Boston Home

A Raffles Boston Condo Trades Neutrals for Jewel Tones

Color, texture, and playful sophistication define a California couple’s New England pied-à-terre.

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Bright living room with large floor-to-ceiling windows offering a cityscape view. The room features a textured gray sofa with green armrests, a mustard yellow armchair with matching ottoman, a cream-colored rounded chair with a blue cushion, and a blue glass coffee table. A modern chandelier hangs from the ceiling, and a colorful rug with pink, yellow, and gray accents covers the floor. A small side table with a vase holding yellow billy balls is next to the armchair.

Photo by Somerby Jones

This article is from the spring 2026 issue of Boston Home. Sign up here to receive a subscription.

With one branch of their business in Boston, a California-based couple found themselves traveling frequently to the city. Growing tired of staying in hotels and wanting a more personal experience, they decided to purchase a condo at Raffles Boston. “Because they were coming here so often, they wanted something that was their own—comfortable, but also playful in a sophisticated way,” says interior designer Stephanie King. With larger, more neutral residences on the West Coast, the clients were eager to explore a different expression for their new home away from home. “They thought, ‘It’s not huge, so let’s do something fun that shows another side of our style,’” King adds.

Working from that mindset, King and her clients leaned into the interplay of color, material, texture, and shape. The open floor plan and sweeping Back Bay views offered a clean slate. “They loved the idea of keeping the walls and architecture very light and bright, so you could look past the furniture and still see the cityscape,” King explains. “But they also wanted splashes of color in the furnishings, accessories, and art.” After reviewing a range of fabrics, paints, and wallcoverings, the team homed in on rich greens, turquoises, and jewel tones, bold yet balanced choices that kept comfort front and center.

In the living room, the design is grounded by a custom Atelier rug, while a mustard Vladimir Kagan chair, a bouclé sofa upholstered in a custom woven fabric from Chapas Textiles, a magenta stool, and a turquoise lacquered coffee table establish a dynamic setting. “Everything packs a bit of punch instead of being just little moments of color,” King says. Custom walnut built-ins by Amuneal, complete with an antique mirror, integrated bar, and concealed storage, add multi-use functionality. In the adjacent dining area, an art piece from one of the couple’s California homes proved a natural fit, inspiring a trio of velvet dining chairs in pink, purple, and coral that deliver refined whimsy. Overhead, sculptural lighting by Lindsey Adelman and a mobile-inspired fixture from Holly Hunt provide playful movement between the two spaces.

Modern office space with large floor-to-ceiling windows covered by sheer gray curtains. A dark wooden desk holds a computer monitor, keyboard, mouse, and a purple orchid plant. A mid-century style chair with a brown leather seat and wooden legs is positioned at the desk. The floor features a colorful geometric patterned rug. To the right, a textured armchair with a blue cushion and a purple patterned pillow sits next to a small round side table with a purple top and gold base, holding a vase of flowers. A tall, slender floor lamp with a brass finish stands behind the armchair.

With a color palette that features dark maroons, deep purples, and graphite grasscloth wallpaper, the office/guest bedroom is a luxurious spot for both work and winding down. / Photo by Somerby Jones

A modern dining area with a rectangular table featuring gold legs and a light-colored top. Six velvet chairs in shades of pink, burgundy, and rust surround the table. A white vase with white flowers sits on the table. Above, a contemporary chandelier with multiple glass globes hangs from the ceiling. Behind the table, a large abstract painting in pastel pink, yellow, and gray tones is mounted on a white wall. The room also includes a green and beige textured sofa on the left, a bright yellow armchair on the right, and a blue glossy coffee table with two gold decorative trays in the foreground. The floor is dark wood, and a light-colored rug with a subtle pink border is partially visible.

In the dining room, three chairs in different velvets— featuring tones of pink, purple, and coral—deliver a playful yet elegant look. / Photo by Somerby Jones

In the client’s office, which doubles as a guest room, King shifted the mood. “We designed a custom walnut-and-brass Murphy bed with storage on either side,” she notes. Charcoal grasscloth wraps the walls, continuing a color-blocking approach. “We stayed within a very specific palette of charcoal, turquoise, and burgundy-esque accents; you’ll see it in the rug, the purple side table, and the lacquered desk.” The primary bedroom offers a more serene expression of color while remaining connected to the rest of the residence. “They wanted it to feel soft and elegant,” King says. Because it’s a confined space, a custom bed designed by Masterpiece extends across the wall, incorporating brass nightstands. “We wanted everything to have a big presence.” Subtle injections of purple and pink also allowed the team to mix atypical combinations, while custom-blown pendants from Jeremy Maxwell Wintrebert add a warm glow.

Throughout the home, King’s approach creates distinct moods that feel cohesive rather than compartmentalized. “Every space gives a hint of what comes next,” she concludes. “Each room has its own energy, but they connect together as a whole.”

A modern bedroom corner featuring a wooden nightstand with a yellow drawer, a round glass vase holding eucalyptus branches, and a bed with a dark green upholstered headboard. The bed is dressed with white sheets, a light green textured pillow, and a multicolored striped pillow. Above the bed hangs an abstract painting in muted tones of gray, beige, yellow, and blue. A pendant light with a half white, half brown glass shade hangs above the nightstand. The wall behind is painted in a soft gray-green color with subtle texture.

The serene and soft primary bedroom is ideal for relaxation and revitalization. Muted greens and rose, along with a warm touch of brass, serve as a tranquil space for the homeowners. / Photo by Somerby Jones

Modern kitchen with light wood cabinetry and a white marble countertop island. Two wooden bar stools with brass legs are positioned at the island. On the island, there is a clear glass vase with purple flowers, a small blue bowl, and two larger bowls filled with green apples and pears. The backsplash is white marble, matching the countertop, and the floor is dark wood. Two brass ceiling light fixtures with exposed bulbs are visible.

Clean lines, understated fixtures, and stylish stools give the kitchen an inviting aesthetic. / Photo by Somerby Jones

Bathroom countertop with a rectangular white sink, a wall-mounted stainless steel faucet, and a large mirror reflecting a blue and gray floral patterned wall. A small glass vase with purple flowers and a perfume bottle are placed on the marble countertop. A modern wall sconce with a clear glass globe is mounted next to the mirror.

In the bathroom, pops of color are embraced, and their use balances the boldness, moodiness, and softness, which flow effortlessly from space to space throughout the home. / Photo by Somerby Jones

Builder The Lagasse Group
Interior Designer Stephanie King Design

First published in the print edition of Boston Home’s Spring 2026 issue, with the headline “East Coast Expression.” 

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