreat.

Photographer: James Merrell/House Beautiful

A shocking choice that works beautifully - a lavender kitchen!

McGill Design/COCOCOZY

A feminine hue in a sleek and sophisticated space!

Photographer: Ricahrd Powers/COCOCOZY

A little girl's dream hideaway!


Photographer: Petra Bindel/Desire to Inspire

Beautiful bedding for a summer suite.


Serena & Lily

A great beach tote!


Diane Von Furstenberg/Bloomingdales

An animal print with a twist.

Eileen Kathryn Boyd Exclusively for Duralee

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

5 Purple Pleasures

It's never enough to simply love a color, you need to incorporate into your life! From an encompassing experience to a pop on your table top, here are my five faves this week!

1 - Watercolor Wallpaper

I used this incredible watercolor wallpaper in a recent showhouse (stay tuned next month for all of the details). Black Crow Studios creates these custom papers unique to each customer. A great discovery! See it in my store front right now!

2 - Lavender China

I adore this Avington Lavender place setting from William Yeoward. The color adds a modern twist while the gold bands keep it a bit traditional. If you're not up for the whole set, buy just the dessert plates - I love mixing china patterns!

3 - A Moody Hue

Benjamin Moore's Sleepy Hollow is a gorgeous color especially for your living room. Click here to see how I describe the moody hue in this month's issue of House Beautiful.

4 - Luxurious Fabric

I always love finding new ways to use my favorite fabrics and all of the different shades in my Duralee line make it easy. I can picture bedroom curtains in this lavender floral, dining room chairs in this periwinkle paisley and some gorgeous throw pillows for a guess room in this magenta, pink and green pattern.

5 - Summer Shirtdress
I can't wait to pick up this Diane Von Furstenberg iris style. The ease of a shirtdress makes it a summer must great with Jack Rogers sandals during the day and espadrilles at night! Love these J. Crew skinny pants as well. They're just as cute as they are comfy.

DVF Julieta dress available at Bloomingdale's $375

J. Crew Minnie pant $89.50

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Remembering a Legend ...

Taking a peak at Veranda's tribute to Albert Hadley this month brought back many memories. It goes without saying that I was deeply saddened when the design legend passed away on March 29th. To me he was so much more than an American icon, he was a teacher from afar and I have always been a great admirer of his work.

Here are some favorite images that remind me of the legend...

The cover of one of my favorite books.

A signed copy and prized possession!

A Hadley showhouse sketch. I love the pink/red combo!


Sometimes black and white is just enough.

A living space close to my heart - filled with color.

Great art and a favorite space.

A to-die-for tulip table. Photographer: William Waldron/Elle Decor

Glamorous high gloss walls. Courtesy of Libby Cameron/Veranda

Chic geometric painted floors. Photographer: William Waldron/Elle Decor

My favorite accessory - a sunburst mirror. Photographer: William Waldron/Veranda

deeply believe that a beautiful decor can have a beneficial influence on our lives"
- Albert Hadley

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Passionate for Purple

Knowing my love of color you'd think it would be difficult for me to choose a favorite, but anyone who is familiar with my work knows that my passion for purple rises above all others! The color in itself can be moody and romantic, flirty and feminine, playful and daring or regal and bold all depending on the hue you choose. From amethyst to aubergine, eggplant, violet, magenta and everything in between, the color is so multi-faceted it deserved to be featured throughout the month of May. Here are some great color combos and purple places I'm passionate for!

** Purple and green are a natural combination!