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 founded her firm in 1995 with a clear conviction: a well-designed home should be both beautiful and deeply personal. For nearly three decades, she has translated her clients’ point of view into interiors that are refined, welcoming, and built to endure.
Raised in a Southern family where hospitality was a daily practice, Kathy developed an early appreciation for gracious living - candlelight at the table, thoughtful details, lively conversation, and spaces that invite people to gather. That foundation continues to shape her work: interiors that feel collected, intentional, and meant to be lived in.
Kathy is known for her ability to listen carefully and discern what feels authentic to each client. She honors their preferences while elevating them, balancing proportion, material integrity, and craftsmanship to create spaces that feel natural rather than imposed. With a deep respect for the responsibility entrusted to her, she approaches each project with gratitude and thoughtful stewardship.
Her work has been featured in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles and Southern Home Magazine, and she has served as a featured designer for the Cashiers Designer Showhouse and the Lake Burton Showhouse.
For Kathy, design is not simply about how a room looks, but how it supports the life lived within it, bringing beauty, comfort, and a sense of peace that endures.
