Meet the Interior Designer

When you choose Clayton and Company for your project, you’re not just selecting a design firm. You decide to work with us because you value the expertise and creativity of our designers. That’s why we’re eager to give you a chance to get to know the team you’re investing in.

Meet Ashleigh, one of our Interior Design Project Managers, who has been at Clayton and Company for almost her entire career. Since starting in the soft furnishings team, Ashleigh has become an integral part of our design team creating some of our most popular and successful show homes. Read on to find out what sparked her love of design and the current trends she’s loving…

Please could you tell us about your background in design? What led you to your current role?

Textiles and art were always my favourite subjects at school so when I saw a job for soft furnishings at Clayton and Company, I knew it was my opportunity to try and get into interior design as it’s what I’d always wanted to do. At the time I was working at a tailor in Bath altering clothes.

In 2015 I started studying for my diploma in Interior Design at Staffordshire University while working at Clayton and Company. I then completed a degree in Professional Interior Design before moving from the soft furnishings team to the Design Team as a design assistant, eventually leading me to my current role as Senior Design Project Manager.

What sparked your interest in design?

Growing up my Mum always let me choose paint colours for our house and allowed me to change my room around every month or so! I knew from about 12 years old that interior design was what I wanted to do as I was just so interested in furniture, shapes, styles, and pattern.

How would you describe your personal style?

I would say I sway towards a Japandi style. I like how it incorporates sustainable and natural finishes and comfort.

What’s your favourite thing about being an interior designer?

I love having the opportunity to work on so many different designs, styles and looks because of the work we do at Clayton & Company. There’s so much freedom to piece items together differently for every project. I enjoy creating a design from a few prompts or ideas a client has and playing with those ideas – whether it’s LED lighting, fitted cabinetry, bespoke children’s beds, or media units. It’s so fulfilling to design a project and manage it from concept to installation.

Where do you find inspiration?

Some amazing accounts on Instagram give me great inspiration such as Studio Ashby and House Nine Design. I also get inspired by my colleagues daily. Some of us have worked together for more than 10 years so we’re often chatting about new and interesting elements we can offer clients. Design shows such as Decorex and Focus/24 are also very inspiring.

Are there any recent trends you love or loathe?

Love – Using fewer ‘feature walls’ and instead colour drenching the whole room. It works for both dark and light paint colours and always looks very smart and cohesive.

Another love – Mixing old and new pieces in the same space together, for example using modern lighting with traditional furniture.

Loathe – The overuse of short fast trends that create over consumption influenced by social media. I prefer to gradually collect pieces of furniture and accessories over time. This will help give a more unique aesthetic.

And finally, do you have a favourite project by Clayton & Company?

It must be our Rivers Edge show home project for Wyatt Homes. It’s neutral and calm with lots of creamy whites… everything I love!

To stay up to date with Ashleigh’s work and projects, and for more design inspiration follow us on @claytonandcompany_ or visit our website http://www.clayton.co.uk

Image sources: Hygge and Home, Lady Decluttered, Pinterest, Little Greene, Soho Home, Sleek Chic

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