Meet the Designers of Abbey Hall Interiors

Hannah Pearson & Lizzie Patterson

At Abbey Hall Interiors, we believe a home should reflect your life’s story- crafted with care, vision, and a touch of heart. For our clients, that vision comes alive through Hannah and Lizzie, the designers who shape spaces from intimate residences to luxurious commercial spaces across Atlanta. In this interview, we sit down with them to uncover their inspirations, passions, and what fuels their dedication to timeless design. From Southern roots to global adventures, their stories reveal why every project feels like home- join us to meet the minds behind your next sanctuary.

Where did you grow up, and how did it shape your eye for design?
Hannah: I grew up right here in Milton, GA. Being surrounded by traditional Southern architecture gave me a deep appreciation for wraparound porches, gabled roofs, family heirlooms, and timeless patterns like plaid and gingham. Those roots continue to influence my love for classic design.
Lizzie: Home for me is Tenby a small seaside town in West Wales with winding cobbled streets, pastel houses, and medieval walls. Growing up there, I was constantly surrounded by history. It gave me this respect for things that are built to last and that have a story. I spent my school years at boarding school in the Cotswolds surrounded by the timeless beauty of that landscape. Being immersed in that architecture and design from such a young age gave me a deep appreciation for detail, balance, and historical context. Then moving to New York for university was a complete contrast. Suddenly I was surrounded by fast, bold, and innovative design.

Where did you study, and what drew you to interior design?
Hannah: I earned my Bachelor’s in Business Management from the University of Georgia and my Master’s in Healthcare Management from Emory University. At the time, I knew I wanted to be involved in our family’s senior living business in some capacity. While in school, I worked alongside my dad in development, which eventually evolved into working with my mom on the design side. That’s when I discovered how much I loved design—and the powerful impact it can have on a person’s overall health. I was especially inspired by my mom’s ability to make what’s often a sterile environment feel warm and like home. I felt a pull to create spaces that evoke calmness, happiness, and security—environments that reflect who someone is and support their well-being, regardless of age.
Lizzie: I studied at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, New York. Being in the hub for design and innovation, the city really opened my eyes to the power of experiential design. I was constantly drawn to the new or old renowned hotels, bars, and restaurants places where every detail, from the lighting to the materials to the layout was curated to make you feel something. I’d constantly find myself after class sitting at a hotel bar that I researched based on its design. My friends loved to join me- haha! Being surrounded by that level of design on a daily basis definitely shaped the way I think about spaces, how people move through them, what emotions they evoke, and how even the smallest design choices can elevate an experience.

Who’s part of your daily life- family, pets, or others?
Hannah: My husband Cole, who is an audio engineer; our beautiful one-year old daughter, Everly; and our wild yet lovable 150 lb Bernese Mountain dog, Bogey.
Lizzie: My daily life is happily full of chaos and love. I’ve got two gorgeous boys, Rafferty and Archie, who keep me constantly inspired and on my toes. My husband Michael, who is my biggest supporter and best friend. And then there’s Milo our Portuguese Water Dog, our most needy child.

What’s a weekend ritual or hobby that fuels your creativity?
Hannah: Spending time outdoors—hiking, running, or just walking in nature with my family. Nature always sparks my creativity—the colors, textures, and materials are a constant source of inspiration. It also helps me relax and reset before the week ahead.
Lizzie: Weekends are all about family time for me. I spend most of them hanging out with my boys- we’re either out hiking, exploring a new museum, or trying a restaurant somewhere in Atlanta. It’s all the more inspiring and creative with kids around.

What’s a childhood memory that influences your work today?
Hannah: Going to Queen of Hearts with my mom. I always loved going antiquing with her and it’s something I now love to do with my daughter. I love to find one of a kind unique pieces for our clients that are an extension of them and their story. When something speaks to me, I’ll get it even if I don’t know what it’s meant to be for yet, and it’s always so exciting when the perfect project presents itself and I go “Aha! I know just the piece!”
Lizzie: One of the biggest influences on my work comes from the different nationalities of my friends at boarding school and my travels across Europe. I was lucky enough to spend so much time exploring different countries and immersing myself in their unique cultures and histories. Exposure to so much design and heritage taught me to pay close attention to atmosphere, colour, and emotion in design.

How do you unwind after a long design day- what’s your go-to?
Hannah: A walk with my family or a cocktail on the weekends! Also just sitting on our front porch with my husband playing guitar is one of the most relaxing things to me.
Lizzie: We love to sit together and watch the kids play in the garden. There’s something cathartic about seeing their energy release as we unwind.

What’s a quirky fact about you that clients might not guess?
Hannah: I can recite 72 digits of Pi. I won a competition doing it in 8th grade. I don’t think I know the full 72 still but at least a good bit!
Lizzie: I’m a grade 8 flutist (or at least used to be haha).

How would you describe your design philosophy in a sentence?
Hannah: Timeless design that embraces the new but cherishes the old.
Lizzie: My design philosophy is about creating original, timeless spaces that are uniquely tailored to each client's personality and needs.

What’s your favorite part of the design process, and why?
Hannah: The conceptual phase. It’s the most exciting part to gather all the samples and create a visual for our clients that gets them excited and puts everything in motion.
Lizzie: My favorite part of the design process is the initial ideation phase. I love the challenge of gathering ideas, colours to create something unique and meaningful.

Why do you design- what drives you to keep creating spaces?
Hannah: I love creating spaces that comfort others. It is so exciting to present a room to a client and have them gasp and be so excited that it is their home that they get to live in and enjoy every day.
Lizzie: It’s simply my passion.

What materials, textures, or elements do you gravitate toward?
Hannah: The color “mink”. Velvet. Brass. Taj Mahal.
Lizzie: I’m drawn to materials that have a rich tactile quality like mohair and velvets which add warmth and depth to a space. I also love working with metals and natural stones. There’s something about the way these materials age and evolve over time that feels timeless. I tend to stay away from man-made materials, as I find the natural ones have a deeper, more authentic beauty...there’s a sense of connection and craftsmanship that comes with it.

Do you have a favorite project, and what does it mean to you?
Hannah: The Holbrook of Sugar Hill. It was the first senior living I designed after my mom’s retirement. I was terrified but so excited - I wanted to honor her and all she taught me, honor my Dad and his faith in me, and honor the residents to create a comfortable and livable space using all the knowledge I had gained throughout my life and feedback we have received throughout the years from residents, staff and families.
Lizzie: One of my favorite types of projects to work on are new builds, especially when I’m involved in choosing all the finishes for the home. It is rewarding to see a space come together from the ground up, where every detail from the flooring to the fixtures reflects a cohesive vision.

What’s a design trend you admire, and how do you make it timeless?
Hannah: Checkered floors. I think they are inherently timeless but sticking with marble if your budget allows will ensure it will stand the test of time!
Lizzie: While not exactly a trend I’m very interested in sustainability and regenerative design. The idea of creating spaces that not only minimize environmental impact but actually improve the surrounding ecosystem makes me happy. I admire the growing movement towards using natural, renewable materials and designing with a focus on longevity. This is timeless naturally by using quality craftsmanship, and thoughtful materials. you create spaces that are not just beautiful and functional, but also contribute to the world in a lasting way.

How do you balance a client’s vision with your creative instincts?
Hannah: It all starts with listening. I ask lots of questions about their style and how they live, because residential design isn’t about my taste—it’s about theirs. While we may not always align aesthetically, I aim to bring in creative touches they may not have considered to make the space both timeless and a wise long-term investment.
Lizzie: That is a delicate dance! I always make it a priority to really understand our client’s needs and lifestyle. It’s important for me to be mindful of their priorities and how they live their life, so I can create something that truly works for them. It’s about collaboration of their needs and our knowledge.

What’s the most unexpected inspiration you’ve drawn for a project?
Hannah: A 200-year-old oak tree across the street from Holbrook of Sugar Hill. It really grounded the entire design concept. I thought about everything that tree had witnessed and began researching the history of Sugar Hill to weave natural and historical elements into the design.
Lizzie: Not so much an unexpected thing but for me its when inspiration comes. Usually at the most unexpected times when I’m not looking for it. Like noticing something in a funny movie or colours when I’m out and about with the kids.

What’s a small design detail that makes a big difference?
Hannah: Bullnose tile in lieu of schluter - always! It’s a subtle touch that elevates everything.
Lizzie: The best designs often lie in the things you don’t notice right away, but they still contribute to the overall harmony of the space. One of my favorites is intentional light switches and outlet covers. This to me signals intentional design that is thoughtful, refined and finished. Forbes & Lomax has a beautiful selection!

How do you hope clients feel in your spaces?
Hannah: At peace and inspired.
Lizzie: At home and at peace.

What’s a space in your home you’re most proud of, and why?
Hannah: My daughter’s nursery/bedroom. It incorporates a lot of textures, materials and colors. It isn’t your typical “girly” nursery - it is something that she can grow into and it was so special to design because it’s my first child :)
Lizzie: The space in my home I’m most proud of is definitely our kitchen. We had a budget to stick to but I’m so happy with how it turned out. It’s a great reminder that good design doesn’t always need a huge budget, it’s all about making smart choices and finding ways to make a space feel special. I love that my husband and I designed it together. He has such a quirky fun side and I love how we balance each other out.

How do you approach designing for different life stages, like families versus seniors?
Hannah: There are a lot of overlaps—both need high-performance, durable materials and furniture that’s ergonomic and comfortable. It’s about tailoring the details to support each life stage with purpose.
Lizzie: Anticipating their needs is essential. Knowing the ages of children in the house or if the client is an empty nester or when we are designing for seniors. This is integral to understand before the designing process. For families, from my own experience you need to have durable frames and performance fabrics. Seniors need ergonomic and contract grade fabrics.

What’s a lesson from a client that stuck with you?
Hannah: Always check the end use of fabric! Early on, I sourced a fabric that wasn’t suitable for drapery—and let’s just say, it was a costly lesson I won’t forget.
Lizzie: Do double check and if you have to ask again do. My art measurements were wrong for a client once and Ive never let myself get over it.

If you could design a dream project with no limits, what would it be?
Hannah: Redeveloping our family’s land in downtown Alpharetta. It includes two historic homes full of character and history—it’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve always dreamed of restoring it and bringing back its original charm. Hopefully, that dream will come to life in the next year or two!
Lizzie: A dream project for me would be designing a luxury hotel with the timeless elegance and personality. It would have moody lighting and intimate details that make each corner feel special. But beyond aesthetics, I’m also passionate about sustainability, so I’d want the building to achieve a LEED certification. My goal would be to design a space that’s not only beautiful and functional but regenerative doing good for the planet while being beautiful.

Hannah and Lizzie are here to make your space yours- a place that fits your life, whether it’s a family gathering spot or a hotel lounge. Ready to see what they can do? Reach out today- your space is waiting their touch. Book your complimentary discovery call today!