5 Things That Inspire Me?
I recently worked with one of my favorite award-winning artists to customize a large painting for a client that reflected her husband’s love of hunting. Upon seeing the piece installed over the two-story fireplace, the husband leaned against the wall, studied it and ended up in tears as he reflected on special times spent outdoors with generations of his family.
Another “husband” story… after a long day of installation, I received a late-night text with pictures from my client’s husband, who said: “I love it ALL! Thank you.” That, to me is “success.” That text made my day!
My Why? When God connects my love for people with the gift He has given me to tell their story through interior design, it fills my soul--and my sketchpad. I am grateful and humbled to do what I love as a profession and to bless others in the process.
I consider it a privilege to tell a client’s story through innovative and comfortable design. My job is to transform their space into a beautiful stage for their life. Through careful observation and listening, I delight in elevating their look and infusing freshness and beauty that will stand the test of time.
Behind The Blue Door began as a dream on a vision board. I have always loved the color blue, and Mario Buatta’s iconic bedroom at the 1984 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in which he swathed the room in Brunschwig & Fils’ Verrieres blue & white glazed chintz inspired my first room in 1985. At age 25, I re-covered a hand-me-down loveseat in this fabric and it is still “dressed” today, along with a Cowtan & Tout blue & white stripe that covers two slipper chair - which find their home in my guest bedroom.
Today, Behind The Blue Door is the new Studio space for Kathy Patton Designs, LLC. Finished in 2024, this 500 square foot Studio houses our extensive library of fabrics, wallpapers & trims and provides a creative space for our team.
Kathy Patton
Owner/Lead Designer, Kathy Patton Designs
Kathy Patton’s designs elevate and celebrate the stories and lifestyles of her clients throughout the Southeast. Founded in 1995 and driven by her philosophy that “Life is short...make it beautiful,” Kathy Patton Designs is known for infusing light, freshness, elegance, and a dash of whimsy into timeless Southern design.
Kathy was raised in a southern family where nightly dinners were (and still are) “occasions” accented by pretty tablescapes, good manners, candlelight, music, and lively conversation. These roots fuel her ability to marry classic and contemporary design elements that create interest, inspiration, and--most importantly--memories.
Kathy’s hallmark is being true to her clients’ tastes and stories, while elevating their personal style. Her environments are described as the perfect combination of elegance, function, and personalization. Collaborating with her extensive network of exquisite makers and artisans, Kathy turns everyday objects into works of art, including pillows, custom-designed cabinetry, windows, family heirlooms, and more.
Kathy’s work throughout the Southeast has been recognized in many ways, including her selection as a featured designer for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles’ 27th annual Cashiers Designer Showhouse in Cashiers, North Carolina, and their 2nd annual Burton Designer Showhouse on Lake Burton, Georgia. Her designs have been featured in publications including Southern Home Magazine and Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles. In 2013, Kathy moved her studio from Macon, Georgia, to the beautiful hills of Tennessee in Chattanooga.
