While Michelle Sanchez–Boyce of Simplicity Designs in New Rochelle studied design and marketing in college, she spent the next 15 years in the music business, marketing such artists as Whitney Houston and Jamie Foxx. When she switched gears, her first interior-design job was for Sean Combs (“P. Diddy” to her) and she still has a client roster of musicians and artists, as well as civilians. Here are a few of her favorite things.
Mid-Century Modern
Sanchez–Boyce found this cool brass sculpture at Consign It on Main in New Rochelle, one of her favorite secret sources (shhh, don’t tell). It hangs on her bedroom wall. “My home was built in 1959 at the top of the mid-century modern era and the sculpture is a 1960 mid-century modern piece, so it’s a perfect fit. I especially like the brushed brass color.”
Rustic Retreat
This reclaimed-wood armoire with brass handles and foldaway doors was purchased at ABC Carpet & Home 10 years ago; TV and electronics are tucked discreetly inside.
Wiggle Room
“Frank Gehry designed the Wiggle Chair in 1972. How cool is it that, after so many years, it still looks really funky and it’s functional?”
Mod Makeover
The silk velvet settee (also found at Consign It on Main) worked fine in Sanchez–Boyce’s previous home, but not in her contemporary living room. She had it reupholstered to “make it look sexy and new. I wanted a chic effect, and black patent leather felt right.”
Super Boy
Based on the Ferro Lad comic books from the 1960s (the inspiration for her two-year-old son Ferro’s name), the artist Sueworks created a series of paintings to jazz up the room. “Ferro Lad was supposed to be the first black superhero. While that didn’t happen, I like the way this art reflects the hip-hop scene.”
Easy Lighter
London designer Tom Dixon’s work is inspired by motorcycles—in this case, motorcycle helmets. The Mirror Ball light fixture is one of Dixon’s iconic lighting designs. “I bought it at ABC Carpet & Home. I thought the lights were cool and edgy.”
Mixed Media
This original ‘50s chair, covered in cowhide, gets a natty new look, thanks to the eye-popping yellow patent-leather pillow Sanchez–Boyce designed. “I like to mix different eras and different styles and make them work together harmoniously.”
