Boston, Massachusetts apartment

Bostonians are known for having more staid, conservative tastes than their “flashy” New York or West Coast neighbours. But this flat, in one of the oldest parts of the city, gleefully throws New England tradition out the window. The owner loves strong colour, exuberant pattern and luxurious textures, so we gave her plenty of each.

The open-plan family areas have a peacock blue and chartreuse scheme with patterned curtains and rugs.  The master bedroom, while styled in more neutral browns and greys, has bold patterned wallpaper and curtains in the same hues.

But if designers are allowed to have “favourite children”, ours has to be the Tiffany-themed bedroom. Accessorised with crystal and faux fur, it has an Audrey Hepburn-like elegance that even the most conventional Bostonian can appreciate.