Shop Quiz! with The Pretty Pleat
Kameron Palmer has long been a DIY girl. As a life-romanticizer and mom of three highly sentimental girls, she began searching for a way to display keepsakes without it feeling like clutter. And when she scrolled upon an upholstered bulletin board, she immediately knew it was the solution.
“I’ve always loved finding ways to make the practical parts of everyday life feel a little more beautiful,” she says.
After crafting one for her home, she was hooked. She started with minimal sewing skills and only questions about how to make what she envisioned. After nailing down the basics, she began perfecting her boards until they were just right.
From there, word of mouth spread, demand grew quickly, and The Pretty Pleat came to life.
“I think people are drawn to them because they’re both beautiful and practical,” Palmer says. “They give a designated place for all those everyday things we want to keep close—our kids’ artwork, photos, invitations, reminders and little notes while still adding color, pattern and personality to your space.”
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We talked to Palmer about the inspiration behind her business and the pretty little pieces she envisions and creates for everyday spaces.
Keep reading for the full Q&A.
What does the process look like when someone wants an upholstered bulletin board?
“I actually make each board from start to finish, so customers don’t need to bring me a bulletin board to upholster. Each one starts with a solid wood base and cork overlay. And from there, I upholster the front and sides, add the double-edged piping, finish the back and add the hardware so it’s ready to hang.
Our website is officially live, which is so exciting. Customers can shop finished boards that I add regularly in small drops, plus made-to-order options that are semi-customizable, directly through my website. I also offer custom orders if someone already has a fabric they love, has a particular color or style in mind, or needs a custom size.”
What led you to upholstery and designing everyday spaces?
“I’ve always loved beautiful fabrics and the personality they can add to a space. Over the years, I’ve made things like cornice boards, curtains and other little projects for our home, so I’ve always enjoyed that creative side of things. When I started making the boards, I loved the idea of taking something really practical and turning it into a statement piece that could add personality to a room, too. I wanted a pretty place for all of life’s everyday things—the artwork, photos, invitations, little notes and reminders that teens collect around the home. Upholstery gave me a way to bring those two together: beautiful fabric and something genuinely useful for everyday life.”
What has been the most rewarding part of starting the business?
“The most rewarding part has definitely been seeing people get excited about adding a new board to their space. What started as a creative outlet has quickly grown, and it’s been really special seeing the boards find a place in people’s homes. I’m still learning as I go, but I’ve really enjoyed watching The Pretty Pleat come to life.”
