Kathryn Greeley’s design philosophy is “collected, not decorated.” In her 40+ year design career, she has collected a lot of things: experience, insight, and blue & white accessories. This week, our disruptive design conversation with Kathryn Greeley delves into: her second book, The Collected Cottage, (now in its second printing). We also discuss her career advice for longevity in the design industry and how the industry has evolved over the past 40 years. Click play on the video to watch DNN Editor in Chief Courtney Porter in conversation with Kathryn Greeley:
More about The Collected Cottage
Step into the welcoming and elegant world of interior designer Kathryn Crisp Greeley and her charming home, Chestnut Cottage. The Collected Cottage is a richly produced volume with over 400 stunning photographs that will take readers on an intimate tour inside this lovingly curated house and its collections–and out into its glorious garden overflowing with the changing blooms of the passing seasons.
You’ll join Kathryn at memorable gatherings from Easter luncheons to outdoor teas to Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners and even a celebration of Winston Churchill’s birthday. Exquisite and beautifully photographed tabletop inspiration pages showcase her impressive knowledge of the history of fabrics, crystal patterns, china makers, and more, while captivating original watercolors, illustrated menus, personal recipes, and tips on enjoying the simple pleasures of each season round out the treasures she offers her readers.
To top it all off, Kathryn shares fascinating stories of her international travels–dining next to Margaret Thatcher in London, exploring Tuscany, and using her Southern charm to wrangle items for her collections in restaurants and shops around the world–along with historical tidbits and trivia on everything from Pimm’s Cup to Christmas crackers. A trip to Kathryn Crisp Greeley’s beloved Chestnut Cottage will leave lucky readers full of inspiration and dreaming of incorporating some of her timeless ideas into their own homes.
More about Kathryn Greeley
Kathryn Greeley is a distinguished interior designer, author, and renowned speaker, who boasts over four decades of expertise in crafting sophisticated living spaces throughout the Southeastern United States. Her illustrious career, based in Waynesville, NC, has seen her transform homes spanning from the serene mountains to the vibrant coastal areas and from rustic countryside retreats to the bustling urban landscapes.
Kathryn’s journey commenced after she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Interior Design from Western Carolina University. As a Professional member of The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) with NCIDQ qualifications, she has left an indelible mark on the field. Kathryn’s dedication to her craft is underscored by her past presidency of the Carolinas Chapter of ASID and her involvement in various roles and committees within the chapter. She earned accolades such as the Dora Gray Award in 1993 and the Carolinas Chapter Media Award in 2020, underscoring her exceptional contributions to the design community.
Guided by an aesthetic rooted in the English country house style, Kathryn’s design philosophy is encapsulated in the mantra “collected, not decorated.” Her work radiates a sense of history and timeless elegance. Beyond creating elegant and inviting interiors, Kathryn Greeley Designs excels in providing unparalleled client service and meticulous attention to detail. Kathryn’s literary debut, “The Collected Tabletop,” has been a resounding success since its 2011 release, now in its third printing. She is a sought-after speaker at art and antique shows nationwide, perpetually inspiring gracious living and timeless design. Her work has been featured in esteemed publications like Southern Home, Victoria, Traditional Home, Country Home, Carolina Home + Garden, At Home in Arkansas, Southern Living, and Texas Home and Living.
With the imminent release of her second book, “the collected cottage,” in early Summer 2022, Kathryn Greeley’s legacy as a tastemaker in the world of interior design and her dedication to elevating the art of gracious living continue to flourish. She shares her enchanting life at Chestnut Cottage in Waynesville, NC, with her husband Wells and their beloved West Highland Terrier, Duncan MacDuff.
