I get asked A LOT what we do for a living. So buckle your seat belts for the fastest overview ever. As I’ve mentioned before, a super high energy and extremely motivated entrepreneur married well, another super high energy and extremely motivated entrepreneur. And since we met and started dating at 14, by the time 19 and in college came around, we were ready for life. So we thought. As sophomores at the University of Georgia we got married. And then one day my Uncle asked Mark to come over after school and help him cut and install granite countertops in his home. That night Mark came home and said “I want to start doing granite”. And I said “Okay sure babe”. But no really, he meant it. With absolutely ZERO money and a fierce determination like no other, he used my uncle’s saw and backyard and on nights and weekends, he fabricated and installed countertops for our family and closest friends. All while still studying and maintaining the Hope scholarship. Proud wifey moment. He literally taught himself E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G. He wanted to be self-employed and for whatever reason, while still in college, he had decided this was his moment. And seeing as though granite slabs weigh over 1,000 lbs, he did what anyone else would do when he needed to move them around. He tied a rope to them and used his truck to move them. Clearly the safest and most logical way. So that continued and I decided to take on the “marketing” and “customer service”. And yes, I did this while in my interior design AutoCad classes. I remember minimizing my AutoCad screen, opening up my e-mails, answering clients and posting ads on eBay (yes, I used eBay back then to advertise granite and it actually worked!). In 2003, while still in college, we rented our first shop. A tiny little 1,300 square foot fabrication facility. I remember leaving school everyday and driving straight to our shop for part two of my day. By 2004, Mark graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and began his full-time, well way more than full-time, focus on our company that I named… A Polished Finish (APF, Inc.). By the Summer of 2005, I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design and I too joined APF full-time. We then opened a separate showroom space in Historic Monroe, GA and expanded into all things Kitchen & Bath. By 2006, our company hit $2.3 million dollars that year in sales and we moved into a much more practical 9,000 square foot facility and another new separate showroom space. And did I mention that we had zero help, zero money and pretty much zero time (in the beginning). I look back and literally still wonder how on Earth we did it all. Although my little synopsis may sound easy, breezy and magical, it was the hardest years of my life. Times a trillion. It was no sleep, stress like I can’t even describe and it was giving away all of those fun college years we keep hearing about. I’d absolutely say “don’t try this at home”. But at the same time, I’m so thankful for all of the hard work we put it so long ago. So the rest is history and for those who’ve asked, that’s what we do for a living.
So, back to my home tour! When it came time for our kitchen overhaul, can you guess who I called? 😉 A Polished Finish (APF, Inc.)! Here’s a look at our kitchen before…
BEFORE
And then once the walls in the house were painted…
The Process
When it came time to design our new kitchen, I knew I wanted white. White on white to be exact. But I also knew I didn’t want it to be alllllll white. First, I chose an ever so slightly off-white called White Dove by Benjamin Moore for the majority of our cabinets. The slightly off-white with the white countertops adds some depth and interest to the kitchen while not being too matchy matchy. It adds depth to the space. Then for that pop of color, I color matched a furniture piece in our home that I LOVE for a beautiful turquoise island color. I just love the beautiful vibrancy it adds to our kitchen! From there, I decided to really accentuate our custom vent hood and range cabinetry with a slightly cool gray that works beautifully with our island color… Thundercloud Gray by Benjamin Moore.
Countertops. Oh white countertops. After being in the stone industry for over 12 years now, I can tell you for 110% certainty that you do NOT want marble countertops in your entire kitchen. You can literally argue with me all day everyday but I have dealt with this over and over and over again with clients. Marble scratches. Very very easy actually. Marble is not heat resistant. It will crack. Marble is very fragile. Do not drop a pan on it. Marble is however oh so beautiful. So I chose it for our island ONLY… Statuary White Marble. This is an area that we are able to be more careful with and consciously avoid using for hot pans, cutting vegetables, etc. For the remainder of the countertops I chose Tiger White Granite. For the edging, I love a super thick look. A Polished Finish did a stunning double thick edge around our entire kitchen that makes the granite and marble 2 1/2″ thick rather than 1 1/4″ (3cm). It is breathtaking.
Here’s a look at all of the other finishing details! Oh and all of my topiaries are from HomeGoods. They’re the perfect finishing touch to any kitchen and I get asked about them ALL of the time!
Source List
SHOP OUR KITCHEN!
Cabinets and Countertops-A Polished Finish (APF, Inc.)
Cabinet Color- White Dove by Benjamin Moore
Vent Hood & Range Cabinet Color- Thundercloud Gray by Benjamin Moore
Rug- Lavender Fields Shop
Custom Window Shade & Pillow Fabric- Candy Kirby Designs
Topiaries (both sets)- HomeGoods
Vase- Target
Appliances- Howard Payne
Cabinet Hardware and Island- A Polished Finish (APF, Inc.)
Island Custom Color by Sherwin Williams (Brittany’s Blue):
CCE Color Cast OZ 32 64 128
L1 Blue — 43 1 1
Y3 Deep Gold — 8 1 —
Plates, Measuring Cup Bowls & Blue Vase- Anthropologie
AFTER
And here’s some images from a lifestyle shoot we did recently with the super talented Paige Ewing Photography! It was actually for something super duper mega exciting that I will be spilling the beans on in January!
XOXO, Brittany Hayes
While I would love to win the cutting board, I will probably disqualify myself for my inability to pick ONE thing I like best. Here are three:
1) expert use of whites. We all know there are hundreds, if not thousands of whites that can be used, but you have nailed the mix so very effectively.
2)choice of ceiling color – beautiful.
3)Pop and somewhat subtle gold in the island light fixture.
Thanks for the post and your inspiring story! I am old, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE hearing stories about young, hardworking, never say quit young people willing to make what use to be considered “normal” sacrifices to create a successful life for themselves and a solid nest for their families. Despite the obstacles. In the words of your generation, “ROCK ON”!
The Island and Subway Tile are my favorite features.
Oh man, your kitchen is such a dream! I love the white on white with the turquoise island! I have been dreaming of marble, but love your explanation. Amazing job!
Love the island and the pop of color it brings to the kitchen. Lovely!
I love the plates on the wall! its my favorite! i wanted to do with subway tiles too but instead I’m doing red brick.
The kitschen island for sure! Love the color and marble top!!!
So beautiful I love it!! My favorite part of my kitchen is my wrap around island I use it often.
I’m having a hard time deciding what my favorite part is so I’m going to choose two: the rug and the plates mounted under the vent hood! I love how colorful your house is without being too juvenile or feminine. Very inspiring!
My favorite thing (honestly) is the decor! You have such a talent to use pops of color and design to make a house a home. Yes, I love white kitchens. Yes, I love marble countertops (and the coordinating stone). Yes, I love the simplicity of the backsplash and the shimmery touches. But, the attention to detail in your decorating-I adore. Those beautiful plates, the gorgeous styling of florals and topiaries, and the fabrics are something only you can put together. Gorgeous!
My favorite part is the light fixture!
I LOVE the island and just everything about it. The turquoise island and your statuary white marble counter top is a DREAM. I love how use use color to add interest and tie in other parts of your home. The lighting above the island and the barstools with colorful pillows creates such a fun vibe in your home. It’s a tough pick, but the TURQUOISE ISLAND is my absolute FAVE!!
How can I pick just one thing? I love the turquoise island, the colorful window treatments and those beautiful countertops.
Such a fabulous warm and inviting kitchen
The cubbies in your island is my favorite thing! My island has cabinets with doors but the cubbies for cookbooks or decor would be way better!!
I am absolutely in love with the island. I live to color…. AND the marble….❤️❤️❤️❤️
I adore your kitchen! Well, your whole house!!! I have a hard time picking a favorite part!!! If I had to… it would be a tie between the gorgeous blue island and the whole stove top/hood area!!!! Gorgeous!!!! We are getting ready to buy our first house and I cannot wait to make it our own!!! I have so many pins from your blog as inspiration!!!
I also love everything! It is so hard to pick my favorite. I too used your kitchen to inspire my kitchen remodel. I love your countertops, backsplash and the accents of purple!
I LOVE the vent hood, corbels and plates on the backsplash. BEAUTIFUL
I absolutely love all the little details that add color! Topiaries, pillows, green apples, plates behind the stove! Love!!!!
While I too love the white on white and of course your island!
I love the island! Especially the legs!
Love your island!
The island is my absolute favorite!!! Granite is next favorite!
I am obsessed with your whole kitchen but the thick marble and granite is he most breathtaking!
The island for sure ! Love the color!!
Love love the island!!
Your style is stunning. Like other your island is amazing. Makes me want to rip mine out and put in another. Just can’t seem to convince the hubby!!!
I love how the island contrasts with the white on white.
My favorite part of your kitchen is the details…your ability to accessorize it to make your house a home. From the plates on the wall to the pillows on the chairs.
Beautiful kitchen & excited to see your new adventure unfold.
My favorite part of your kitchen is that stunning island. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE blue and it just pops life into an already gorgeous kitchen!!!
It would have to be the island. I’m actually trying to replicate it for my kitchen. Oh, and the window treatment fabric!
The island is my favorite which seems to be everyones! I love the color, the chairs and light fixture! So beautiful!
Your kitchen is absolutely stunning! I always love someone who is brave enough to use color. My favorite feature is that island. It is to die for. I love the distressed look.
Rachel
The island!!!! Also I love the tiger granite
Love, love, love the Island and lightening! Everything really! Those are my favs!! 🙂
I love your backsplash. it’s beautiful.
My sweet tooth says the rainbow cake is my favorite! 🙂 But seriously- the turquoise island (my favorite color!) with the marble countertop is the best! Beautiful kitchen!!
Oh my, only one favorite thing??? I guess it is the gorgeous countertop. LOVE the cut and the thickness, makes me want to redo my kitchen! Thanks for sharing your kitchen and your story!
Love your island color, and the marble countertops!
I LOVE the color of the island with the white on white. I also love the trees beside the cooktop! So cute.
It’s so hard to pick my favorite because it’s all beyond fabulous! The island has to be it because of the pop of color it brings and it looks like it would be the perfect place for friends to gather around. I also love the light fixture, subway tiles, plates on the wall, pops of color, paint scheme, the rug on the wood floor. It’s all just gorgeous!
I fell in love with your kitchen rug a few months ago. I went over to Lavender Fields and picked one up to give my kitchen a splash of color. The most favored part of your kitchen is your island and how you incorporated the cool-toned Ikat pillows with the island color. I instantly swooned over it months ago!!
Your kitchen is beautiful! I love the white on white with the turquoise island, a wonderful pop of color!
The back splash is beautiful. Definitely my favorite!
I love love everything about your kitchen however my favorite this is the pop of color throughout. I love how well you mix and match patterns / colors. 🙂
Ahh I love the crispness of the white with the personality added with use of color! I would have to say the island plus those beautiful x back stools 😉
I LOVE your island!!! The color is perfect!
I love it all but I like the island-the style and pop of color! Love the white cabinets and granite as well! I really liked it when you had the darker granite on the island too!
I ABSOLUTELY Love your ENTIRE Kitchen and it is IMPOSSIBLE to pick just ONE thing so here are a Few 😉 1. I love the Island and the Pop of color it Gives to the kitchen!
2. I love the plates on the wall and how it Pops Beautiful color with the White on White.
3. I love the Granite and the Gorgeous White Cabinets!!
Love your island!
I love your whole kitchen but I mostly love how you are able to makes something so uniquely classic. That sounds weird but your style is so fresh and bold but timeless. Specifically your island!
Wow! What an amazing remodel! Love the island and the splashes of color (your signature thing there) 🙂
Absolutely love your turquoise island!
I love the backsplash and plates that add a pop of color! Beautiful!
I love it all! But I especially love the countertops; so classy.
Loving your backsplash tile! I just bought a home in Ca that was built in 1937 and we are finishing up the kitchen now… all thats left is tile and a hood!
Love the island!
I can’t really pick a favorite part! It’s a gorgeous kitchen!
If I had to choose I think it would be the slightly different accent color on the rangehood. It’s still so light and fresh while adding just a splash of color.
AFP rocks the house! Love the countertops and the island. They compliment everything about the kitchen – the beautiful hardwoods, the paint, the cabinetry and the amazing subway tile. Love, Love, Love it !
Plates on the subway tile! and the green trees.
My favorite part of your kitchen is…. that it actually looks like a real kitchen that I could have. I know that sounds silly, but times when you read blogs and magazines you see things “you can only dream about”. Of course… my favorite part of the kitchen is the range hood! (Oh and the island… in reality I cannot just pick one thing!)
It seems unfair to make us pick what we like most on these posts BC I am sure most of us would just love to have a home as beautifully designed. Your kitchen is gorgeous, but being pregnant, that cake looks soooo good.
I am in love with the barstools and the pillows on them!!! The rustic look and vibrant colors are amazing.
I love the island, I think what makes it so beautiful is your choices of everything else. Beautiful room and inspiring story. I love your blog.
I love that you added corbels to the vent hood! Simply adding finish details like this even when one cant do an overhaul will dramatically empower a space! The whole look is beautiful!
Your kitchen is beautiful. It’s hard to pick just one thing! I would have to say the island is my favorite feature. The wonderful color just makes you happy when you see it.
Love the island, especially the clever use of color with the perfect shade of warm white
What I love most about your kitchen renovation is the white cabinets. I think white cabinets make a kitchen look fresh and bright. We just recently remodeled our kitchen and I chose white cabinets and a grey island for some contrast.
I love it all, but I especially like the layout.
That island! So much character and function in one piece
I’m in love with your mix of the purple and turquoise! Beautiful.
I love the mix of purple and turquoise! Beautiful!
Your kitchen is phenomenal!! I love the pops of color throughout the room!
Hands down my favorite part is the Brittany’s blue island but I LOVE the mixture of the pinkish purple with the turquoise! Been a purple girl since I was little and had twin canopy beds with purple canopies and “bedspreads”. Got my love for purple from my Nana who by the way got her weekly hairdo from Mark’s grandmother:)). Sweet lady!! Love your style and congrats on all your successes!
That turquoise island is a dream!! The marble top with the distressed bottom, unique chairs with those violet pillows, the lighting above and that pop of pink flowers!
I’m with all the other ladies… How are we supposed to choose ONE thing?? 🙂
I am a sucker for white cabinets! And I am sssoooo jealous of the big drawers you have — WAY more functional than just have all normal cabinets! The island is perfect as well — LOVE the style and the color! Just beautiful Brittany!!
I love love love the island!!!!
Oh My! My most favorite colour is Turquoise! But the fact that the island has such gorgeous architectural detail makes it even more of an amazing focal point in the Kitchen. I told my Husband that when we move to GA (he’s originally from Covington, GA) and ready to build that I would love to have you and your hubby design and decorate our home! Your home is just beautiful!
Your island and the light above are gorgeous! Love them
The corbels!
Absolutely love the island!!!
I absolutely love the countertop and the backsplash together…what a beautiful kitchen!
Can you tell me where I can purchase legs for my island like yours? I looked on your company site but didn’t see them. Thanks
Hi! This is a full island that is available for purchase from APF, Inc. It isn’t individual legs that are sold separately. It is all one piece. Thanks so much!
How do I find the blog about how you hung your plates on the backsplash? I bought some plates today and am super excited to get them hung!
Thank you:)
I’m trying to find the fabric that was used to make the pillows. I go to the Candy Kirby design website it is dolls and baby blankets. Any suggestions I where I should look?
Thank you!!
Hey, Hope you’re having a great summer. I am waiting “not” so patiently for you to post your kitchen cabinets, counters and back splash. Our Builder is having our counters redone so I have to pick new stuff.