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

Coastal Rooms Dory Would Love

by Kayla Kitts April 3, 2013 6 Comments

Did you hear the big news “circling” Disney? On November 25, 2015, Disney Pixar will release an unexpected sequel to animated favorite Finding Nemo. The sequel, Finding Dory, will feature the whole undersea crew, and Dory will be voiced by none other than Ellen DeGeneres. Yay!

Starting a countdown 2 1/2 years out might be a little crazy, so let’s just swim through some coastal rooms for now. The best part about these spaces is that they’re likely landlocked or situated in a city somewhere. If you can’t be seaside, then bring the sea to you.

Coastal Home Office at HGTV's Design Happens Architecture by ZeroEnergy Design

Coastal Breakfast Nook at HGTV's Design Happens Design by Lynn Morgan

More Sea-Inspired Designs

Buy HGTV-Inspired Items on One Kings Lane

by Kayla Kitts April 3, 2013 4 Comments

HGTV fans, we have a big surprise for you. One Kings Lane has paired up with HGTV to bring you all the outdoor furniture, accessories and gardening supplies you need to hop right into spring. HGTV has inspired each and every item featured in this month’s sale, so you know you’re getting our seal of approval when you purchase that polka dot pillow. The sale starts today, April 3, at 11 a.m. and ends on April 8 at 11 a.m. And listen to this: The folks at One Kings Lane are offering 30 percent off all first-time purchases (for the first 24 hours of the sale)! So, you have no reason to not buy that rug or bistro set you’ve been coveting. I mean, it’s 30 percent off! Go ahead, add it to the shopping cart.

Check out some of the incredible items you’ll find in this HGTV-curated sale at One Kings Lane. From outdoor dining and grilling supplies to lighting and gardening accessories, your outdoor space will be set for the upcoming seasons.

One Kings Lane and HGTV Spring Promotional Sale Outdoor Dining

One Kings Lane and HGTV Spring Promotional Sale Bistro Set & Accessories

See More HGTV-Curated Sale Items

Nerd Alert: Get Your Own Iron Throne

by Kayla Kitts April 2, 2013 1 Comment

Game of Thrones fans, this post is for you. What price would you pay to look like Daenerys Targaryen on the Iron Throne? (Or “Ned” Stark if you want to appear more masculine.)

Game of Thrones Iron Throne on HGTV Design Happens Credit: HBO

I ask because you can bring a life-size Iron Throne into your home for a whopping $30,000 (plus a $1,800 shipping surcharge). And it’s totally kid-friendly (for the most part); there are no real knives here. The chair is made entirely of fiberglass and pure medieval inspiration. Not willing to shell out that much money? Here’s a more affordable option for you.

Game of Thrones Iron Throne Replica - HGTV Design Happens Credit: HBO

Is that price worth an Iron Throne replica? Or would you rather get a temporary feel for the throne at the touring Game of Thrones Exhibition?

PS – This is a real product review: “This has to be the single greatest purchase I have ever made. I love chairs, and this is the kind of chair I would spend [$] on. The way the swords curve to my large posterior, it’s like I’m sitting on a cloud! Not a chair made of swords! It makes for a great gift too! Give it for housewarmings, bridal showers, birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries! It’s the gift that just keeps giving!” Mother’s Day is coming up…

Mood Board Monday: Clowns

by Kayla Kitts April 1, 2013 8 Comments

There has always been something comforting to me about clowns. I know seeing an adult in outlandish costumes, colored wigs and dramatic makeup may evoke fear in most, but I find them playful and nostalgic. Despite their unfortunate reputation, clowns will always have a fan in me.

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

March Madness Round Five: Vote For Your Favorite Room

by Kayla Kitts March 31, 2013 13 Comments

Today is the final round before next Sunday’s championship. You’ve voted on everything from kitchens to basements, and today we have three more spaces to throw into the mix. Are you ready? Vote for your favorite playroom, closet and sunroom. Then, come back next Sunday to see who made it to the finals from each set of rooms. Did your pick make the cut? You’ll just have to check back and see.

March Madness: Vote For Your Favorite Playroom at HGTV's Design Blog

Vote for Closets + Sunrooms, Too!

March Madness Round Four: Vote For Your Favorite Room

by Kayla Kitts March 28, 2013 4 Comments

Welcome back, readers! We’re one round away from our March Madness finals where HGTV.com’s Best Room of the Year will be voted on BY YOU. But today, you still need to vote for three more spaces: living rooms, outdoor spaces and utility rooms. For each set of images, vote for your favorite. May the best room win.

March Madness: Vote For Your Favorite Room at HGTV's Design Happens Blog

Vote for Outdoor Spaces + Utility Rooms, Too!

How to Make a Spring-Inspired Living Wreath

by Kayla Kitts March 26, 2013 6 Comments

I lack a green thumb and I’m not embarrassed to admit it. I just didn’t get the know-how or special touch when it comes to gardening. But there are some projects even I can’t possibly mess up. This gorgeous, spring-y living wreath designed by Kim Foren is one of them. It looks complicated, but it’s not! All you need are a few supplies and you’re all set.

How to Make a Living Wreath From HGTV's Design Blog Photo by Erica Ann Photography and Fine Art

Materials: 3-D wire wreath ring, potting soil, plants with 3-inch roots (succulents, pansies, annuals) and sphagnum moss

Directions: First, soak the potting soil and moss in water. Line the inside of the wreath with moss, then fill with soil. Plant your plants around the wreath. Pat down to secure. Water and lay flat for at least one week. After a week, hang your wreath or use as an eye-catching green centerpiece.

Get the Full Step-by-Step Instructions >>

More Seasonal Wreath Ideas:

March Madness Round Three: Vote For Your Favorite Rooms

by Kayla Kitts March 25, 2013 3 Comments

Welcome back to Round Three of March Madness at Design Happens. I hope you’ve been casting your votes to help determine the Best Room of the Year! Going head-to-head today we have entryways, boys’ rooms and basements. For each set of images, choose your favorite and click to vote.

March Madness Round Three: Vote for Your Favorite Entryway on HGTV's Design Blog

Vote for Boys’ Rooms + Basements, Too!

Mood Board Monday: Peaches and Cream

by Kayla Kitts March 25, 2013 6 Comments

Spring is here! Or at least we’ve been told it’s here, but we’re still waiting for the sunshine and warm weather to fully emerge. All I can think about is wearing pastel hues and drinking cold cocktails on a restaurant patio. In anticipation, here’s one of my favorite colors [that only looks good on me when I've been a little sun-kissed]. What’s your favorite springtime hue?

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

March Madness Round Two: Vote For Your Favorite Rooms

by Kayla Kitts March 21, 2013 5 Comments

[Cue Michael Buffer] Let’s get ready to rumble! It’s time for March Madness Round Two, and today we have dining rooms, home offices and girls’ rooms going head to head. These spaces are bold; they’re graphic; and most of all, they’re gorrrrgeous. Cast your votes, Design Happens readers. For each set of images, choose which image you like best. That’s it!

March Madness: Vote For Your Favorite Dining Room on HGTV's Design Blog