about redesign services

I’ve been refining the art of space transformation since I was small, when I regularly debuted new room arrangements for my family. Their reactions ranged from “how did such a little girl move such big things?” to “this looks amazing” to “when on earth are you going to get tired of changing things around?” I never did.

In the decades of practice since, I’ve polished my ability to look at a space, from a single shelf to an entire home, and see countless possibilities for how to make it look great, feel cozy, and function optimally.

I embrace the field of redesign because it’s consistent with my mission to make space transformation financially accessible to a broader market while also respecting the environment.

A graduate of the School of Interior Redesign and a certified interior redesign specialist, I joyfully bring my understanding of human behavior (my first career was clinical social work), astute listening skills, creative problem solving abilities, and playful sense of humor to the process of changing people’s daily lives by transforming their homes, one room at a time.

I began my redesign business under the name, “Cloud 9 Redesign” in 2005. For the past twenty plus years it served me well. When I decided to add vintage curation to my business, it felt like the perfect time to refresh my branding and website. So in 2026, I decided to rename my business and relaunch as, “Second Story Design & Vintage”.

Second Story reflects my passion and joy for breathing new life into older things. It also hints at the fact that with every client, I explore the relationship between who they are and how they want to feel in their home, ultimately helping people reclaim and rewrite their story of home. 

Originally from Suburban Philadelphia, I’ve lived in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts since 1999. From the first day I arrived in JP, I’ve never felt more at home in a place as I do in this progressive, artistic, and diverse community. And every day I feel deeply grateful to call this place home.

frequently asked questions

  • People tend to buy things they like, but many people don’t know how to pull all those things together to look their best. As a certified redesigner, I apply principles of design to rearrange your things in a creative, cozy, and artful layout.

    Redesign after redesign I continue to be amazed by the power of placement, to transform a space from alright to amazing. The most common reaction clients have to a redesign project is “I can’t believe this is my stuff and that this is the same room. It feels completely different!” You have to experience it to believe it.

  • Clients consistently report that redesign quickly pays for itself. Instead of buying new furniture and decorations that may or may not work well together or at all, redesign clients save significant money, using what they already own to transform their space. For a quarter of the cost of a new couch, you get a new room instead.

    When we complete a redesign, sometimes it’s clear that a couple additional pieces might be useful. By that point, we’ve optimized your current belongings and now you’re in a position to make more mindful, long-lasting purchases for the final pieces, based on my input and the positioning of everything else in the space.

  • At the end of the redesign process, I can help you determine the general types of objects that will complete your space. If you want assistance identifying exact pieces, you can hire me to online research those for you.

  • Before redesigning, I’ll ask you to take me through your home to “shop” through your basement, your attic, your closets, your drawers and your cupboards. Those colorful dishes you have buried in the back of your kitchen cabinet might look great hanging above your doorway for a burst of color. That vintage crate you have in the attic might make a perfect plant stand. It doesn’t have to be fancy for me to skillfully integrate something into your space.

    One of the most common reactions I hear from redesign clients is “I never would have thought of using it that way but I love it.” That’s not to say that I’ll compromise beauty – it has to work andappeal to your sensibilities. And if I can’t come up with a solution for a specific nook, based on what you already have, I can advise you in your search for a new or secondhand object to complete the space.

  • The best part of working with your objects, instead of a designer selecting all new things for you, is that it really doesn’t matter what style I’m drawn to personally. My gift is in being able to most beautifully arrange your things to best highlight the strengths of your objects and space. That said, many clients do want help finding finishing pieces for their space and in that situation it’s my job to understand your style and guide you to objects that reflect your taste, not mine.

rave reviews

  • “I now truly LOVE spending time in my apartment - whether alone or with friends. After years of NOT entertaining, it’s now so much fun to have friends over again! It’s made such a difference.  And the process was so enjoyable.  If you’ve been feeling stuck or not liking your environment as much as you want to, or don’t have a lot of disposable income, but want to love your home - give Kyle a call.  I promise you won’t regret it!”

    - Phyllis

  • “My experience working with Kyle was much more than I ever expected. She very quickly understood my problem areas and her use of re-using the space was, well, a small miracle! She is a delight to work with, personable and sensitive.”

    –Ellen

  • "Kyle is brilliant, with both her design sense and her understanding of human nature — the way we live, the way we aspire to live, our strengths, our foibles, all of it. Working with her has been a delight. We always laugh a lot, I always learn a lot, and the results are amazing."

    —Tania

  • “In a few hours, Kyle reorganized my bookshelves, moved around the artwork on the walls, and suggested several local, affordable resources. She used what I had owned for years in ways I’d never considered. I now have a newfound love of my space! She’s also totally fun to spend an afternoon with!”

    —Jen M.

  • "Normally my mom walks in my house and starts rearranging/critiquing the overall look of any given room… after Kyle came, she didn’t lift a finger to change anything and declared it better than perfect. Yay Kyle!!”

    - Rita

  • "I was so happy with Kyle’s work that I called her back to redesign my living room and foyer areas and she worked her magic again! Kyle accomplished in a few hours what I couldn’t – even after watching years of HGTV! Her work really exceeded my expectations!”

    —Ethel

  • “Kyle is a joy to work with. She is a great listener and truly pays attention to how you need to use a space. Her suggestions are both beautiful and practical.”

    — Amy

  • "Kyle was able to envision reorganizing what I had so that it looked as if I spent a million on brand new furniture. Weeding out collections so that they showcase as well ordered “groupings” is another of her many talents. Having Kyle over is the gift that keeps giving. I hear her advice in my head whenever I set up a shelf or corner of my space!”

    — Marjie

  • "Kyle brings humility and warmth to the process. She is a great listener and when she says “this may sound a little crazy,” pay attention. She is about to make a suggestion that will transform your living space.”

    — Diana

  • "In one afternoon, Kyle redesigned the space. The way she rearranged the artwork on the walls was particularly great. The room looks so much better, and I’ve been really surprised by what a difference that makes. I just like being in there now — we use it much more. All our friends noticed and some have become new Cloud 9 clients. It was also a treat to work with someone who is such a funny, great person.”

    — Sharon