In May of 2021, Kristen Passos commented to her husband, “If only we could find an empty lot on a lake in this area, then we can build our dream house.” Kristen recalls that only a few hours passed when Marcelo responded that he found the lot and was going to call and make an offer. Marcelo and Kristen engaged in a new build project with Greg Love Homes and Palmer Kay Design. The Passos brought a different level of involvement to the project. It’s not every day a client comes to the builder and designer prepared with plans, designs, and a 3D model of their dream home for a virtual walk-through.
Angie Palmer lives in Peachtree City with her husband of 28 years, and their fur babies Lucy and Jerry. She is the owner and principal designer of Palmer Kay Design and specializes in transforming spaces. Angie strives to deliver high-quality, customized interior design solutions for all types of spaces to turn dreams into reality. Her entrepreneurial journey is rich with passion, dedication, and an innate flair for design, and narrates a story of beautiful interiors, stunning exteriors, and incredible new beginnings. Through the years, Angie enjoyed renovating the homes she and her husband lived in. It was a passion her husband could see she loved and had a genuine talent for. It was no surprise to her when he suggested she give thought to doing it full-time. A careful planner by nature, Angie gave meaningful thought to how she would embark upon the journey to transition from a full-time corporate career in finance and procurement to a career in interior design.
Encouraged by her husband’s support, Angie took a strategic approach and delved into exploring the design business. Seeking guidance from a business broker, she unraveled the intricacies of the design industry and eventually became a franchise owner in the decor space. The journey of self-discovery and professional training in the decor space laid the foundation for Angie to confidently proclaim her status as a design expert. In 2007, she took the plunge and officially launched Palmer Kay Design, marking the beginning of a chapter defined by creativity and dedication.
The decision to fully embrace the world of design was not without its challenges, especially in light of her decision to maintain her full-time corporate job. It was challenging to balance it all, and in the first year of business, as the financial crisis in 2007 unfolded, the company Angie worked for went under. At a crossroads and faced with uncertainty, Angie perceived this as a divine sign - God’s way of saying it was time to just step away and take the leap into full-time design work. Angie firmly believes that “If you step on the right path for yourself that is really powerful, and I think doors open and things happen for you.” It wasn’t long before she began focusing on whole house projects, drawing inspiration from her own home renovations - from a whole house perspective and a whole house plan, not just one room at a time. Her advertising efforts targeted this specific niche, and soon, significant wins propelled her into a trajectory of success. “I got a couple of really big wins. That set the path and it has been going ever since.”
Angie's scope of focus expanded over the years. In creating her vision board, a practice she commits to annually, Angie included her desire to work with a builder. She saw the possibility, as well as its potential, as the evolution of her business to work in new construction - to work on projects from inception to completion. Recommendations from several showrooms, and previous clients, have been instrumental in expanding Angie's reach, solidifying Palmer Kay Design's reputation. March of 2021 brought an unexpected call from a builder, setting the stage for a successful partnership that has thrived through more than 20 luxury custom homes. This opportunity is a testament to Angie’s belief that what is meant for her will come to fruition. “Working in new construction has become a real love of mine. I really love working on new construction from beginning to end with a client.” A published and award-winning designer, Angie sets the vision and guides the team to create the perfect atmosphere for each client's unique journey. “Our team is dedicated to collaborating closely with clients, from the initial consultation to the final reveal, to bring their vision of home to life in the most beautiful and functional way.”
Marcelo, a civil engineer with a penchant for design, engaged Angie early in the process. The collaboration brought together their creative ideas, resulting in a home that exceeded Marcelo's expectations. “Angie would take my original idea and make it better.” There was a lot of that. “Angie was always very pleasant, and always very constructive. She would candidly tell us when she didn’t like something, and we would do the same.” Both Marcelo and Kristen appreciated Angie's responsiveness, creative input, and local availability, factors that significantly contributed to the success of their project. They found immense value in Angie's ability to enhance their ideas and make thoughtful suggestions throughout the process. There were times when the couple would look at something Angie proposed and would say, “We would never have thought of that.” This was considered a huge value add for the couple.
Angie's approach to design goes beyond aesthetics; it's a deeply personal journey for each client. She engages in comprehensive discussions to understand their vision, lifestyle, and preferences. Whether working on new construction or renovations, Angie strives to create spaces that align with her client's dreams. Palmer Kay Design's focus on being a full-service design company distinguishes it in the industry. Angie emphasizes, "From soup to nuts, from the time the first brick is laid on the property all the way up through the time we are putting flowers on your table.” Angie characterizes her style as traditional with a modern edge and loves the unique challenges that arise with new projects. One noteworthy project is the new home build and interior design for Marcelo and Kristen Passos, in a well-established community in Fayette County. “I worked with them on everything from building the house to furnishing and decorating it as well. The home is very modern, and they were fun to work with.”
The couple shares their experience of collaborating on their dream home with gratitude and an appreciation for the experience and expertise of the team. Marcelo cannot pick just one favorite room. “I love my living room. I love my bathroom. I designed it myself and Angie was a huge help in eliminating the things we didn’t need.” Kristen chimes in, “I’ve always wanted a dream laundry room. Angie selected a really unique color that I would have never even considered, and it wound up being beautiful.” Marcelo finishes, “The downstairs area came out fantastic. There are so many places in this house that are fabulous, and I haven’t found my favorite.”
For Marcelo and Kristen, Palmer Kay Design was the perfect choice for their forever home. “Angie was always available and very attentive. We are so proud of what we all did. We did such a great job as a team. Building is not for everybody, but with the right people, the project can go well and be enjoyable.” Marcelo adds lightheartedly, “I really wanted to build my house the way that I wanted it to look. I don’t know if I was one of the best clients for Angie, or one of the worst.”
Marcelo is a little sad that the project is over. "It was a really fun project, and the collaboration with Angie Palmer and Greg Love was great."
"At Palmer Kay, we believe that interior design is more than just creating beautiful spaces. It’s about using our expertise to enhance the functionality, flow, and overall vibe of a home or office. Our passion for design lies in creating spaces that reflect the unique personality and style of each client, ensuring that the final result is one that truly feels like home. We value the relationships with our clients, partners, and the trades, and lead with integrity, empathy, and kindness in all that we do."
If there’s just one thing Angie would like future clients to know, it’s that, “We are here to partner with you, wherever you are in your design journey. We are not here to judge your home or make light of things in your home. It’s an honor to be invited into someone’s home. Your home is your sacred space and I take it very seriously.”
The Palmer Kay Design studio is open Monday - Friday from 10 am - 5 pm.
palmerkaydesign.com
Social media @palmerkaydesign
770-487-4455
“Angie would take my original idea and make it better.”
“We are here to partner with you, wherever you are in your design journey."