05/09/2025
“I’m Erin Kyle – interior planner, historical fiction nerd, new Nana, dog mom, pragmatic optimist, and lifelong fan of a perfectly reimagined kitchen.” That’s how Erin introduces herself, and honestly, it’s the perfect glimpse into who she is: warm, witty, wildly thoughtful, and endlessly detail-oriented.
Erin Kyle isn’t just a designer—she’s a space whisperer for homes across Chico. With a deep passion for functional design and a knack for making the complicated feel effortless, she’s carved out a niche planning the heart of every home: kitchens, bathrooms, and everything that connects them. Her journey began years ago, after getting laid off during the 2008 housing crash. Armed with a degree in Housing and Design, a creative mind, and a deep love for the Chico community, Erin didn’t just start a business—she filled a gap that many homeowners didn’t even know they had. And Chico? It gave her the perfect canvas.
Through her business, ERIN KYLE design helps homeowners reimagine their spaces with clarity and confidence—bringing plans, elevations, 3D tours, materials palettes, and the kind of thoughtful guidance that turns overwhelm into excitement. Contractors love her. Homeowners love her. And it’s easy to see why: she’s real, she listens, and she knows exactly how to bring your vision to life.
Thanks to 3core Technical Assistance Program, Erin was able to level up her business by connecting her with Danie Schwartz Consulting, who crafted a professional, polished website that helped Erin grow beyond referrals and establish a strong online presence. That support, Erin says, gave her the momentum to showcase her services in a way that felt both credible and true to who she is.
Community has always been at the heart of Erin’s story. From early jobs with local business owners to teaching at California State University, Chico, serving with Beta Chapter of Omega Nu Foundation and local Scouting, and being part of a family deeply rooted in the region, she’s done more than build a business—she’s helped build Chico itself. Her husband, an active member and past president of Chico Rotary, has also brought another meaningful layer of community connection and service into their family’s world. Together, they’ve built a life rooted in giving back.
As Erin says:
“I chose to stay in Chico after college like so many have because it is a special, lovely place. My husband had his dream job at a local brewery and Chico was a great place to raise our kids and enjoy the outdoors. Not too big or too small, and accessible to other climates and larger cities. Chico has very few degrees of separation between community members, as well as that ‘Chico thing’ where you can go anywhere in the world and you will meet someone who has a connection to Chico.”
Chico isn’t just where Erin lives—it’s who she is. It’s where she met her husband, raised her kids, found her people, and built a career that brings her joy every day. Her advice for anyone dreaming of launching something here?
Do what you love. Network. And count the benefit of getting to do it in a town like this.
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