52 weeks of design (kitty & company) week 23

​By Kitty Golding
Kitty & Company will be conducting a series of short interviews with Chelsea Residents for 52 weeks, bringing to light differing personalities and design styles in our community.  Perhaps you will meet someone new through these weekly interviews or perhaps it will be YOU! Stay tuned and follow us each week – we now introduce you to  Mrs. Patricia Phillips.
 
 
 
 
 
What is your current profession? I am one of the founders of Greystone Building Company established in 1993.
People think of me as: unique to this industry because I am a woman  but really, I am very comfortable and in my element in a construction setting.
Your family members:  My husband and I are the proud parents of 3 grown sons. Our eldest, married his college sweetheart and is in the Army, 82nd Airborne Division. Our middle son is studying International Business, and our youngest has applied to enter into Electrical training.
What do you love about where you currently live? I love the small- town atmosphere, It has been a wonderful place to raise our family. From a business perspective it has been a wonderful opportunity to create homes for local families where those relationships developed into friendships and we have been able to watch so many young children grow up, go away to college and launch lives of their own stemming from the very homes that we created. To have been involved in a place where lifelong memories are made is special.
Where did you live prior to coming to Chelsea? My husband and I gradually migrated from the western suburbs of Detroit until finding Chelsea and established our roots here almost 30 ago.
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would it be?  Down South, in the mountains by a lake or a river.
What three words describe your style? Creative, flexible and patient.
Who most influenced your design styles? Our Clients, as a custom home builder we have had the opportunity to create such a broad spectrum of home styles. Everything from Greek Revival to log homes, from farmhouse to contemporary. Most recently we have enjoyed embarking into creating multi-generational designs that creates both a gathering space for the whole family while preserving privacy and individual spaces for each to retain their independence.
What are you most inspired by in your design/decor? Everyone brings and element of what makes their house their home. We have the unique opportunity to explore those areas and create that feel for them. As for myself I would have to say that I am most inspired by nature and history.
As you think about the home in which you grew up, what elements did you like and do you think you have incorporated some of them in your own home? I grew up in and old- style English Tudor with lots of elaborate and unique brick detail, steep roofs, second story porch and a great limestone fireplace. The floor plan offered very specific purposes for each room. We have included some of these details in our past, current and future home plans.
When entering your home, how do you want it to feel? Welcoming.
What is one element or trend in design you do not like? Although every style is not for me, I do enjoy having the ability to create unique elements for others.
Have you ever built a new home or remodeled an existing one? We ourselves have built several yes, and n our work, our primary function is New Construction, but we have taken on some major renovations that had such great elements and opportunities to expand our scope of work, primarily when creating lake front homes.
What is the biggest design issue you struggle with? I struggle with keeping colors schemes interesting and fresh.
If you are a pet owner, how has that influenced your choices in design, if it has? We have pets and more importantly raised 3 boys. Our go to is natural elements and colors, low maintenance surfaces and distressed furniture pieces.
If you were moving and could only select one item from your home to keep, what would it be and why? My husband, he is quite an item.
 Which room in your home gets the most use? The kitchen and family room area is the primary gathering space comparable to our outdoor living spaces.
Name an item you purchased for your home that you regret buying: A sectional sofa that looks great but is not very comfortable.
No room is complete without: Proper Lighting.
By nature I am :  A collector of things.
What are/have you been doing to pass the time during the COVID-19 State shutdown? We are excited to be breaking ground on a home for an out of state couple on a gorgeous site in Greystone. The lot selection and the entire design process was accomplished with extreme social distancing, completely remotely. It added some additional time, patience and ingenuity but we are all pretty proud of this accomplishment.
Has any local venue particularly caught your eye - if so why? Not to be overly catering to our host but, I truly love the Kitty & Co.  window displays. They are kept fresh and interesting. They not only draw attention to a diverse and attractive design style, but provide a window to the passers-by important life events. So many parents have appreciated the tribute to the 2020 Graduating class, and as a military Mom I appreciated the tribute to the many branches of service. So much time was given to gathering uniforms and memorabilia to honor those who have served. I want to thank you your genuine desire to reach out to your community. *Kitty’s note:  Thank you! That is so kind and we enjoy creating them!
 
A few of your favorite things!
Movie – Elf.
Favorite Historical Place You have visited – Either the Castles in Scotland or Historical Savannah Georgia.
Scent- Bleached White Towels.
Music–   Black Water by The Doobie Brothers, the David Crowder band, I enjoy a huge mix of genres.
Meal-  Dinner for Breakfast.
TV show-  Most funny family sitcoms Current favorite is Bob (hearts) Abashola.
Travel Destination (on your bucket list)– The Nantahalia Mountains.
Season-  Fall is so spectacular in Michigan.
Color- That totally depends on what it is applied to.
Collectibles - Mementos from our Children.
Museum -  Hands on Museum.
Design Trend/ Style-  Rustic.
Hobbies- Hiking and working in our yard.
Tree – Maple.
Item on a bookshelf  - Old Books.
Dogs or Cats?   I love our dog and his best buddy our cat. I miss raising ducks and have always considered having a horse.
Kitty’s note:  Patricia and I met more formerly working on a local new build together, and I’ve seen firsthand the detail she puts into her new homes. Her own home is beautiful as well with much curb appeal and beautiful color.  She has been involved in the Showcase of homes and has a beautifully developed community in which to build new homes about 7 miles north of town, called Greystone.  She also is simply a nice and caring person!  

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