We think we’ve assembled a pretty great team here at Terracotta, and want to give you a chance to peek behind the curtain and love them all like we do. Last month we started by introducing our newest member, Kirstin, and this month would like to introduce you to our fabulous Interior Designer, Katelyn Rountree.

RP: Let’s start with the basics, where are you from?

KR: The country. I am from a tiny town in South Georgia called Hahira (pronounced hay-HI-rah). Since it really isn’t on the map, I typically tell people I am from Valdosta. But my love for my hometown runs deep!

RP: Gotta love a one-stoplight town! How did you become interested in interior design?

KR: I have always been a creative. As a child, I always wanted to be an artist. I loved arts and crafts, drawing, painting, you name it. If it was creative, I was all about it. On the flip side, my dad’s family owns a construction business. I grew up on jobsites playing in dirt and riding on front end loaders. My brother and I were the only kids on the block who knew the difference between asphalt and concrete and what the different scales of aggregate are used for!

When it came time to choose a career path, I was sold on architecture but found that the “pretty stuff” wasn’t there (and I despise math). Out of those realizations, interior design became my true passion!

RP: Where did you go to school?

KR: I received my undergraduate degree in Interior Design at Valdosta State University (go Blazers!) and later studied at SCAD Atlanta where I received my Master of Interior Design in 2014.

RP: Tell us about your family (pets included).

KR: I am married to my husband of four years, Justin, and we welcomed our son, Wilder Grey, in February of this year. We also have two dogs, Carpenter (English Bulldog) and Finnly (Aussie-Corgi), who keep life a little more interesting.

RP: Wilder is always so adorable. How would you describe your personal style?

KR: Wow! This is a hard one. I have such love for so many different things. I would have to say my personal style in three words is simple, functional, and collected. I love mixing old with new, and there is something about simplicity paired with functionality that keep things timeless.

RP: Do you have a  favorite design trend right now?

KR: My favorite current design trend would have to be the black and white craze. I have always loved this classic combination and it is the epitome of timeless design. However, I love playing with the high contrast in unexpected ways and throwing in a few accents of rich color to really make the space pop.

I am also really digging the abundance of texture in design right now. From juju hats and embellished pillows to lacquered cabinets and sleek matte finishes, I love it all! The juxtaposition is really fun to play with.

RP: And last but not least, what’s your favorite color?

KR: Can I just avoid this question? How will I ever choose?! I must admit my favorite color is blue, but that doesn’t mean I won’t cheat on it with my latest color crushes. Right now I am really loving forest green and deep raspberry!

Thanks Katelyn! We love your work and can’t wait to see what you come up with next.