Clayton Gray Home – Interview & Giveaway

Wendy Garraty, founder of Clayton Gray Home.

It's nice to see the faces and hear the stories behind the bloggers we so often read, isn't it? If you're familiar with the online shop and blog, Clayton Gray Home, you probably already know that Wendy Garraty has great taste. You might not know that she is also kind and gracious, to boot.

I caught up with Wendy recently at Marketplace Interiors, near downtown Tampa, and we sat down for a chat.

Busier than ever, Wendy has just opened a retail store location in this unique, newly renovated warehouse building, which offers shoppers a diverse selection of furnishings and accessories from 17 different design professionals.

Tell us about your background - how and why you started your business, Clayton Gray Home.
Retail has always been part of my life (I once worked for Anthropologie.) Initially, I started doing residential design work, but gradually moved to commercial projects when I found that to be more exciting and quick paced.

I have always loved the "search" for just the right product. For Clayton Gray Home, I've pulled together a mix of goods that seems to appeal to a large segment of shoppers. And I thank those shoppers for allowing me to do what I love.

What is your personal decorating style, and what/who would you consider to be your influences?
My style is definitely eclectic and quirky. I prefer carefree living at home, with the ability to move pieces from room to room. My color palette is such that I can move a lamp or chair or rug from one room to another and the piece still fits. I have 2 children, a dog and cats, so it's very important to me that they are all able to be in any part of our home – there aren't any rooms that are "off-limits." That being said, I have put a great deal of effort into teaching my children how to behave inside our home. Now if I could just get the dog on board ...

I am influenced by Billy Baldwin, Dorothy Draper, Mark Hampton, David Hicks and Florence Broadhurst. I could look at their work over and over again, and find something new and inspiring each time.

Do you have a favorite color?
Gray, of course. It's my "go-to" neutral that I pair with every other color for a completely different look each time.

10 things you can't live without ...
1 Benjamin Moore color wheel – I keep one in my office and one in my car
2 Choosing Happiness, by Alexandra Stoddard – I re-read this often to help me stay focused.
3 Sharpie Ultra Fine Point Pens
4 My iPhone
5 Boxwoods
6 Volcano Capri Blue Candles
7 Dr. Bronner Lavender Soap – It is organic, and was recommended to me by Amber at Spa Jardin.
8 Tory Burch shoes – Since we live in Florida, I'm a big fan of her flip-flops and have several pairs. They are affordable, you can throw them on with jeans and they dress up an outfit just a bit more than a regular flip-flop.
9 "Cherish" lipstick & "Spice" liner, both from MAC
10 My vintage men's Rolex watch – My husband gave it to me when we were first married. It's very plain and simple for a Rolex, which suits my style, and I prefer the bigger face because it's easier to see the numbers.

Photos of Wendy Garraty by Topsy Turvy, from the iPhone.
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How to enter the giveaway ...
As a special treat for Topsy Turvy readers, Wendy is offering a great give-away:
This charming necklace, valued at $65, in your choice of three colors.

Handmade and unique, these darling pendant necklaces from "Art by Amy" are fun and funky. Each sparkling cut-out heart is a "one of a kind" creation, framed in sterling silver and protected by a cut glass front and solid glass back.

When your mood changes, flip over the 16" sterling silver chain and pendant ... the reverse side displays charming vintage "found" papers.

To enter, you must do 2 things by midnight, Sat., Aug. 15:

1. Leave a comment on this post indicating which color necklace you prefer - orange, gold or purple. (And please be sure to leave an email address.)
2. Then go to Clayton Gray Home, and sign up for the mailing list (which will include discounts for future products, new arrivals etc.) The sign up box is at the bottom right of the home page.

It's that easy! One winner will be chosen by drawing,
and announced on Mon., Aug. 17.
Bonne chance!

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