Runway To Reality

Take design cues from the fashion world and translate them into plush decor with these tips from (me) Interior Designer Eileen Kathryn Boyd

Then & Now: A Testament to Timeless Design

It has often been said that great design will always prevail against time, and it’s so exciting when you can see that design still making waves today. One of my favorite compliments to receive is that my work contains a timeless flavor. I like to use color in a way that is seldom expressed and exude confidence doing so which has taken me many years to perfect (Though I still get nervous with some decisions). Recently I have been sprucing up my own home and have been able to exercise some fearless design throughout each space.
A particularly special room to for me is my sun-porch. I use this room as a design laboratory; a place to inspire and develop my creative journey from project to project. The end result landed my porch in a sea of beautiful green Chella Fabric and a very fashion-forward Trina Turk pattern. I accented with pops of turquoise and other vibrant blues, creating pure tranquility.

While flipping through one of my vintage House Beautiful Mags, I came across a room decorated by Richard Phelps that had an uncanny resemblance to my own design. The June 1971 article was highlighting inventive ways to inspire your outdoor oasis. I absolutely love those cubes & green zebra print never looked better. A wonderful tribute that good design is always in style….Even 30 yrs later!

“The timeless in you is aware of life's timelessness; and knows that yesterday is but today's memory and tomorrow is today's dream." - Unknown

Lights, Camera, Action

I am so excited, and bit nervous, to announce that I will be making my very first Network Television Debut this Sunday on NBC's LX.TV Open House NYC.
The segment will be featuring Fashionable Tips of the Trade to dress up YOUR home!
I was so thrilled when I heard the news that LX.TV wanted to work with me and even more thrilled when the story developed into a fashion angle. As many know, all of my designs are heavily influenced by fashion in one way or another.....Whether it be by bold unexpected color choices or interesting shapes & couture details. And since the shoot was taking place at my home, I could really push the creativity to the MAX.
I must thank all the wonderful people that helped make my design dream a TV reality....Firstly, thank you to my wonderful fabric companies, who without you there is no dream....Duralee, Chella, Trina Turk for Schumacher, Romo & Manuel Canovas....I cannot thank you enough for your continued support.....The amazing Frankie from Data Carpet....The lovely Mi'Shell over at William Sonoma Home for the perfect accessories that instantly dress any room....My wonderful friends from Marsh's Clothing Store for the unforgettable & inspiring fashion accessories.....Vueve Clicquot for generously donating an extra punch of vibrant color making the whole project bubble over! Thank you ALL!

This was one of the most enjoyable & most challenging shoots I've ever been a part of. Not working with a film crew before, I was quite intimidated when they pulled into my driveway. I'm happy to report that those feelings quickly melted away as they proved to be the greatest group of young talented, creative people I have worked with in a long time. I cannot thank Marni, Adam, Andy & Laura enough for all of their help and guidance through the whole process. What an amazing crew!

I sincerely hope that the segment provides some inspiration & bright ideas for your spaces.

SO PLEASE TUNE IN AUGUST 23RD at 8:30am on NBC Channel 4
Can't wait to hear all your feedback, so….
Don’t Miss It!
For More information & details regarding the segment please contact, Eileen Kathryn Boyd Interiors, 631.427.6400

"The key to longevity is to keep doing what you do better than anyone else. We work real hard at that. It's about getting your message out to the consumer. It's about getting their trust, but also getting them excited, again and again." -Ralph Lauren

Guide to Looking Good at Home

There’s nothing worse than a well put together woman that walks into her home and completely falls a part amidst utter chaos. Clutter, mayhem, & uninspiring spaces are definitely not reflecting who she is to the outside world.
My purpose in life is to consistently create unforgettable retreats that people can look & feel good in...Allowing those outward appearances to match what’s inside.
So many of my clients come to me and simply say, "Eileen, I just don't feel good in my house...I don't know where to start!" So I have come up with some great tips for implementing some unexpected fashionable elements that are sure to leave any home dressed at a moments notice. (And the best part is…everything is affordable)
· Infusing life & fashion through a bold COLOR STORY…..the cheapest way of completely transforming the look & feel of any space is to surround yourself in colors you love and are physically drawn to….These are colors that will naturally compliment you. So don’t be afraid to use them! Start with an accent wall or just the background of bookcases for an unexpected pop. Instantly adding depth of interest.

· Edit & Accessorize what you already have…..Be a practical stager and create vignettes with your books and sentimental items. Arrange your books in a sculptural style or by color groupings. These added touches paired with a great Color Story will effortlessly turn clutter into couture- inspired.

· Architecture is but a RIBBON away…..The best trick for adding dimension and the appearance of moldings is by outlining the perimeter of a space with a colorful grosgrain ribbon. If you really want to add glamour you could re-outline the grosgrain with silver Mylar tape and nail-heads. This project will cost under $100…Cheap is the new chic!
· Create your own Art Collection…..I absolutely love a fabulous wall of art! To avoid a mish-mosh of unrelated pieces and provide some consistency, try using all the same frames. By using simple & sophisticated frames the artwork can really shine in the room. To add a cohesive element, try keeping the art inside consistent as well…..Perhaps your children’s artwork or just black & white images.

Implementing these elements throughout your home will instantly provide a pulled-together thread that will echo in every room. It’s time that your home reflects who you are …..So let yourself look good in it! For more information please refer to my website,

http://www.ekbinteriors.com/.

“Life is a challenge, meet it! Life is a dream, realize it! Life is a game, play it! Life is Love, enjoy it!” -Sir Sathya Sai Baba

Photography by Steve Files

Cheap is Chic: Exceptional 'FINDS' on the Harbor

A Green State of Mind: Re-Use, Re-Purpose, Re-Cycle & Give Back
Sponsored by Boyd Interiors & REDO Tag Sales

Eileen Kathryn Boyd has acquired some amazing pieces in a vast inventory of treasures. She is now in the process of recycling and repurposing many of those one-of-a-kind items at her Cheap is Chic Tag Sale. Partnered with Celebrity Estate Planners, REDO Tag Sales “FINDS”, Eileen and her team have strategically created attainable luxuries at unbeatable price points. From the waterfront house to the boat in the drive-way to the fabulous accessories inside, everything is up for grabs. REDO strives to make the tag sale experience less of a passer-by event and more of a destination affair. This philosophy has helped them land many prestigious clients such as, The Alan King Estate, Helene Fortunoff, & Adele Puhn just to name a few.
What can you expect?
· Enticing Art
· Antique & Mid-Century Furniture
· Past Show House Furniture
· Custom-designed Eileen Kathryn Boyd pieces
· Amazing Lighting
· Accessories Galore
Perhaps the most important element of this Re-Use, Re-Purpose, Re-Cycle Sale is that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club in order to sponsor children in lower income areas and provide them with opportunities. Close to Eileen’s heart, this charity has served their community by offering a sanctuary and retreat to its children. Make an appearance at this community event….Enjoy the beauty of Huntington Harbor while indulging on some delicious delectable’s courtesy of our local merchants, Tastefully Simple & The Harbor Club.
Friday, June 26th – Sunday, June 28th
10:30 – 3:00
17 Woodland Drive
Huntington Bay, NY 11743
Contact: Susan & Mark, REDOINC@aol.com & Boyd Interiors, Baycrest@ekbinteriors.com

The Parties Over

The Kips Bay Decorator Show House has finally come to an end. It was heartbreaking to watch my show house room be dismembered yesterday, but my excitement to have been a part of it is still alive. I wanted to share some of my FAVORITE photo's from all the functions and party's.

Robin Gordon, Duralee Director of Marketing, and I at the President's Preview

Amy Lau and I with our two biggest fans, our Mother's.

My sister Nancy Tracy, Megan Cadematorie & myself at the Gala.

The wonderful & talented Plant Specialists with my mother and I at the Gala

Charles Pavarini, myself & Jamie Drake speaking at an IFDA Show House Event

Its all been so memorable and I am eager for the next big project to come my way. Stay tuned....

Life has been such a world-wind the past two months. Now that I've found a moment to catch my breath, I am realizing all that I need to catch-up on.

First things first, I am dying to walk through Bergdorf's....I am always so inspired by their shoe department. There are just so many amazing design ideas in high-end fashion and they really allow my mind to float outside the box.

Secondly and equally as important, I am excited to check out the International Contemporary Furniture Fair taking place at the Jacob Javits Center on May 16th through the 19th. After such a crazy-wonderful experience, like Kips Bay, I really need something to re-charge my design battery and it's just so much fun to explore these international concepts.

I have heard such wonderful reviews about the special exhibition at the MET, The Model As Muse: Embodying Fashion. The exhibit captures modeling over a period of 50 years, from 1947-1997. I can't wait to take my daughter!

Springtime in New York is always filled with such activity and inspiration. I am most excited to spend some quality time with my family and dig into some really great projects I have coming.

“Shutting off the thought process is not rejuvenating; the mind is like a car battery -- it recharges by running.” -Bill Watterson

Color Vibe

Every designer aspires to be invited to partake in the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse....It's definitely the Superbowl in the interior design world. When I found out in February that I was selected as one of only 30 designers, I was simultaneously thrilled and terrified. Thrilled to exercise my creativity in such a prestigious forum and terrified by the pressure to execute my vision in such a short time frame.

This room was all about color which was personified through the art, fabric choices, and every element in between. Stay tuned to my next blog for all the details behind the inspiration....

I would love for you all to stop by and check out all the fabulous rooms designed by this talented group. The Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse is located at 22 East 71st Street and runs through May 17th.
“Organize your life around your dreams - and watch them come true.”

IFDA Event for Kips Bay Show House

I am so excited to be a part of the Kips Bay panel discussion for the IFDA and in such amazing company! I will certainly have plenty of design anecdotes to divulge. Please visit my website for additional information regarding tickets....Hope to see you all there.

"It's lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges,

and I believed in myself." -Muhammad Ali

Spring Forward with Fashionable Fabrics

Who isn't tired of winter? It's time to usher in a spring frame-of-mind with these fresh hip fabrics from fashion icon Trina Turk.

I absolutely love her newly introduced line of indoor * outdoor fabrics for Schumacher Modern. Just think of all the practical possiblities!

If you are familiar with my aesthetic you will notice that fashion is threaded throughout my designs. I have always been a great admirer of her work and brilliant use of color. I was lucky to be loaned one of her hot orange peep-hole dresses for a photo shoot from one of my favorite Huntington boutiques, Rexer-Parkes.

Come into my showroom and get inspired by Trina's fabulous patterns and prints...A great way to get rid of the winter blues.

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's Party!" -Robin Williams