Research and collecting trips help Paterson seek ideas and subjects for her artwork. In turn she has accumulated ephemera that she displays throughout the house. Paterson is also the founder of and curator for Beggars Banquet, a monthly pop-up flea market in Vancouver, which is her favorite place to shop for her home. The slogan is "a discerning selection of quality goods," she says, "and it's a great place to find unique pieces and antiques at really great prices." The event recently expanded to be hosted every other month in Portland, Oregon.