THE FIRST APARTMENT BOOK: Cool Design for Small Spaces (Clarkson Potter) by Kyle Schuneman with Heather Summerville; Photographs by Joe Schmelzer

Decorating prodigy Kyle Schuneman has designed first apartments for friends, clients, and himself, braving logic-defying floor plans, space-challenged rooms, and picky landlords. In The First Apartment Book, Kyle shows how anyone can infuse a first home with personality, whether you’re renting, moving in with a roommate (or significant other) for the first time, or a newly minted owner eager to put your stamp on your place.

Kyle scours flea markets for unique pieces and incorporates Pollock-inspired art and touches of taxicab yellow to make a small studio in New York City function as four different yet coherent spaces. Graffiti-like dip-dye curtains and a skateboard table reflect a Seattle renter’s hip sensibility. In Cleveland, Kyle creates a modern preppy space for a plaid-loving local using subdued colors and careful pattern mixing. A couple’s salon-style hanging of rock posters in Nashville feels utterly unique, and Kyle’s clever ways to store their musical instruments keep them sane.

Full of bold, vibrant photos and hundreds of big ideas for small spaces, The First Apartment Book proves that no matter what your landlord, your floor plan, or your wallet say, there are no limits on how cool your first apartment can be.

KYLE SCHUNEMAN is the founder of Live Well Designs (kyleschuneman.com) in L.A. He has been featured in Real Simple, Esquire, This Old House, Sunset, and L’Uomo Vogue, and has frequently appeared on NBC and HGTV. Named one of House Beautiful‘s “Next Wave of Top 20 Designers,” Kyle is the art director for the Emmy Award-winning Giada at Home on the Food Network. This is his first book.

A former senior editor for Lucky magazine, coauthor HEATHER SUMMERVILLE has written for InStyle, Travel & Leisure, and Real Simple.

Photographer JOE SCHMELZER‘s work (joeschmelzer.com) has been featured in Elle Decor, Coastal Living, and House Beautiful.

PRAISE FOR KYLE SCHUNEMAN

“I appreciate how Kyle’s designs integrate trendy items into comfortable, livable interiors. This young designer certainly knows his way around small spaces, which are his specialty.” – Casa Sugar

“He specializes in maximizing tiny spaces and creating multipurpose decor for commercial clients and homes. ” – Los Angeles Magazine

“He has incredible talent and will no doubt be in the spotlight for many years to come.” – Centsational Girl

“Kyle Schuneman is a hot new interior designer out of Los Angeles who is taking the design scene by storm.” – Desire To Inspire

“I love Kyle’s clean and warm style, which focuses on each of his homeowners’ unique point of view.” – Fresh Home

“He always keeps the client at the forefront of his mind in any project, elevating each individual’s style.” – The Love List

“Kyle is not afraid to go outside the box – and it always turns out to be worth the risk. His spaces have a sense of youthful whimsy, which is a brilliant asset.” – Meade Design Group

“A kind of wunderkind.” – Silver Screen Surroundings