The first moment we spotted Kate Zimmerman Turpin‘s family vacation home—dubbed the ‘Hunt Sunday House’—we knew we not only had to feature this beauty, but an interview with this talented photographer was in order, too.
“We wanted the house to fade into the hill country landscape so we kept the design simple, soft, and natural,” Kate explains, of the home she designed along with her husband on their family’s property in Texas Hill Country. It’s Mediterranean meets farm house, the perfect vibe for a getaway if you ask us. In an interview with Jenni Kayne, she describes the property further, “…it sits atop a hill with a landscape of tall golden grass, oaks, and cedars making it a home to many hummingbirds and deer. Nailed to a rafter is a wooden sign that reads “QUERENCIA,” the Spanish word that denotes the place in the ring where the bull goes back to regain its strength in a fight. That is basically the best way I can describe what Hunt is to our family: a place to relax, renew, and regain strength.”
Today, we’re getting a peek inside that dreamy atmosphere and getting to know Kate’s design style, process, daily routines and more. Let’s dive in!
Photography: Kate Zimmerman Turpin
What is your favorite part of the design process? The most challenging?
My favorite part is the very beginning part – the dreaming, the ideas, coming up with all the possibilities of the space. The most challenging for me is the actual decision making part. I definitely doubt my instincts but I’m learning to trust them more and more!
We unexpectedly love how all the different shades of wood help warm the space. Maybe it was a happy accident and I admittedly had trouble not painting the cabinets white I think all the different wood tones helped achieve that “farm house” feel tastefully.
We chose white concrete counter tops because it reminded us of that Spanish plaster look we had become obsessed with. We were really happy with the results and felt that they achieved a really soft and textural look.
How would you describe your design style?
Earthy, warm, unexpected
We decided to go with open cabinetry because a) we were on a tight budget b) since it’s a guest house and we don’t expect the kitchen to be used every day, we knew we could get away with no drawers.
Walk us through a typical day in the life of Kate Zimmerman Turpin…
As a freelance photographer and artist, every day is different! Some days I’m photographing for a client all day, other days I’m behind the computer editing!
What is one thing you do to start your morning off on a productive foot?
Put essential oils on, make a good cup of coffee, and meditate and pray.
What is your number one tip for crafting a beautiful home?
Curate your home with special things you’ve collected over the years, things that have character and a story as opposed to buying things just to fill the space. You don’t need too much to make it feel warm and uniquely yours!
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a business owner?
Fake it till you make it! That, and knowing your worth.
Best advice you’ve ever received:
Don’t be afraid to say no.
If you could go to lunch with any boss babe in the world, who would it be and why?
Athena Calderone from Eyeswoon! She has impeccable taste. I admire how much she hustles but also values rest and self care.
If you had to use only ONE paint color throughout a home, what would it be?
Benjamin Moore White Dove
Instagram account(s) you’re currently crushing on:
Atelier Vime and Yoli and Otis
Current favorite book and/or podcast:
Mindful Silence by Phileena Heuertz
3 apps you can’t live without:
Pinterest, Down Dog, Planoly
Favorite beats usually playing in the studio:
Silence, actually! Boring answer but it’s true.
Photography: Kate Zimmerman Turpin
