Tailor Made
Inside an english Manor–inspired buckhead abode, Michel Boyd designs fashion-forward interiors for a high-profile couple, adding serene sophistication to their busy lifestyles.
“I build rooms like wardrobes,” explains Michel Boyd of SmithBoyd Interiors. “The net result is a one-of-a-kind home that is a true reflection of who my clients are,” the Art Institute of Atlanta alum says. Originally from Louisiana, Boyd realized early on his love for fashion, textiles and furniture would be the perfect foundation for pursuing a career in interior design—and says he carefully considers his clients’ lifestyles when working on his projects.
For this Buckhead abode, Boyd worked from the outside in, having a hand in designing everything from the pool to the grounds. The clients, a pair of busy working parents, enjoy hosting fundraisers and meetings in their home, but they also wanted space to unwind from their hectic schedules. “It was important that the design lend itself to family activities and respective work tasks, in addition to hosting large formal dinners,” Boyd explains.
The designer selected a palate of mellow, neutral tones to amplify the home’s natural light. “In areas like the family room and kitchen, we took cues from the pool and used blue accents and a calming ceiling color,” he says. In the more personal spaces, such as the master bedroom and office areas, Boyd chose colors to reflect each tenant—but maintained the home’s continuous serenity.
For his hardworking clients, Boyd crafted separate retreat areas, converting an attic into a “gentleman’s quarters,” which boasts Mad Men-esque, midcentury modern swagger, including contemporary chairs from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams and custom rugs from SmithBoyd Interiors’ collection at Verde Home. To avoid obscuring the room’s source of natural light, Boyd customized a couch by Bradley to fit around a small window. He outfitted the wife’s office with lounge seating for meetings, along with thoughtful details such as a desk for her assistant, which he painted pink using Sherwin- Williams Dressy Rose. “The best function of this home is that there are spaces designated to meet each family member’s needs,” he says.
To add a layer of quiet luxury, Boyd intentionally designed the draperies and rugs to be cleanlined and uncomplicated. The panels (soft-fold Roman shades) and cornices are all constructed from silk fabrics, imbuing a subtle softness to each space. Like many of his design selections, the mood conveys a sophisticated ease and calming nature.