Q&A with designer Hooper Patterson

Photography courtesy of Hooper Patterson Interior Design

Our Designer Network is a group of trailblazers and icons that Sunset and sister publications Coastal Living and Southern Living work with to curate the best home designs for the magazines.

This week, we feature interior designer Hooper Patterson of Hooper Patterson Interior Design.

How would you describe your style?

HP: I would describe my style as traditional with a twist. I love layering pattern and texture and mixing in modern pieces to give a space unexpected elements.

What’s a design trend you’re loving right now?

HP: I have always mixed metals. I’m not afraid to mix chrome, polished nickel and brass in kitchens and baths with lighting and hardware. I love that spaces are reflecting that and that furniture lines and lighting designers are using more than one metal on their pieces as accents.

What’s your #1 piece of design advice for homeowners?

HP: Collect pieces that you love. Most people can’t decorate all at once, but if you invest in great pieces with good bones, your home will have a collected look and your loved selections will stand the test of time.

What are your (beach, mountain, lake, farm) house essentials?

HP: I work on a lot of coastal homes and my beach house essentials are slip covers and performance fabrics (that don’t look like performance fabrics). Regardless of whether it is a beach, mountain, lake or farm house, I love a pop (or several) of color!

What’s your go-to statement-making front door paint color?

HP: I have two…. My studio front door is Gossamer Blue by Benjamin Moore. People are always asking me what color it is. I also love a pop of coral on a gray or white house. Ravishing Coral by Sherwin Williams is one of my favorites. It has just the right amount of pink.

Favorite places to shop?

HP: One Kings Lane for one of a kind finds, Anthropologie for a conversation piece, Visual Comfort for lighting and my own studio!

Favorite designers/tastemakers/etc. to follow on Instagram?

HP: I adore my fellow Design Network members. I follow so many, it’s hard to choose. I love Meg Braff, Celerie Kemble and Kelly Wearstler

When it comes to (beach house) kitchens, what’s your preference: Island or peninsula?

HP: Definitely one big island! At the beach, a low country boil is must and being able to gather around a big island and peel shrimp is the perfect ending to a day at the beach. Lately, I have been using different materials and colors on the island so it stands out in kitchen.