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/a>.
(Photos by Leela Cyd.)
