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Kristi Patterson’s
FAVORITE THINGS AT GRACE HILL, EVERYTHING FEELS FRESH AND BRIGHT. BY CHRIS LEE
STEP INTO KRISTI PATTERSON’S WAYZATA SHOP, GRACE HILL, AND
soak in the crisp colors, bright patterns and fun accessories. The vibe here is fresh, welcoming and casually gracious — a reflection of her style and her interior design work. It’s no surprise that her shop and work communicate so clearly. Patterson began her career in the ad business, where she honed her skills in branding and marketing. After 15 years, she refocused on her own creative abilities, channeling them into decor — first in her own home and eventually in others’ as well. “People started asking me to help them when they were working with builders,”she explains. “And builders liked that I had that business background and could put together a process for all the selections that go into a home.” All of this inspired Grace Hill, which she and Store Manager/Buying Director Amy McKee opened 11 years ago. The design studio shares the Wayzata storefront, and the two enterprises have a synergistic relationship. “When we’re presenting fabrics and finishes to clients, we also pull in a ginger jar or a rattan box from the store,” says Patterson. “That way they can visualize the room down to the last detail. They’re not just making decisions about the furniture, but about how they want the whole room to feel.” Her favorite things reflect her love of the gracious, welcoming home.
1 | Design Style PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY DANA MORISSON, ALYSSA LEE, GORDON BELL/SHUTTERSTOCK, ADDISON ROSS, ETÚ HOME AND RIZZOLI NEW YORK
She deems her style “updated traditional with a Southern influence.” She explains: “In the South, they love to entertain and really want their homes to be functional for that. That’s an influence that affects my work a lot.” She loves to work with a mix of colors and patterns that creates a personal connection for homeowners and also welcomes visitors. “Clients want a home that brings them joy and tells their story,” she adds, “not what they’ve already seen on Pinterest or Instagram.” Layering in accessories, artwork, family photos, wall coverings and window treatments makes a home feel comfortable and inviting.
2 | Destination Charleston, South Carolina. In keeping with her love for Southern hospitality, she relishes the historic homes, colorful exteriors and beautiful courtyards — not to mention the fantastic shopping and dining. A couple of her favorite haunts: Charleston Place hotel and Anson Restaurant.
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Artful Living
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