Kayla Kitts

"In a world full of beige, I'm not afraid to be neon."

Kayla is a writer and assistant editor for HGTV.com. When she’s not scouring the web for delicious design inspiration, she’s shopping for home decor at local vintage stores and flea markets, spending quality time with D’Artagnan and Mahala, her adopted cats, and finding any reason to be outdoors. Her favorite design style: midcentury modern with splashes of bright hues.

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POSTS BY Kayla Kitts

Studio Style: DIY Projects for My New Place

by Kayla Kitts May 23, 2013 3 Comments

I’m one of those Pinterest people. You know the type. Their DIY board is a mile long and they pin to it every day but they’ve never done a single project. I’m also one of those people that will refuse to buy a certain product because “I could totally make that myself.” Sigh. I promise I’m on the path to recovery. I’m going into my new place with a confident, do-it-yourself mindset. And last week I conquered the first furniture makeover for my new place.

So, I’ve become mildly obsessed with Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan after a demo here in the office. I used a few colors (Henrietta and Paris Grey, to be exact) and some painter’s tape to completely transform a $10 laminate tripod table I found on Craigslist into a colorful, geometric show-stopper. I don’t want to boast, but she’s stunning. That project opened up Pandora’s box.

Chalk Paint Table Design

My second furniture transformation project happened yesterday on a whim. Two months ago, I fell in love with a gold, ornate floor mirror at one of my favorite antique shops. The owner marked $75 off the price, I loaded her up and drove away feeling like a proud mother. Two of the edges were severely tarnished, so I decided I’d just give it a fresh coat of paint and make it my own. After using the Chalk Paint®, I knew I wanted my mirror to have more of a matte finish and less of a lacquered look, so I used the same Graphite hue that Marianne used on her sheepskin rocking horse. I could only give it one coat of paint before the rain started, but I was able to actually get in all the tiny crevices and remove most of the gold. Today I plan on applying coat number two and a clear wax to finish.

See Kayla’s Painted Mirror

Build Your Perfect Room With One Kings Lane + HGTV

by Kayla Kitts May 22, 2013 5 Comments

What would you do if you had an empty room, a blank canvas, that needed to be designed and decorated from the ground up? It sounds like a daunting task, but if you have all the elements to build your perfect room, then there’s no reason to not begin right away. HGTV has partnered with home and lifestyle shopping site One Kings Lane to provide all the right pieces and expert tips so you can create your very own in-home getaway. Starting today, May 22 at 11 a.m. EST, you can shop this exclusive sale. Ready to build your perfect room? Let’s get started!

First, start with a solid foundation. Pick out a stylish area rug, statement chair or lucite table lamp that catches eyes from the doorway. Then, began layering on pieces that represent your personality; hang a piece of modern artwork, add texture with soft bedding, throw in patterned pillows for a punch of color or simply add a few charming accents to your side table. Follow tips from HGTV experts and designers to help create a space that represents you.

Check out some of the gorgeous pieces you can purchase today on One Kings Lane. Plus, follow these tips from HGTV experts on using them in your own home.

Build Your Perfect Room With One Kings Lane and HGTV Layer With Accents

Tip: “A decorative object can inspire an entire room. I like to look at it and highlight what I like. Is it the shape? The finish? The color? Hone in on these elements and use them in your design.” — Danielle Colding

Build Your Perfect Room With One Kings Lane and HGTV Wake Up Your Wall

Tip: “Choosing art is like committing to a partner. Ask yourself: Would I like to wake up to this piece every morning? Does it make me think? Does it bring me joy? If your answer is yes, then buy it!” — Genevieve Gorder

Build Your Perfect Room With One Kings Lane and HGTV Warm Up Your Floors

Tip: “When choosing a rug, don’t let bold pattern and color intimidate you. When covered with furniture at home, it will look much more toned down.” — Genevieve Gorder

Build Your Perfect Room With One Kings Lane and HGTV Bring In History

Tip: “When everything is new, a home tends to fall flat. When you sprinkle in vintage pieces, their character and history immediately sparks conversation.” — Brian Patrick Flynn

Build Your Perfect Room With One Kings Lane and HGTV Layer With Accent Pillows

Tip: “When mixing patterns, one should be large scale, one can be a busy print and one can be colorful. They’ll get along better if they’re not fighting to do the same thing.” — Jillian St. Charles, Vice President of Programming

Let’s talk. What’s a must-have item in your perfect room? A sofa you can sink into? An area rug to warm up cold feet?

Mood Board Monday: Vintage Summer Inspiration

by Kayla Kitts May 20, 2013 3 Comments

I’ve found myself lost in one too many summer daydreams lately. As soon as warm weather arrives, I start yearning for the sand and water. Unfortunately, I wait and take my beach vacays once the dog days of summer have subsided a bit. When are you packing up and heading to the coast? Try not to make me too jealous.

Come back every Monday for an inspirational mood board. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

Happy Hour Happens: Refreshing Memorial Day Cocktails

by Kayla Kitts May 17, 2013 5 Comments

Memorial Day’s late May date has marked the unofficial start of summer for years. Most schools unlock the doors and release students for the year that Friday before. [FREEDOM!] The weather is finally at a solid seasonal temperature. It’s also an unofficial rule that you must spend the day/weekend outdoors. Rain is not tolerated. No matter how you choose to spend your holiday weekend, unwind with these refreshing summer cocktails that will leave you ready for lazy pool days all season long.

Cantaloupe Tea Daiquiri

Memorial Day Cocktail Recipes at HGTV's Design Happens Blog

Ingredients

1 1/2 ounces Numi Emperor’s Pu-erh Tea
1 1/2 ounces Van Gogh Blue Vodka
3 ounces frozen cantaloupe, cubed
1 ounce coconut milk
splash of lemon juice
lemon wedge, for garnish

Directions

Steep tea at four times the normal strength for two minutes, then remove tea bag and chill liquid for later use. Combine and blend ingredients in blender, adding a splash of lemon for each serving. Serve on the rocks and garnish with a lemon wedge.

More Warm-Weather Concoctions

Studio Style: I’m Movin’ On Up!

by Kayla Kitts May 14, 2013 16 Comments

As of June 1, I’ll be going from a 1,200-square-foot, two bedroom, two bathroom premium apartment nestled in the suburbs to a 615-square-foot industrial studio in a high-rise right in the heart of downtown. And when I say industrial, I mean concrete floors, concrete walls, a visible ventilation system on the ceiling and a contemporary barn door to close off the bathroom. To say that this will be an adjustment is an understatement, but I’ve never been more excited for a change.

I’ve been calling on my design-savvy friends and even Laurie March, HGTV Remodels’ House Counselor, for advice on how to create a comfortable flow, make it party-ready (without my bed being front and center) and make an urban, industrial space feel warm and cozy.

Here’s my new apartment’s floorplan. You walk directly into a tiny entryway with the kitchen to the right and a tall, narrow closet to the left. This is the only closet in the apartment, so I think it will serve as a great storage space rather than as an actual clothes closet. (You have no idea how many clothes I have.) The floorplan has the living room listed against the back wall, but the unit I viewed had the bedroom in the back. This is how I envision setting up my space. By doing this, the kitchen and living room are together and the bedroom is offset and can easily be separated with IKEA Expedit shelves or a track curtain (if the ceiling allows). [We'll discuss room divider options in a later post.]

Studio Apartment Floorplan at HGTV's Design Happens Blog

I have lots of ideas and lots of bookmarks building up. I need chic and stylish furnishings that are dual-purpose pieces, plus an idea for a closet. (My first thought was to make an industrial steel pipe garment rack and just display my clothes.) With so many ideas to filter through, I thought D-Happ readers would have the best advice. So, please help me sort through some of these decisions.

What layout do you think would serve best? Bed against the windows? Bed by the bathroom? Couch against the back, right wall? I’d love to get your input as I start planning out my new place.

Follow along as Kayla makes the transition into an industrial studio apartment. Follow her studio inspiration board here.

Mood Board Monday: Picnicking

by Kayla Kitts May 13, 2013 No Comments

One of my favorite ways to spend summer afternoons is sprawled on a blanket in the park nomming on seasonal fruit or homemade fares like potato salad and apple pie. It’s even better if you have a good book or company by your side. Summer is near, so pack up a basket this weekend and head outdoors. Surprise your S.O. with an alfresco meal for two, or try a picnic potluck with a group of friends.

Come back every Monday for an inspirational mood board. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

Cozy Breakfast Nooks That Will Brighten Your Morning

by Kayla Kitts May 10, 2013 4 Comments

There’s something about catching up on the morning news and drinking a cup of coffee in a kitchen nook that feels cozier than gathering around an expansive dining table. I mean, that’s the whole point of a kitchen nook, right? It’s supposed to be quaint, cozy and secluded, which, oftentimes, is exactly what you want when you crawl out of bed in the AM. A tiny corner or sliver of extra space is just the right amount of room to set up a small eating spot. Everyone needs that moment of their own before conquering the outside world each day. Why not steal that time in the comfort of your own kitchen?

Grab some inspiration from a few of our favorite designers who have mastered the art of the breakfast nook.

Cozy Breakfast Nooks at HGTV's Design Blog Design by Brian Patrick Flynn

Designer Brian Patrick Flynn created this vibrant, coral space not only as a breakfast area, but as a work space and museum of sorts. Built-ins with lucite shelves allow this photographer’s vintage camera collection to be front and center.

Cozy Breakfast Nooks at HGTV's Design Blog Design by Anisa Darnell

Designer Anisa Darnell wanted to keep the homeowners’ personalities at the forefront of this nook design. Eclectic styles are brought together through a neutral zebra-print banquette, bentwood chairs, Saarinen table, capiz chandelier and rustic, vintage wall art.

See More Morning Spots

Ombre’d Out? We’re Not!

by Kayla Kitts May 8, 2013 4 Comments

The ombre trend in both fashion and design has been climbing for years now, peaking last year and not slowing down anytime soon. I think we all thought it would slowly die out come fall just like any other spiking trend, but it’s only gaining more popularity, particularly this week*. People are ombre-ing everything from cake frosting to maxi dresses and we’re in full support of this. I mean, why not showcase every glorious shade of your favorite hue? I jumped on board the ombre train early last year by spicing up my long, brunette locks with dip-dyed tips. Now, I’ve taken the trend into the kitchen by painting my bamboo cooking utensils alternating shades of pink. I can’t get enough!

Looking for more ways to bring the look home? Here are eight ideas you’ll love.

Ombre Ruffed Cake at HGTV's Design Happens Blog via Confetti Daydreams

Ruffled Ombre Cake: This two-tiered wedding cake features breathtaking ruffle details in colors alternating from pink to a pale lavender. It almost looks too good to eat.

Ombre Pendants at HGTV's Design Happens Blog via designlovefest

Ombre Pendant Lamp: Here’s an easy paint project you can complete in just a few hours. The girls over at designlovefest add an ombre effect to a glass pendant light with opaque and translucent spray paint.

Get More Dip-Dyed Ideas

Mood Board Monday: Great Gatsby Style

by Kayla Kitts May 6, 2013 2 Comments

As cliche as this may sound, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald was the first modern American novel I became emotionally attached to. I can’t even count how many times my eyes have graced the pages of this literary masterpiece. The emotional drama of Gatsby has been filmed five times with the most recent adaptation, directed by Baz Luhrmann, being released this Friday, May 10. To say I’m excited is a serious understatement. There’s an all-star cast (Leonardo DiCaprio plays Jay Gatsby!), the cinematography is stunning and the soundtrack is incredible (and currently on repeat). Inspired by the upcoming premiere, here’s a contemporary nod to the Roaring Twenties that we just can’t help but get caught up in.

Come back every Monday for an inspirational mood board. Miss a day? See all the posts here.

Happy Hour Happens: Guilt-Free Cinco de Mayo Cocktails

by Kayla Kitts May 3, 2013 1 Comment

Do you prefer less spicy and more fruity concoctions for your upcoming Cinco de Mayo celebration? Well, these will surely please your senses. From grapefruit and tamarind to guava and watermelon juices, mix up drinks that are light but still strong.

Sparkling Frescas

Cinco de Mayo Cocktails at HGTV's Design Happens Blog

Combine your favorite fruit juice with fruit seltzer, and garnish with fresh fruits or veggies for a flavorful and refreshing drink.

Mixer Ideas

Blueberry Seltzer
Fresh pomegranate seeds
Mango juice
Cucumber Melon Seltzer
Watermelon juice
Cucumber slices
Georgia Peach Seltzer
Guava juice
Kumquat slices

Get More Cocktail Recipes