apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

wow, very bright and happy and personal. the bed facing the windows instead of the entrance is interesting.

I love the color and coziness of this house, the nifty closet office, and I think the writing for this post is fun and funny!

LOVE the colors... but I have to ask: how can you sit on the couch with all the pillows there?

I love it love it love it. AND I grew up playing with those zebra/giraffe/etc blocks in the first photo. Anyone know where to get them nowadays? My son would love them.

Really lovely place, and the sweet puppy too. :) 3 cupcakes for sure.

Thanks for the enjoyable house tour. The little dog reminds me of the Gold Bug in the Richard Scarrey book

This space is fun, vibrant, and cozy. I love it! That dog is sooo cute...I guess he/she wanted to model. :-)

Did I count five couches? Wow.

I like your color choices.

GREAT colors. you love your home and it shows. love it!

Nice place.

That couch in the dining room is fabulous as is your entire house. The daybed/lantern set up with the ottoman really utilizes that shape of the room and looks so inviting. All the brights make it look clean and fresh rather than overwhelming... Decadent minimalism!

{Wow, what a mash note. I guess I really liked it...}

OK, I want to fly you to DC to do my place!

ok u win. that puppy, i love her and wanna squish her.

Wow, I think it looks incredible. and to think half of its probably been moved into a whole new incredible since the pictures were taken. Can we have a weekly house tour to see the changes?!

I LOVE IT!! I wish i had that red rug in the living room! Kudos to you for doing your own thing!

Wow, I live in JP as well. Kyle, your style is amazing. Brilliant!

Oh, and the kitchen cabinets....Fierce!!!!!!!

Appealing and striking color choices! I can relate to the issues you raised in your 'challenge' section. Would love to see/read a few detailed examples of how you dealt with this. Great style, great design - one of the more unique entries, I think.

Shout out too JP! I lived there too - and I love your color choices. Lovely home - and the cutest pic of a dog hidden behind furniture! LOVE IT!

ok, I'm nitpicking, but it's "the romance between my home and me" not I

otherwise, very cool post!

I always have an issue with the practicality of that many pillows on a sofa, but they're so beautiful and colorful, I'd just sit somewhere else and admire them! Bright and beautiful space. Love it.

Go JP!!! I've lived in JP for 3 years and love it! Your apartment looks so fun and inviting! Also, it was a pleasure to read your entry, which was very well-written and entertaining. The only real negative for me is the almost oppressive number of pillows on the daybeds...such a large fraction of my life would be spent rearranging the pillows after people got up that I would have to quit my job!

Nothing says Boston more than a triple decka. Great job.

I love your place! The colors are wonderful and warm and your layout is awesome! If I knew you, I would be one of those friends pushing my way in to see what you've done with your place. It cracked me up that your poochie had to get in every picture...I live with a pooch that always has to get into the pic too. Your place is very inspiring, and I love all the pillows...wish my mom could sew!

Part of me loves this . . . and part of me thinks it's overly staged and I can't breathe.

I'm Loving Foxy Cleopatra , I took the liberty because she is indeed foxy. I love JP and your house is such a JP house, Love it!

Kyle, here...

Thank you so much for your enthusiasm about my place! It's such a treat to read your responses. I thought I should do some "damage control" about the pillow issue. I was afraid this might happen ;-) The daybeds are super deep (bed width) so as soon as you sit down the pillows smoosh backwards and give you a perfect amount of back support. It's like falling into a giant puddle of softness. In fact, once your down it's hard to leave.

Thanks! I'm happy to answer any questions...
Kyle

Good stuff, don't be so apologetic! I don't think you need to dial it back as you suggest.

Bonus cupcake for doing it in my sister's hood. Hyde Park represent!

brilliant!

The decor isn't what I would usually characterize as "my style," but I love it! Wonderful job.

Gorgeous style--I want to live in this home...and yes, very well written explanation of your taste and approach.

I am so suprised at the fact that pieces that I would never look at twice look so perfect here- ie the west elm daybed.

Go JP!!! Count me as another Bostonian transplant in NYC who is very proud. This apt makes me really happy- its just lovely.

GA! I can't get into the slideshow and I want to see more, more, more! Way to go bold; I really love it.

The info in your post on where you source stuff is also super helpful. Can anyone else vouch for Boomerangs or another thrift shop in the Boston area?

the slide show isn't working. I am really sad cause I want to see the rest of the apt. It is great.

slendiferrous! are you subletting? what a yummy space. props to your ma, the pillows rule. the space has a unifying feel, each room relates well with the next. it also takes full advantage of seemingly omnipresent daylight. i feel nappish just writing about it. i'm not a big one for bold colors, but they blend so easily into each space, adding a warm effect. great job. look forward to more kyle. what's wrong with the poochie? he seems lost :P

I too am a serial re-arranger. It's an ongoing joke with my sambo (live in BF for you non-swedes) and all my friends. To hear that you've made a business out of it really inspires me!

I think your home looks fun and warm and I bet you throw a hell of a party!

JulesDC, I have the same West Elm daybed covered in even more pillows, which I spent days sewing. Kyle is right -- with its twin-sized mattress, it's definitely a case of "the more pillows, the better." Not to mention you can make a really comfy little nest.

It's so happy and vibrant! I think you did an amazing job.

Finally, me likey!

Those colors are the perfect antidote for Boston winter!

Grrr... I haven't been able to get any AT slideshows to work all day today. Grr. Anyhow, I like what I see in the two teaser pics, and I really had to comment that I like your writing style (although you misspelled 'refrigerator'). Based on writing alone, you're probably my favorite finalist so far.

I can't get the slideshow either and am very disappointed about that but I love the photos above.

Your writing is terrific too (but you need to proofread) - Boston rocks.

Boo to the slide show not opening! I just moved out of JP in the last year and miss it (but live in a chocolate factory now, so who am I to complain?!) heaps. Your apartment totally represents the funkiness of JP, I love it (well, what I've seen...but I'll be checking back until the slide show is up again).

Great place!

The natural light you love won't love your textiles back - be careful or that Turkman / Afghan rug is gonna fade!

Great color, great space...I too cannot wait to get a peek at the rest of your space and decor...I have a hunch it is worth waiting for...hopefully, there will also be more pix of Cleopatra
Lizzie

Great pictures... but somehow I am just a little disillusioned that a lot of these blogs focuses on the extravagant, much like yours. There seems to be nothing for the average person, or the average class of person. I wish that someones blog would focus less on the "shock" factor of design. This isn't because your design isn't not my thing, but it just worries me that your never content with what you do either. Maybe something more tame is something that would work better then the extreme.

Sorry for the double negative above.. typo on my part! :)

slideahow doesn't work...
but enough pics to get the gist of the place.
Fun and happy, well put together place.
Well done!

kfreeboie, the dog looks like you. The house looks great. I love the fabric on the wall. It's a great idea. Keep it up!!!!
-gertrude

Excellent! I loved every single picture in the set. Your home is so cosy and airy at the same time! This is one of my very favorite homes I've seen on AT.

I think this look is great. Who makes the turquoise rug on your deck?

I finally got the slideshow to work, thank goodness! I think I'm in love... with your house. It's so vibrant and gorgeous! I love it all! Maybe I missed it, but what's the source for that awesome rawhide picture in the bedroom? My bedroom has gone to the dog too. :)

I think it's gorgeous and the colors are somehow "in" and yet, the combination seems sort of unique, too. I'm kind of coveting the sewing room, for some reason, even though I barely know how to use my sewing machine.

But I think that big bold "faux sectional" really does transcend it's West Elm-ness, and I don't mean that as any kind of diss to West Elm at all. I just think that having three of them is somehow just right in this space. I'm not usually a such a huge fan of those big round paper lanterns, but I'm kind of wowed by what you've done with them.

There are lots of clear, broad statements, and yet nuanced details that seem to tell little stories.

To the person who seems sad that you're "never satisfied", I think they may just not get that you're just passionate. I think you should be flattered that they seem to think it's too idealistic, because if they really paid attention, I think they'd see that many of your elements are pretty accessible.

Congratulations on a swell space and good luck in the finals!

What an engaging and delightful home; it's one of the best I've seen this year. That living room is a fantastic use of a fantastic space - it's just made for gatherings of friends - the the colour palette is unusual but perfect. The kitchen has a wonderful use of colour and form, and the rugs throughout the house are simply exquisite.

I must say, however, that you either have too many identical little white dogs, or your one little white dog is a camera whore. It may need professional help.

Oh, such a lovely home! Full of color, warmth and 'I-want-to-live-here' feel!

Bhavna

What a great home! I really love the light, it's beautiful. Loving the colors as well. Amazing.

I love this place. The colours and textures are very inviting, and I like your modifista approach. This is encouraging and inspiring.

holy geez what a beautiful, comfy place. a quirky eccentric mix of do's and don'ts that perfectly illustrate why the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. but i love the parts, even the ones i shouldn't. everything in its' place i guess. like a system that works well. a body. you can't argue about an appendix; doesn't do anything but you still want it there.

heartbreaking to change it up, but an amazing extension of your thinking, it seems to me...and if your mind keeps spinning, well, no rest for the weary. is it the search for perfection that drives you...?

Love your beautiful home! My only constructive criticism with the post is that my favorite slideshows have descriptive captions...captions would have improved the experience for me....but you still got 3 cupcakes from me.

Yo Kyle! Haven't seen your place in a while but it looks fabulous. Looks like you've been a busy little bee and you have the coolest hive on the street. But then again, your place always looks amazing in all it's carnations. That sounded funny.

What a happy home! Love the color and simplicity of decor. You've got quite a talent. 3 cupcakes and more for you. (I've got a sweet tooth!) Can't wait to see more of your creativity in the months ahead.

is the slideshow not working for anyone else? i've been trying to get it to work unsuccessfully for two days :(

Hi, it's Kyle, here again.

I want to answer a few questions/comments that have popped up.

The slideshow snafu - I'm sorry about this problem; it's related to the overall technical problems that the AT site has been having over the past 24 hours. I hope you keep trying!

Figs - I bought that porch rug from Gaiam. It's made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. I just checked their site (www.gaiam.com) and they're not selling that exact rug anymore but there are some similar ones. (Search for "Reversible All-Weather Floor Mat")

Shayshay213 - The rawhide painting is also by my friend, James Pintar. He can be reached at jimpintar@yahoo.com.

Curtis - Thank you for recognizing that my constant rearrangement is a source of fun and creativity! The process itself is very meditative and relaxing for me. Sometimes it's more about the creative process than the end result.

Thanks to everyone for taking the time to share your thoughts - it gives me a lot to think about!

Kyle

Your apartment is a real pick me up and very unique. You have a real talent. I do have to agree with hollyniece as well.

GORGEOUS! I love the colors how everything flows together so nicely. It looks as though there was a built in hutch in the dining room that now acts as an archway through to the living room--or am I looking at it wrong? Also, where did you get that awesome wallpaper in the sewing area? You have a wonderful home, Kyle!

Great colors. Great space!

I love the colors, keeps the place sunny inside evene when its not outside. You're inspiring me to get out the ladder and rollers and freshen up may place. Lot's of great ideas here. Nice work!

What an inviting, delightful home. I want to look at those pictures over and over again, and imagine I could spend hours wandering around the house with that handsome little dog, enjoying colors/light/shadows/textures/found treasures/prized items throughout the day. If I lived here I would never want to leave the house!

very, very impressive, and so thoughtfully articulated and
presented

I love the number of places to recline! Especially the little window sofa! The arrangement of this apartment somehow simultaneously satisfies the elements of fun, relaxation and intense order in a most harmonious and deeply pleasing way. Love love love it - I want you to come to my house and do the same thing (please??)

Vibrant,refreshing, & truely exciting, to tour your house & experience your artistic & creative arrangements.....added bonus, was your sharing of how & where you obtained your materials.I enjoyed the color,styles & arrangements & look forward to more of your work !

stunning use of color, saturated and contrasty without becoming gaudy. Nice attention to detail and all the nooks. I wonder what it looks like when it is messy??? Nice to see what can be achieved on a low budget! It would be great to get more info on inspiration - clearly intuition is central for you, but there must be places you go when you need a fix?! Also would be interested in hearing more about your philosophy on choosing art and how that adds or subtracts from the look and feel.

Oh my goodness, I absolutely ADORE it! I love the wonderful bright colors mixed with the simple light woods, the pretty whimsical paper lanterns and fairy lights, the beautiful vintage looking art prints, and the adorable little dog!

Absolutely beautiful!

man, i love what those pillows do for the place. and what a beautiful kitchen.

Hi Kyle,

I just love the colores. Especially, during the long winter months a very refreshing view. Alltogether very stylish.
Fabulous job!

Wow Kyle thank you for sharing! Your home is beautiful. The colors are so rich and so uplifting. I really like the ease of lounging and by that I mean you are never far from an inviting sofa. I like your use of little white lights, especially in the bathroom. I would have trouble leaving my home if it were this cozy, fun and effortlessly put together. Are your Cloud 9 Organize and Redesign services available outside of the Boston area? I hope so!

The is a real sense of fun and energy here

The light and warmth, that the slideshow images of your apartment portray, almost present a chiaroscuro element in your approach to design and yet there are no 'dark' areas to speak of: instead velvety flavors of madras prevail.

I love the view from your office desk that allows you to gaze into a couple of other rooms. It creates a landscape of shapes and colors to comtemplate while you plan your day. And from what you say in your article about how you like to move things around within your rooms, then the landscape view from your office desk is constantly changing. BRILLIANT!

Bottom line: I loved it.

Thanks, Kyle.

Wow, this post made me SO envious of your space and SO nostalgic for Jamaica Plain (I lived there for 3 years). Now I'm going to have to check out that town-wide yard sale you mentioned...
Bravo on some very rich colors and excellent balance in your design. Have you been to the store Nomad in Porter Square? Seems like it would really fit with your aesthetic.

how many pillows does the dog's bed have? I love the space !

Wow...all I can say is wow. This apartment is so tastefully done, with unique pieces - such as the ribbon-like light fixture in the last photo. I love the cool whites and the splashes of colors in the pillows/window dressings/paint. It's absolutely gorgeous and the photos are very inspirational for me because I'm trying to get some ideas for my own apartment. Very Creative!!!

Once again you have shown us that eclectic is the way to go. All I need to know now is - where can I find one of those darling white puppies! Everything is so cheery - yet functional. Keep coming up with those wonderful ideas!

You have the best sense of color EVER.

I want to live in this home. It is wonderful. Thanks for sharing. It is great you have started a business to help others achieve such warmth in their home.

that rug really ties the room together. the color in the pillows is so inviting. i just want to lounge and lounge and lounge.

Wow, Kyle. I am so impressed and so inspired. What a sweet, happy home. Thank you for sharing it!

I love you sense of color...but also your strong sense of shape. I feel I 'm thinking differently now about some things I want to try in my place. Thanks for sharing.

I'm loving the bright colors, beautiful pillows and decorating pizazz in Kyle's sunny, bright apartment! Looks like a fun place to live (or visit). Lucky me -- she's doing my redesign soon! Yes, it's three cupcakes for Kyle....

Now that I've seen the slideshow, I've added all the pictures to my style tray. This is what inspiration looks like!

My bf would balk at the number of pillows, but they look like pure feed-me-grapes luxury to me. Really, it's wicked awesome!

I am extremely inspired. You have taken simple elements and made them into a rather spectacular environment... that's totally livable and doesn't want to just be looked at. Nice work. I really enjoy reading your posts. I look forward to the next one!

Awesome. But I'm a sucker for a comfy couch. I'd be too afraid to have a white one...but you make it look awfully tempting.

A floor from a Boston triple decker can get very cookie-cutter in look. Sometimes the many I have been in run together in my head. You've done so much with this one to add color, texture, variety. This is one I could walk in and remember a long time. I also like your honesty about being nervous showing your place. You shouldn't have been though!

such an inviting ,sunlight filled getaway.As a mother of two boys and a puppy, it is now one of my fantasies...
Heather

WOW. Kyle, your place is gorgeous!!! I love the colors! I think my walls are a similar green to yours, but you've actually achieved the look I dream about, and keep failing to achieve.

Your place is beautiful and the colors are fantastic. But what's with so many couches?

I want to lounge there and scratch doggy, have a latte in the kitchen. Who could work in such a place? I'd sit around and happily read for hours, and nap in the lap of comfort. I must have you come to give me some advice. You're so creative on a slim budget. Go girl.

Great use of space! So warm and welcoming! I'm so nosey...I noticed your windows share the view of your neighbor's windows. Do you notice neighbors attracted to your colorful interior as they look out their windows? Now...what about the bathroom? What could someone with your creativity create in a 1907 bathroom? So glad you posted this! More posts in the future? Hint-Hint.

Lovely living space. Excellent presentation. Informative and entertaining description. What more could one ask! I loved looking at the pictures. Yours really looks like a place for friends and fun.

Wow. Thanks for sharing your space like this. It's so warm and sunny. Being an Arizona desert rat I love the bright warm sunny colors. I love your descriptions of what you used to 'substitute' for other higher end things. I'm on a limited budget, as well as being eco-conscious and your ideas are helpful on both respects. I'm interested in trying out some fabric on the walls in my own space (among other things that sure beats having to re-paint later!).

Your writing is fun and your pup is a cutie!

This is a tremendously talented writer--so congenial and lacking in self-consciusness. Loved reading everything she wrote.
But I loved the rooms just as much! Every single image gave me a jolt of joy--extraordinary taste and imagination!

I liked your place before but WOW. You have done some WONDERFUL renovations to your home. Nice use of color...as always, innovative ideas of how to reuse pieces...as always, you've captured the light...essential as always, you are incredible...as always!!!! Thanks for inspiration. Once I get my place, am enlisting your ideas!!

I don't find the colors overly girly--on the contrary, I find them very gender-neutral, albeit bright. Kyle has landed on a green she loves (I never met a green I didn't like), and mixed it liberally with red without seeming Christmasy, and bright blue, etc. without seeming preppy. It's a gift.

With the coming of cheaper and cheaper LED lights, you should be able to indulge your white light thing with less impact on your c.footprint pretty soon. Anyway, it's offset by all the recycling you do...

I, too, am a serial rearranger. I heard a term for our syndrome on the BBC: CFR, Compulsive Furniture Rearranging

Incredible use of color and space; beautifully unique taste!

My best friend and former house-mate from J.P. sent me this post to look at, convinced that you live in our old house. We called it "The House of Light" (next door was "the House of Doom). Does the claw-foot tub have any residual magenta paint on it? I loved that place almost as much as my current home in CA. I have old photos of the place (or one with the IDENTICAL layout). That kitchen sink, that bathroom, that view of the roof out the back kitchen window...Is it possible? Do you have the coolest phone number in the Boston area to boot? That was another redeeming quality. I esp. love that the old fixtures were maintained and are integrated into your color explosion.

H

The color scheme - the acid or lime green and red are, super saturated but very, very joyous. I also loved the turquoise on the porch, turquoise and lime are delicious. The apartment looks loved and lived in, two important qualities for every living space.

Ahh...how nice to see bright and vivid colors in this city that skips the Spring, and keeps us wrapped in blankets until the end of April, sometimes...thanks for bringing some magic into our lives, by sharing the interior of your apartment!

Nice apartment Kyle! Can me and my family come stay there? Forever? The cabinets in the kitchen are cool. This is a great space. Are you available as an interior designer?

I love the work!

Kyle,
Your apartment is incredible. I love your use of color - makes me happy to just watch the slideshow. Best of luck in your endeavors. Can you give this advice on line?

Get out that light from under the barrel!
Lois

I love every single inch of it. Also, regarding little white lights: where I live, it's ALL LED lights - white included, and in different tones, no less (they've got warm-tone white ones that really do come a lot closer to the real thing, as well as extra-blue-y ones for those that just can't get enough of it.) I don't know how much luck you'd have finding them this time of year, but if Canadian Tire ships to MA, come the holidays, they're bound to have more of them than you know what to do with!

I haven't even looked at all the photos yet, but voted three cupcakes because this was a delight to read. It is natural sharing and just oozes enthusiasm.

Kyle here...again.

It's such an honor to read all your comments and I want to tackle some of your questions.

Sleek: The red rug in the living room is a Craigslist treasure! I will say that shopping for rugs on Craigslist takes an extra amount of patience and persistence but it's worth it!

PaulaM: The built-in hutch isn't a pass-through. Instead of decorations, I decided to put a mirror in front of the hutch shelves to reflect the bank of windows on the opposite wall. The "wallpaper" on the wall in my studio is fabric from Zimman's Fabric in Lynn. (My third finalist post for AT Boston is a profile of Zimman's!)

je: You asked me to share more about inspiration and there's a lot I could share but I'll keep it brief. One thing I realized from your prompting is that I'm really inspired by...temperature and light. As a frustrated tropical gal imbedded in Boston, it's mandatory for me to use warm colors and even when I use cool colors they must be the warm versions of cool. In terms of stores where I go for design inspiration, Anthropologie is on the top of my list. Sometimes I stop in, not to buy, but to check out their ingenious visual merchandising. Last time I was there, they had this amazing wall artwork made from old silver spoons grouped together in the shape of a bird. And for your question about art and how it adds to the feel of a space...in a place like mine that does include a lot of mass-produced stuff, I think it's so critical to incorporate handmade art, whether it's from a thrift shop or my favorite artist. It gives my spirit something human and personal to connect with and every time I look at my art I notice something new. Art and inspiration...two topics that warrant blogs unto themselves!

Bergittavegen: You asked if my business extends beyond Greater Boston. Well, if you happen to hail from Austin, TX, I'm there. Though I've never been, I have fantasies of moving there.

IAGRL: You mentioned concern about living with white couches. The good thing about my Ikea comforters- turned-daybed covers: they're washable!

hahenry72: I'm intrigued to figure out if you used to live in this house. Sadly, I haven't seen remnants of magenta paint on the clawfoot tub. More clues?

Poge0822: You refer to "get that light out from under the barrel" and I have no idea what you're alluding to. Help?

Thank you so much...
Kyle

Wow - Kyle what a great write up of the feel of your place! Loved reading about your thinking & inspiration - looking forward to you next post!
Annetruro

my mother is an artist, and my father is an engineer. there is something nutty and awkward about growing up in a home decked out by such a combo - but let me tell you that it sure as a heck makes me appreciate a space that is intuitive, inspiring and nurturing all in one. Kyle's apt - having never set foot there, even, i feel absolutely sure about this - seems like a space where living happens with minimal snafus and maximum creativity.

it is calming to look at, but it also seems designed for being; making dinner, dancing a jig, getting home exhausted. since i tuned out my parents' conversations about furniture arrangements at an early age, i don' know the words, concepts or logic behind how she accomplished this. but i'm jealous.

Kyle - It seems like you've created a great base of furniture pieces with which to work given your inclination towards changing your home on a weekly basis, as you describe in your own comments. With your collection of neutral furntiure pieces -- the white couches and the pale wheat kitchen counters -- I bet you have a grand old time changing up the color in the rooms. And the mix of textures is also pretty darn cool as well.

Wow...who knew red, orange, brown and blue could all work together in one room!

this is the coolest apartment i've ever seen ever...times ten

thanks a ton for posting!

Kyle, What a transformation it must be to walk into your space, especially on those dreary Fall/Winter days in N.E. The colors and light really do work! Love it.

Kyle

Your home is a delight to see and an inspiration to all of us who love color.

Question - can you tell us more about your "clusters" of paper lanterns? Does each have its own cord and plug? If so, how on earth did you plug that many into one outlet? A surge protector?

Thanks!

FF

Your place looks wondefull - each and every part of it!
I love the fact that you used some Ikea products but it did not scream Ikea. I liked how you created sml areas by using floating shelves and material etc. We can all learn a lot from your pics. Thank you!

Kyle here...

FF, to answer your question about how I rigged the paper lanterns: Each set of three lanterns is draped over a hanging plant bracket mounted to the window trim. Then 3 light cords are plugged into one extension cord, which is plugged into one dimmer cord switch ("Dimma" from Ikea) which is plugged into a surge protector. That's the set-up for both sets of 3 lights. So all I have to do is turn on one dimmer switch on each side of the room to activate the lights, and adjust for mood!

Thanks!
Kyle

Great use of colors to create vibrant spaces with great vibes

i love the variety of shapes and colors that you use in your designs

great work

I love how you light the rooms,

your colors can be very calming, but at the same time very vibrant.

The beauty of your house is irresistable and the colors are simply scrumptious. Your lighting choice is brilliant.

kyle, your houses beauty blew me away

the instant i saw your house i was inspired, you must be a very good artist.

your house is amazing, blazing with the briliance of a thousand sun's

Hi there. This is the real Mbotemama here. My daughters and their friends were on my computer and decided to add all their comments- not knowing that all their comments would come out under my name. Sorry for any confusion. We all discussed your beautiful choices at dinner. Thanks for giving us great conversation.

WOW! YOU ARE THE WINNER in my most humble opinion! Your JP home looks like a TOTAL "pick-me-up bouquet" kind of a place where anyone would love to visit and stay forever! Comfortable and welcoming in every detail! Thanks for inviting us in, Kyle!

After viewing other entries in the same category, something stood out in my head: in addition to Kyle's playing of light, lighting and colors that make her submission stand out, the importance of sustainablity and green-awareness permeates Kyle's work.

Comprehension of these vital issues, and how to live them, seems to show up in how Kyle expresses herself and in how she moves through projects.

Whether it's in her choice of that remarkable porch carpet that was made from recycled plastic bottles, or in her use of mirrors to help reflect more light from windows into a room adding warmth, or in her ability to bring new life to furnishings and accessories already present in a home generating a cohesive end result that's pleasing to the eyes, heart and soul.

Kyle's got it, and she can communicate it to others!

It's a daring thing to open your personal home environment, and the work that brings you so much pleasure and satisfaction, to the scrutiny of the public. It's my opinion that she's pulling it off wonderfully.

In response Kyle's thoughts that it all may seem 'too girly,' one blogger countered and said something about it being 'gender neutral.' As a guy, I agree with that observation.

Seeing that the Boston area is famous for it's student population, a population that's perhaps more attuned to environmental issues summed up by the single word "sustainablity," who is better suited than Kyle to continue producing relevant and helpful insights to the Boston area community on Apartment Therapy!

It's right up her alley! She seems to live and breath it!

Good luck, Kyle. Looking forward to your next entry!

Kyle,
I love your sense of color and especially all the RED!! It is warm and cozy and bold and brassy! And you seem to have the ability to see the "potential" in things ...like couches from day beds??
You have a gift!
Liz

I am insanely in love with your place! The color use is refreshing, bright- looks amazing with the combination of natural light and yet not jarring- strong colors combined with the neutrals- magnificiant! I would move in today!

Hi Kyle,

Thanks for another great post. Your place looks amazing. I love the rich, saturated colors. You've inspired me to do some redecorating!

Does your dog realize how lucky she is to live in such a soothing environment? I'm already looking more boldly at my own space, thinking what I can do to achieve a similar feeling. You are very talented... dare I suggest a FOUR cupcake designer! Thanks for sharing your home and opening yourself up. My mood is lifted...

absolutely amazing. i love the bold use of color and shape. just touring through the slideshow gave me the feeling that the apartment is filled with vibrant energy - but at the same time, there were photos of little nooks and rooms that are comfortable and calming. truly inspiring - great job!!

I'm so inspired by your playful and bold color choices and your innovative use of materials. Also, what a brilliant idea to put a sofa in the dining room! I imagine that makes for a nice play between formal dining and casual chitchat among guests. I'm going to see if I can make something similar work in my home!

WOW !!!! Love your colors. You must have a wonderful mommy to make all those pillows !!!!

Very impressive! Your work is very inspiring--especially the cluster of hanging lamps (I recognize some from Ikea). In case you've not been there already, you might want to checkout www.ikeafans.com. There're a number of folks who do Ikea "hacks" which you might like to see--and share yours with others!

Kyle, What an amazing apartment! It is only 1,000 sq ft? You have made it seem so big. I love the colors and it is so bright, warm and cozy. You truely have a gift and passion for design. I look forward to seeing much more!

this is one of the only apartments i have ever wanted to WEAR. way to go, kyle, can't wait to read more . . .

The place is stunning. I want to come visit! And I like how you share what you've done, where you've sourced things, and how ... talk about design within reach.

Engaging writing. I would love to read more.

Wonderfully bright! Made me happy just to view the photos.
No matter what time of day or night, this space would be a fabulous place to dwell.

Great Space! Great light! Love the passionate Red. Your description and writing style enhance the experience - the space is just so you and that is just great!

Totally d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s apartment! Love the colors mixed with whites, just the right contrast. Great writeup too! Thanks for taking the 'risk' & sharing your own personal space with us.

Yay!

So creative. So inspiring.

This is what I look for on apartment therapy. Your post is bursting with ideas and energy and innovation.

I love it! I totally agree about sunlight!

I love it!

Did I mention I love it?

I love how each room has its own distinctive feel, yet the colors flow seamlessly from one room to the next.

so nice to see fellow bostonians.... a little late coming into this, but kyle, love the color!

Your place feels so full of life! I love it!!! Keep up the good work! And your dog is so cute!

I don't think the colors are too bold, nor is it too girly. Actually, it isn't too anything. There's an excellent balance of color and form and function. Plus, in dreary JP, I bet a little color is always welcome. I did have to smile about your apparent obsession with having enough seating. Is there a story there? ~:o)

Kyle - I think Poge0822's comment is an allusion to "this little light of mine" speaking about your talent:

"Hide it under a barrel? No! I'm gonna let it shine..."

I may be way off base, but that's what I thought it meant - a nice compliment.
Very nice place, BTW.

If you can fit three couches in your living room and one in your dining room, you do not have a small place. THis contest is way off base this year. These places are not SMALL, people! This is a contest about space, not vignettes and pillow quantity.

I used to read this blog to learn how to use space efficiently and innovatively, like turning stairs into drawer storage space, but now it's just a website that profiles things things and where to buy more things.

-J

uh ms jessica...
this isnt a small cool entry...

I think I have read every post and comment but I don't see the paint colors. Could you please let me know the colors you've used on your walls?

I too love the green and red and the daybeds.. I did that out of necessity (budget) and it works out great for teenagers!

Great place! Would you be willing to divulge where you got the fabulous wallpaper in the second to last slide?

This apartment would have won the color contest hands down. I wish I had your knack for combining elements like that - color, accessories, art, furniture. If you don't get the AT job you should try out for the HGTV design star! You have a gift!

Seeing your apartment tempts me to not go to work for a month and organize and clean up this house. Or on the other hand, just give you a call for a job!

What a fabulous place! Even if the style isn't everybody's, how can you not appreciate the design and the gorgeous colors?

Zowie! This is like Starburst for the eyes!

I have a sudden urge to move to the Tropics forever, and go out for some Thai Food, tonight!


Thanks Kyle!

OMG!!! Kyle, You have got some skills girl!!!
That was the best living room I think I have ever seen.
Also, Arlo looks totally hot in all those pics :)
keep on rockin'
-eli

Loved the apartment, but I am assuming that part of the entry was the writing. For my taste, great apartment, commentary, a little too self-indulgent.

Kyle,

I love your place. It is so colorful and inviting!!!

This is just brilliant!!!! Wow... so cozy, so much expression... it's perfect! I'd move in tomorrow :O)

What a wonderful Wonderful place to love! I absolutely love color and love how everything in her place is something she loves and intuitively put together. Screams of personality and expression. I love it a lot! Great inspiration.

I would really love to have your colors!! it is so RICH and warm! great job!

I know I'm super late for asking questions, but didn't see how you made/where you got that insanely awesome lamp shade featured in the first photo! Your entire apartment is awesome, but I'm especially enamored with that light shade. Is it DIY?

Kyle,

Someone finally asked... what are the paint colors you used!? Love them! And I think I need them too!

-Bella

happy happy happy! such a beautiful space, cheerful and yet not overwhelming at all - i'm completely inspired to inject some color and pattern into my little 844 square feet! thank you! a dozen cupcakes for you!

Fan*Tastic! I Love the color; vibrant and interesting without being overwhelming. Hooray for Girl's named Kyle!!

~Also a Girl Kyle

Loved it! It is so bright and everything has a place. Loved the puppy also :)