Michel Smith Boyd is becoming a force to be reckoned with on HGTV.

“All I could think was, ‘What a fun place to play!'”

Suddenly, Boyd’s vision became clear, and he could see the path before him.

Michel Smith Boyd smiling

Within the year, Boyd left NYC and began studying interior design at the Art Institute of Atlanta.

“It’s another tactile experience that contributes to the luxury experience and is visually stunning.

Our clients have been really surprised by how it looks.”

Michael Smith Boyd smiling

Boyd, however, relishes the challenge of expanding a skeptical client’s design horizons.

“It’s about making smart design choices,” he toldAtlanta Magazine.

Michel Smith Boyd has become a firm believer in the latter practice.

Michel Smith Boyd posing

“I am notoriously creative, and also notoriously crappy at managing that business part.”

That fee structure changed after a few years in business and continues to evolve as Boyd’s business does.

According to Boyd, it became difficult to keep track of hours spent on a design project.

Michel Smith Boyd in baseball cap

Boyd was partnered with Anthony Elle, a product developer on “Luxe for Less.”

“Luxury for us means knowing how to spend the money and how to create an experience.”

He was also honored to be chosen for the series.

Cast of HGTV’s Rock the Block

“It’s one of the biggest shows on the internet.”

After his victory, Boyd shared his personal advice to future “Rock the Block” competitors.

“Rest up before you come,” he toldHGTV.

Michel Smith Boyd arranging flowers

“Expect the unexpected.

Give it 100%, leave nothing on the table.”

“I wasn’t this confident at all when I first graduated,” he admitted.

Michel Smith Boyd smiling

While Boyd’s confidence has certainly grown, so too have the sources from which he draws inspiration.

“So if you don’t get it, I didn’t do my job.”

“It’s much less expensive,” Boyd declared.

Barbie and Ken with Dreamhouse in background

He was then able to order a new replacement panel, saving big bucks.

“It takes a little work, but it’s your home,” he noted.

“Barbie has been around since 1959, with over 200 careers and multigenerational fans,” he added.

Michel Boyd Smith mirror selfie

“So each team has a decade to be inspired by.”

“My personal style is ever evolving,” he explained in an interview withChairish.

Recalling some of his earlier designs, Boyd is definitely not looking back through nostalgia-tinged rose-colored glasses.

Michel Smith Boyd while filming

“I literally cringe at some of the past choices I made,” he admitted.

Originally hailing from Louisiana, Southern style continues to be an influence that shapes his design philosophy.

“Louisiana is the capital of ‘extra.’

Michel Smith Boyd closeup selfie

We call itlagniappe!”

“I want to feel like it’s for me,” he said.

I want to be able to see a little bit of my personality."

Michel Smith Boyd with paintings

Bravo viewers may recall that back in 2018 Boyd starred in “Buying It Blind.”

Back then, he was still becoming accustomed to being referred to as a “celebrity” designer.

That was the case when Boyd took Andre Jordan Hilton under his wing.

When he finally met Boyd at an industry event, Hilton decided to forego subtlety.

That was the case with Briana Mercado.

“Landing an internship with him was a dream job!”

she wrote, praising him as a “design genius.”

In an interview with Black Enterprise, Boyd was asked how he makes himself stand out from other designers.

“I don’t water down my presentation for no one.”

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