Books, books, and more books: tips on artful arranging

As a writer by trade, I treasure my books. From a signed Judy Blume book from the time I met the author in fifth grade to my collection of first editions, each book on my shelves holds a special place in my heart. I've even saved anthologies and poetry collections from college English classes.

If you're not a natural-born designer — as I'm certainly not — arranging books and other items decoratively on your shelves can be quite a challenge.

There's a great blog on displaying and organizing books as treasures at Sanity Fair. I must say, the curtain idea is my favorite, especially for someone with limited living space.

Clayton Gray Home has some fabulous books to add style, character and balance to your bookshelves. From cowhide decorative designer books to black, brown, white, zebra, and jersey hide hair books, our Western Collection offers a variety of textures.

Clayton Gray Home's Parchment Designer books are actually English books of various size, content, color and condition.

The Lorien Hotel & Spa in Alexandria, Virginia showcases the idea of arranging your shelves with one hue of books.

A recent issue of Southern Living offers tips such as painting the back of your shelves a different color to add depth; using lighting (lamps, sconces, backlighting) to create different effects; varying the way you arrange books (vertically, horizontally, tightly, loosely); considering balance; and incorporating art.

Let us know if you have any new ideas or tips for crafting the perfect home for your books.

Books, books, and more books: tips on artful arranging

MarketPlace Interiors Grand Opening draws huge crowd

pictured in photo (right):Clayton Gray Home owner Wendy Garraty, Cecilia Sayre, Amber Prida & Elaine Sweeney

Tampa's newest hotspot for designers and their clients — MarketPlace Interiors — celebrated its Grand Opening last night with a bustling open house.

With 17 spaces under one roof, open to the pubic and representing a wonderful range of styles, this exciting addition to Tampa's interiors offerings has something for everyone.

Each stall features a unique style and pieces ranging from furniture, home accessories, lamps and chandeliers, and art. There's even some jewelry and clothing in the mix!

Clayton Gray Home's fabulous stall offers some unique pieces for a contemporary or eclectic touch to your interior. Don't miss the repurposed items, jewelry, handbags, and more.

Do yourself a favor and stop by MarketPlace Interiors soon, if you haven't already. Address is 301 N. Willow Ave. (just across Kennedy), located in the Decorative Arts Center's historic warehouse buildings, right across the street from the new Ferguson's showroom. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

MarketPlace Interiors Grand Opening draws huge crowd

SHELTER Interior Design speaks out

Julie Richard from SHELTER Interior Design, north of Boston in Salem, MA, recently blogged about some Clayton Gray Home items she loves. In Julie's opinion, designers should love every piece they choose for themselves or clients.

Some of the Clayton Gray Home furniture she features on her blog include the following pieces, which speak to Julie's design direction.

Nora Side Table

Coco Mirror

Powell Coffee Table

Because of Julie's impeccable design taste, we decided to dig deeper to find out more about her strategies and experiences. Here's our Q&A:

Have you ever bought something for a client that you wanted to keep for yourself?

Of course, a number of times! I usually admire the one-of-a-kind furniture pieces that can’t be found at chain stores.

I recently purchased a great cocktail table from a store in N.Y., that’s on my current wish list.

What is foremost in your mind when looking for products for clients?

I always have to consider price; clients usually have a budget and appreciate the thoughtfulness. What I am looking for in each job differs greatly, but I like to be “moved” by a piece. Not everything can scream “wow” in a room, but I aim to source unique items and objects for my projects. Quality is, of course, always a priority.

What is your design philosophy?

My goal with Shelter is to create unique, cohesive, visually graphic, functional spaces that suit my clients' lifestyles and needs. I strive for each space or home to contain elements of unexpected beauty and comfort! Great design is in the details.

Which is your favorite of all the Clayton Gray Home items you chose? Why?

That’s a tough call. I love them all for one reason or another. I think the Powell Cocktail table, a nod to Warren Platner, would make a room. It’s glamorous, beautiful and the gold finish is unexpected. The Marco Cabinet in white is also amazing. It doesn’t get much better then lacquered grass cloth.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I love the creative design process. My job and work is always evolving. Keeping things fresh is imperative to me. Seeing the finished product and a very pleased client is extremely rewarding!

What's an important lesson you've learned about design over the years?

Don’t be afraid to verify the details over and over again! Mistakes do happen but many can be avoided. If you are unsure of the something, it’s so important to double-check measurements, pricing, color, etc. Always have the fabricator of any custom piece obtain the dimensions on-site for the piece they are making! Take some pressure off yourself!

SHELTER Interior Design speaks out

Roberta Schilling Handmade Chandeliers Bring Rich Texture to Rooms

Be sure to take a look at the new Panama Chandelier from Roberta Schilling made of twill tape, available at Clayton Gray Home. It's truly a work of art, as are so many of Schilling's South American creations.

These unique design elements are created using natural twill tape strips wrapped artfully around a metal frame to create an organic, open-weave look. It's available in three different diameters (19", 21" and 39.5") to suit most any size room. Made from repurposed materials, the Panama Chandelier's rich texture and natural color add an interesting twist to a room, bringing together old and new.

Born in Brazil and educated in The United States, Roberta Schilling offers a unique array of hand-made products from her native country to America through her wonderful collection. Her interest in decor and crafts started at an early age, when Schilling helped her mother run a successful home accessory and fresh flower boutique in Belo Horizonte, the cradle of Brazil's colonial art.

Today the Roberta Schilling Collection of hand-crafted furniture and accessories has been featured in a variety of home and trade magazines.

Schilling brings together skilled artisans create distinctive pieces with recycled and repurposed materials from South America, including hardwoods found in the ruins of old colonial farm houses dating back as far as the 1800s. Schilling is always on the lookout for new crafts and decorative techniques from villages in her native country of Brazil.

Clayton Gray Home is proud to feature one of Roberta Schilling's newest products on our site. Don't miss out on getting a Panama Chandelier for your home!

Roberta Schilling Handmade Chandeliers Bring Rich Texture to Rooms

Topsy Turvy Interview - It's good to have friends!

Sometimes I am humbled by my good friends out there in the "online" world. Such is the case with the recent article written over at Topsy Turvy blog. As many of you know, Clayton Gray Home recently opened our first retail location here in Tampa and Lana (creative genius of Topsy Turvy) was kind enough to stop by, chat for a while and takes loads of photos!

We had a wonderful time together and even managed to dream up a fun give-away for her readers, but that's all you will find out here. Check out Topsy Turvy blog for more information - deadline for entries is Monday, August 17th. Thank you again Lana for the kind words! Can't wait to see who the winner will be.

Topsy Turvy Interview - It's good to have friends!

Design Milk Blog - Clayton Gray Home

Thank you to Jaime over at Design Milk blog for the recent mention of Clayton Gray Home! Take a look below at the home decor items that Jaime picked:

Gray Grain Rug, Cassidy Table Lamp, Danforth Leather Chair, Marco Low Side Tables, Matisse Large Cabinet from Bungalow 5 All great choices for the "Eclectic Beach Chic" look. Thanks Design Milk!

Design Milk Blog - Clayton Gray Home

Check Out Our New Retail Space at Marketplace Interiors

Wendy Garraty, owner and founder of Clayton Gray Home, just opened a retail space in Tampa, Florida, at MarketPlace Interiors, located on 301 N. Willow Ave. near downtown.

MarketPlace Interiors is a collaberation of designers offering a variety of styles, from antiques to shabby chic to modern interior elements. You'll find a great selection in this retail area from Clayton Gray Home — everything from modern end tables to unique lamps and repurposed home accessories to funky jewelry. It's a must-see when you're in the Tampa area.

Summer hours for MarketPlace Interiors are Mon. and Tues., 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., and Wed. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Starting in the fall, hours will be Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Clayton Gray Home's retail space offers a delightfully eclectic mix of furniture and home accessories.

This shell table is perfect for a beach home or an interesting piece to add an organic feel.

This one-of-a-kind, flower-shaped wall hook is made of recycled aluminum. Teens, tweens, and college students would love it for their bedrooms or dorms.

The possibilities are endless for these modern end tables and sleek lamps. Don't miss the cute dog bookends and funky vase.

Don't give away your grandmother's lucite like I did! This vintage lucite piece would be great on a desk. Clayton Gray Home also has a wonderful selection of pillows like the one shown above. So next time you are in Tampa, stop by and see it all in person!

Check Out Our New Retail Space at Marketplace Interiors