Shay Geyer of IBB Design (ibbdesign.com) is a master at color theory, enriching spaces with bold, beautiful hues that catch the eye and calm the soul. It’s no wonder, then, that when tasked with creating a study for a man with style, she was able to take one bold, bright shade of blue and make it the focus of this serene space.

PHOTO BY DAN PIASSICK

A sleek, tobacco-hued leather executive chair allows the client to easily work from the writing desk, or swivel around to the built-in credenza behind him.

Plaid drapery panels bring some fresh pattern into the study, and a cowhide rug adds texture (and a touch of Texas!) to the room and ties together the casual masculine aesthetic.

First, a bright navy was selected to paint all of the paneling and built-ins for this study. To keep the room from feeling dark or cavernous, Geyer painted the inset of the coffered ceiling in a crisp white.

A pair of swivel chairs across from the client’s desk allows for extra seating in the room— and blue velvet pillows play off the blue walls.