Q&A with Award-Winning Designer Michel Smith Boyd

Crate and Barrel has partnered with Architectural Digest to sponsor a room in their first-to-market virtual show house, The Iconic Home – brought to life by top-tier talent from the Black Interior Designers Network.

Tailored, balanced, bespoke—these are all words used to describe the work of award-winning designer, artist and creative director, Michel Smith Boyd, founder of SMITHBOYD Interiors and lifestyle brand, MSB. Renowned for his ability to design spaces that are luxe yet livable, Boyd is passionate about creating rooms that are as welcoming as they are stunning. We recently caught up with Michel to learn more about his work on the Iconic Home project, a collaboration between AD and the Black Interior Designers Network, and to find out his pro tips on creating calm spaces during uncertain times.

Can you tell us about the Iconic Home and how you became involved in this project?
The Iconic Home is an unprecedented collaboration between the Black Interior Designers Network and Architectural Digest via a virtual show house that celebrates the talent of Black architects, artisans and interior designers. I am a founding member of BIDN and a showhouse vet. The opportunity to represent during such an important political time with such an influential magazine was an obvious opportunity and a career highlight for me.

What was your inspiration for the spaces you designed in the Iconic Home?
My first inspiration was the beautiful architecture. The environment in its natural state is clean, thoughtful and intentionally minimal. I approached the space as if I was designing for a creative. I wanted visual interest from every angle/view.

Can you talk about how you achieve that balance of great design that is still approachable?
Incorporating natural materials into the interior landscape is the perfect way to ground a space and make a space feel more approachable.

We noticed that you chose the curvy Rouelle sofa to anchor the living room along with accent pieces that feature curves. What are you loving about curves?
In a space like this one, tall and rectangular, the curved Rouelle sofa was a perfect way to start creating balance in the room and complement the architecture. A well-designed room is definitely a balanced room.

Your living room design features a gorgeous mix of patterns and textures. Do you have any tips on pattern mixing like a pro?
I like pattern mixing in rooms the same way I do in fashion. It’s a necessary evil for truly custom interiors, but proceed with caution. As long as the patterns relate, compliment and evoke joy, I’m all for it.

What are the design trends you’re seeing for 2021 that you find most exciting?
The most exciting thing about designing in this time has to be our clients’ willingness to take more risks. We’ve all been forced to slow down a bit and the best side effect for our industry has been the depth of appreciation for home. We’re doing multiple renovations, and even revisiting old projects from a decade ago for a refresh!

Given the stressful times we’re living in, any advice on creating a calm home?
Calm at home starts with color. Choose one color that is the perfect backdrop/foundation for mood enhancement. Bringing the outdoors in, via plants or fresh flowers, is also key to adding great energy into your space.