The Pullins Kitchen
“Yep, that’s the look sissy!”
My second client since starting my studio said at her idea board reveal meeting, which made me feel like I did after seeing that bold A+ on a midterm design assignment back in college. She is one of my dearest friends and indeed like a big sister. I was so eager to do her project, especially after she asked me when she would be next! It’s the best feeling in the world when your friends and family trust you with their precious home projects 🤗.
First, the Design Consultation
So, we began with her initial design consultation where we discussed her vision for the kitchen—the look she was going for. I photograph the space, get all the measurements I need, ask lots of questions, and make design-guiding suggestions as needed. These meetings usually last no more than an hour and then it’s off to the idea board for me! Oh, yes and I do give homework. Each client must begin or invite me to an inspiration board they create on Pinterest. In my opinion, this is the most accurate way I can get a true feel of what my clients have in mind for their space; and, also because why not?! It’s quite fun!
Then, the Idea Board Reveal!
About 2 or 3 weeks later I follow up with the idea board reveal meeting, and you know the team is off to a good start when your decor coordinator/helper/mentor, Mrs. Logan shows up to the meeting wearing the same colors as you 🤣. Anywho, I loooove this part! This is where the project's finishes, materials, and paint colors are finalized. The result? One complete curated look based on our initial design consultation AND her Pinterest board. I always pictured it going something like how the master designer herself, Candice Olson, from HGTV’s Divine Design would do hers (she got smart, however, and started doing idea baskets instead of boards. You can imagine the time saved!) and in my humble opinion, it certainly did!
Yes, I did meet her once back in college! EEEEEE!!
Now, It’s Time To Go Shopping!
After the idea board review, hardware, and all materials are finalized, a project date is set and it’s time to shop! Most everything I use for my cabinet paint upgrade projects comes with a lot of research, especially the paint and primer I use because I’m looking to get as close to that pristine factory finish as manually possible! For this project, I used the Benjamin Moore Advance primer, but have since changed to a brand called STIX. After randomly speaking with two different professional paint guys in the aisle of a big box store and one fellow DIY friend Miss Debbie, who all pretty much testified to this primer’s greatness, I switched. STIX primer is more expensive (used to be $50, now it’s $62 🫠) but I never again saw the occasional specks where the top coat popped off after following up 6 months to a year later, at least not as of today. Anyway, that sealed the deal for me.
As for the paint I always use the Benjamin Moore Advance line (side note: back in 2020 this paint was $55 at your local, or Ace Hardware in a higher market—yes I drive an hour to an Ace that carries it. Now, it’s $80!!! 🤯). These days most paints have self-leveling technology, but the BMA line must have fairy dust in it or something because it is SUPERIOR. I say this because paired with the open time or time it takes the paint to dry to touch, the finish is very forgiving. Meaning if a fruit fly lands on your freshly painted door 10/15 min after you’ve put a coat on—no need to panic, you can take some tweezers to it, extract the bug, and never know because it still dries super smooth (believe me, I’m speaking from experience!).
Start Whistling Because It’s High Time to Work!
Finally, the work begins. Ok—so, this Pullins kitchen was near and dear to my heart because it was the studio’s first reveal job, where the project ended with a surprise kitchen reveal! Even now I’m reminiscing on what a good time this was. Work began on December 19th and was to end on Christmas Eve. Let me tell you, there was a mad rush to the finish line! In fact, I believe the Lord God Himself blew in a small snowstorm which pushed our reveal back to Christmas Day at 12:00 PM. I needed every. single. hour. Every single one! With the help of my emergency design team (lol) aka my dear mother, brother, at one point my father, and the fun and fabulous Mrs. Logan, we got it done in time. The reveal was marvelous and made every single hiccup (not that there were many) worth it!
The BIG Reveal
It was her face at the end for me! Such a treasure and one of my favorite memories of all time 🤗.
With ♥️ ,
