This Colorful L.A. House Will Make You Want Green Floors
Caitlin Wylde lives with her dog, Rocket, on a woodsy street in Echo Park, Los Angeles. Though she’s been a Californian for over 30 years, her New England upbringing still echoes throughout her home with family heirlooms and nautical accents. Here, Caitlin gives us a tour, with photos by Leela Cyd…
On a great leap: Before I moved here, I was in a relationship, and even though I knew we weren’t the right fit, we’d started looking at houses together. The relationship ended, and two weeks later, I saw this house for sale on a bulletin board in a bakery. As soon as I walked in the door, I was like, ‘Oh my god. This is my house.’ I decided I was going to take the leap. And it ended up being the best leap I ever took.
LIVING ROOM
Wall paint: Sydney Harbour Paint Co.
On being a New Englander: I grew up by the sea in Massachusetts — surrounded by nature, roaming in the woods — and New England still has a big influence on my taste and my work as an artist. I once did a series of hand-stitched banners made from old boat flags, which was bananas, because they’re so huge.
On durable art: The circles on the table are actually an art piece of mine. Kids really seem to like them. They go right for them, and throw them around. But I let them — they’re sturdy!
On vignettes: I love to make clusters of things around the house. I’ve been doing it since I was a kid — collecting objects from outside and arranging them together, almost like they’re talking to one another. I’m always trying to pare down and put things away, but I just end up making another little scene. I can’t help it.
KITCHEN
Wall paint: Benjamin Moore Simply White.
On a connection: I spotted this French poster at an auction house here in L.A. I was born in the Year of the Rooster, so when I saw it was a rooster, I was immediately drawn to it. I told myself, ‘Okay, if the bidding doesn’t go too high, I can get it.’ And then of course, I was the only one who bid on it.
On working with what you’ve got: The kitchen was not in great shape when I moved in, so I had to work to make it functional. Since it’s such a small space, I think of it like a boat kitchen.
On a landline: We had a phone just like this in the kitchen when I was growing up, so I love having one in my own home. It was my actual landline for many years, and I finally just had the service turned off because the only people who still used that number were my mom’s old friends calling from back east, and they’d never remember the time difference!
On calendars: I buy these calendars every year from a store in L.A. called Bunkado. They’re designed by the artist Hajime Okamoto, and every year it’s a different cat theme — this one was railway cats. The drawing of my dog, Rocket, was done by my friend’s daughter, Charlie, when she was four (she’s now 14). I love it so much.
GUEST ROOM
Wall paint: Benjamin Moore. Rainbow lamp: MoMA Design Store.
On a playful space: My friends’ kids always end up hanging out in the guest room when they come over. So, it’s where I keep all the toys and stuffed animals and fun things.
On a just-right bed: You know what’s wild? Before I moved here, I saw this bed. It belonged to a dear neighbor, who had an estate sale when his partner died. And I just loved the bed — it was so adorable. So, I got it, then my relationship ended, and then I wound up in this house. When I saw this nook, with the little triangle ceiling, I just knew that bed belonged there. It fit perfectly.
On a green floor: When I moved in, these floorboards were just pine with shellac, and it was just — ugh. My solution was to just paint over with this dark green paint. And I’m so glad I did, because it makes me happy every time I look at it.
BATHROOM
Model ship: similar.
On a special feature: All the wood in the bathroom is cedar. So, when you take a bath or steamy shower, the room smells so good.
Cabinet paint: Fine Paints of Europe in Navy. “It’s Dutch door paint — it lasts forever!” Cup: Falcon. Clam shell bowl: similar.
BEDROOM
Wall paint: Benjamin Moore in Simply White. Bedding: Pietse.
On red and white: I have a great love for red-and-white stripes. Growing up, my dad’s best friend was a classics professor who had to spend time in Greece. We were able to go there, and I have this memory of being four years old, standing on a beach, and seeing all these red-and-white beach balls. I was filled with awe.
On a colorful collection: I love enamel lamps from the 60s and 70s. I get so pumped by the simple shapes, amazing colors, and utilitarian design.
ART STUDIO
On rituals: I’m an early morning person, and my ritual is to start the day by burning Japanese incense and playing dreamy music, like Brian Eno. Then I have a cup of tea. I like to sit and just be in the studio before I start work.
On reflection: Right now, my old and new work is mixed together in the studio, as well as some of my parents’ artwork. It’s nice to look around and see the progression, how it all connects.
Thank you so much for sharing your home with us, Caitlin!
P.S. Many more home tours, including a book lover’s family home, a soft landing in Brooklyn, and a Minnesota house with the cutest dog.
(Photos by Leela Cyd.)
Comments
100 commentsHi! There’s a new website up of my work. Caitlinwyldeart.com
For anyone who wants to see more homes that are lived in, and possibly a little eccentric too, I can recommend the Bible of British Taste website (there’s a book about it as well). The link is here: https://bibleofbritishtaste.com You’re welcome!
I think this is my favorite home post ever on CoJ. It’s personal and the colors are a pure delight. Plus? Big fan of circles, so YAS :)
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Absolutely love seeing a home with color and character and a lived in look and feel. Thank you for opening your home up to share! 💕
I am that person who has been migrating towards that soulless white-linen-beige (but also with a lot of wood and plants), hear me out, I realised I buckle under sensory overload otherwise and can’t relax in my own home. BUT I’m 100% here for Caitlin and Rocket’s delightful home, and dream of being a guest.
I get this! I was looking up some rental houses the other day, and you would probably love this home, how gorgeous and peaceful: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/51144435
Indeed! A balm to all my senses …. 😌 and that sunroom!
WOW! So exciting to see a home that looks like a person created it—I’m tired of instagram houses. Vive la différence!
Where is that lovely white shelf in the bedroom from?
I love the creative use of ceramics throughout the house. Is that a Mary Alice Hadley Clipper Ship Pitcher doubling as a vase in the kitchen? (I grew up in Louisville and would recognize my favorite pottery anywhere.)
Yes it is! It was my grandparents 😊
What a beautiful home! Love it.
This is an absolutely beautiful home. Thanks for sharing these gorgeous, cheerful pictures with us❣️💛
I rarely comment but felt compelled to do so after seeing your beautiful home. I love homes that feel truly lived in and deeply personal. Every picture made me happy. Thank you!
Thank you so much Laura ❤️
Oh, I love this tour! And, her ability to recognize when something just works so well and is just right, like the house itself. And, who knew there is a hidden treasure trove of vintage enamel desk lamps!
Great space! I particularly like the large medicine cabinet/mirror in the bathroom. Everything is so stark and pared down these days, but this is functional and looks like it has stories to tell!
Spectacular home! It’s amazing to discover the odd little things we share with other people. I also pretend my kitchen is a boat, make art to Brian Eno, and have always arranged little things into “altars.”
Oh, that studio!!! GOALS!!!
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I love how may of the answers to the questions about where items in the house are from are not useful because she bought one thing a decade ago, and had another thing custom made, and got another thing from a vintage market on another continent! What a great representation of sustainable personal style.
Beautiful! Also, so inspired by the green floors and your vignette areas!
This is such an incredible space! The vignettes! That poster in the kitchen (I now have that auction house in my future). This home feels fully embodied by the artist. Incredible.
My first dog was named Rocket. We found her at a shelter, but she was too young to adopt. I fell in love. My husband thought she was adorable but ‘no rocket scientist’. How judgy. We checked different shelters but our hearts already belonged to the litle ‘rocket scientist’. We went back to LA City East Valley Shelter to pick her up and that’s the origin story of Rocket Scientist Thomsen. Rocket had many adventures with us over 20 years. Obviously, I had to read about this other Rocket’s house and I hunted down a photo. Check instagram. You will see photos of Rocket and they will make your day!
Helga, what a great story!
Hello! Do you know where we can buy Caitlin’s work? Is the blue/white/yellow swoop piece hers? Thank you!
Hi Kate! Do you mean the painting by the bed? If so, the artist is John Havens Thornton. And Caitlin doesn’t currently have a website (she’s planning to put a new one together soon!), so for now, the best way to keep up with her is via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/caitlinwylde).
Thank you, Kelsey!!
Apologies if this has already been said, but I love her red-and-white striped dress as much as I love that house! Any idea where she got it?
Hi Marissa! It’s Rachel Comey, but from an old collection (I believe it’s available on some re-sale sites though!).
Do you know what paint color is on the blue hutch with the calendar? This was a delightful house tour!
Thanks, JMM! That piece is an antique from India, and the blue paint was on it when Caitlin purchased it.
I just love the colorful glass on the front door. How beautiful is the light that shines through it, painting cheerful spots on the floor?
What a breath of fresh air! It’s so lovely to see someone with a different perspective, different hobbies, just whole-heartedly individual
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! I love all the personality and colour! Thank you for sharing your home with us!
So much joy! I love this bold, colourful and unique spot! I find house tours like this such a breath of fresh air in this moment when there’s endless minimalist white with only 5 objects. Good for you! Just not for me.
So lovely! Is it possible to get details on the striped Roman shade in the kitchen?
Hi Kristen! Caitlin had it made when she bought the house (I know, I wanted details too!).
Love this beautiful home! I am in a TX suburban new build, and after years of living in quirky small places, I just cannot figure out how to make this house a home. All my thrifted stuff looks out of place. My antiques are a weird contrast. It’s too big and I can’t keep it clean. I desperately want to sell and find a little cottage, but alas, the market isn’t great. Any thoughts on how to make a zero character new build feel like a home? Design tips would be so appreciated 💕💕💕💕
I have a builder grade basic 2000s house and adding wood where I can (wood shelves, wood on top of halfwall things, really helped. Also color- navy blue, reds and yellows! And wool rugs, not cheap synthetic ones. Then it starts to feel like it has more character.
What a great house! It’s always so heartening to see a place that is filled with color instead of gray! I’m house-hunting in New England and so many interiors, and not just staged ones, look like B&W photography when they were shot in color. It’s depressing and kind of worrying that this is what we are supposed to want or aspire to. I’m delighted when people embrace their love of color and pattern and everything else that makes them happy, instead of worrying about resale value and how imaginary strangers might judge your decor. And now I know just the color to repaint gray pine floors!
Hi Elle, Don’t let someone else’s blah cloud how exciting, inviting and energizing your future home can become! Plus many New England realtors tell all of us who are selling our homes to take anything interesting out, “so potential buyers will notice the home and it’s features, not the interesting items you’ve curated in your custom built-in bookshelves. You want them to remember your home, not your decorating.” I totally get your point & you’ll know when you’ve found “the one”! It just wasn’t ready for you yet, but it’s just around the bend ❤️
Lovely home. The red Keffiyeh in the hallway.. chef’s kiss!
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As a Jewish reader (who is half Israeli), seeing the Keffiyeh felt like a stab in my heart. A call for my erasure.
Noticed that too and yes, so happy to see a keffiyeh!
Noticed the gorgeous keffiyeh as well. Love!
So inspired to put my Keffiyeh right by the front door now too! A love letter.
Came for the green floors, stayed for the keffiyeh! Love it <3
very nice to see the keffiyeh! immediately told me what a great person the homeowner is.
Rachel- I’m with you. Wanted to let you know that you’re supported. 💙
Noticed it too and it made my heart swell! A beautiful show of solidarity.
@rachel ball The keffiyeh is a garment worn by many Arab communities, including Palestinians (Christians and Muslims) as well as Bedouins and Yemenis, among many others. It predates the creation of Israel and has been used for hundreds of years (since at least the early 18th century by academic historical accounts). Could you reframe your statement and say: “Good for her, but not for me?” Consider another thought experiment to reframe thinking: Does seeing a pride flag negate a hetero community? Does a trans flag negate other identities? Does seeing a Black Lives Matter shirt negate a white person’s life? I do not think they imply erasure of another community at all. If you can accept those symbols as legitimate then maybe a Palestinian or Arab or any person could choose to wear a keffiyeh too and not imply your erasure.
I love your response HSN. Thank you. (I’m also Jewish with family in Israel.)
Agree with Dawn and HSN. Great response. Also Jewish and tired of other Jews speaking for me.
They don’t make houses like they used too. Love all the details in this house. Great find!!!!
I can’t explain but this was exactly the type of content I needed to see on a rainy Bay Area day. So much bold color everywhere, a woman designing her living space to her own liking with no compromise.
This house is fabulous. I really like the bed. It’s in the perfect spot. I’d love to see Rocket.
This house was listed for sale on a bulletin board in LA??
If this isn’t nice!
Dreamy, dreamy, dreamy! And forgive me but I join the chorus of let’s see Rocket :)
One of my favorite homes in the world. It’s a total dream. Every detail and object so considered.
Thank you B ❤️❤️❤️
Change of topic: i am terrible at shopping. I need a spring cocktail dress as a wedding guest, am 50, size 14. Where do I even start?
I don’t know your style but I would say Anthropologie may be a good place to start as they have a range. Also, I had a friend who had to attend a very fancy wedding and she found a maker on Etsy that made her a simple dress that fit with her style and the dress code and it fit her perfectly. So, maybe Etsy, too?
Eloqui! Eshaki (order early) City Chic. Have fun!
Hi Sarah – it really depends on your style and budget! J.Crew and Rent the Runway are two options that come to mind.
I love the shower curtain. Any chance of finding out where it’s from? Thank you!
Hi Chloe! Caitlin got it from Pietsie, though unfortunately they don’t make it anymore.
Is that Palestinian “two keys” Nablusi olive soap I spy in your bathroom?:-) I think it is but I can’t zoom in enough, ha. As a Palestinian American, it is my only cleanser for my body and face and it is so gentle and moisturizing. My husband loves to shave with it and my daughter uses it now too. In the winter in Massachusetts where we live I use a dab of argan oil from a small co-op in Morocco afterwards but love the Nabulsi soap. My Jiddo and Baba used it too so I do!
Yes yes yes! The best! Free 🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸 Palestine
More like this please. The colors and artwork are so nourishing. Thank you
Ooh I love this place so much! I love the artist vibe that infuse each corner of it! And also feels it like keeping a playful connection with your “inner child”. And also Caitlin, the way you inhabit your home and your little vignettes also make me think of the way Japanese culture sees homes and objects as “having a soul”. And I’m here for all of it!
“I’m always trying to pare down and put things away, but I just end up making another little scene. I can’t help it.” – I CAN RELATE!! I long to be a minimalist, but it just doesn’t work. Love love love this home. What a quirky and magical space. Thanks for sharing.
The light (and the work) in that studio! 😍
Thank you Kell!
Thank you for sharing your home with us – it’s so special. Another artist’s home I can’t stop thinking about is Emily Powell’s painted house! Because, why not?! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=k6DaOb09WKY
Oh my, I didn’t know how much I needed to not only see this home, but hear her philosophy on the design. After seeing these two refreshing home styles I feel spring in the air.
What a great house tour! Beautiful vignettes everywhere. I have a question: any details available on the blue and white striped chaise longue? I love it!
Hi Anna! It’s a vintage piece (designer unknown, unfortunately!).
Lovely home, thank you for sharing. Question: is the bathroom cabinet original to the house? A custom build? I’ve been looking for something similar with no luck — three doors, tall, and relatively shallow.
The architectural detail on the living room ceiling/wall is so cool and unique. Love how lived in and cozy this house feels.
I really appreciate all the (original?) millwork in this house — especially the shiny, lovingly restored hinges on the bathroom cabinet. Thanks for sharing such a real (and really beautiful!) space.
We don’t get to meet Rocket??????
But where is the dog?!?! You can’t promise me a dog and not show me a dog! Gorgeous house, though :)
Yes!!! add a pic of Rocket!
Hahaha, we wouldn’t hold out on you! Alas, Rocket was not photographed (though he makes several appearances on Caitlin’s Instagram account!).
I, too, am on Team Rocket . . . especially with the teaser artwork!
The cat calendar! We buy ours at a wonderful stationary store in DC, Jenni Bick Custom Journals. I bought my 2026 calendar in October, and the store employees said other people were already calling about them. It’s become an annual tradition to put it up on New Year’s Day, and we relish changing the page every month as a family. So fun to “meet” another fan.
What is the name of the calendar Sveta? I need to bookmark it for the future :-)
Amazing house but I NEED to know where that red and white striped dress is from!
Hi Allison! It’s Rachel Comey (I believe from a 2018 collection).
That is just the most breathtaking living room ever, and I love how Caitlin’s aesthetic and the space rise to meet each other! Her art feels like flags you’d hoist on a ship to, like, communicate your dreams to other vessels. Personal semaphore.
The painted green plank floor reminds me of that Nicholas Sparks movie “Safe Haven”, where Julianne Hough’s character paints the floors yellow..because she could. Reminds me of this home especially as it seems to be Caitlin’s safe haven :)
Color, whimsy, bed niche, green, collections-“these are a few of my favorite things.” Love the relaxing fullness of each space. Special.
The floors!! Always the first thing I notice in listings and these are amazing. What a colorful, joyful home.
The duck swimming up the wall!!! So good.
I love this house. As a single woman, it is also a dream of mine to own my own home. This place is just magical. <3
Wow, what a place to both restore and get your creativity going!