When you choose Clayton and Company for your project, you’re not just selecting a design firm—you’re investing in the expertise and creativity of our talented designers. We’re excited to introduce you to our team and give you a glimpse of the individuals who bring your visions to life.
Meet Cathy, one of our Senior Design Project Managers. With a wealth of experience and a passion for innovative design, Cathy has been a driving force at Clayton and Company. Her work spans across the UK, from luxurious hotels to elegant private homes. Cathy’s ability to blend creativity with practicality makes her an essential part of our team.
How did you get started in interior design?
I have a Degree in Textile Design & Surface Pattern from Somerset College of Arts & Technology, based in Taunton. I have done various design courses over the years, such as Perspective Drawing at KLC, and CAD & Photoshop courses.
I started out working for a design company in the Peak District which focussed on pub, bar and restaurant interiors and haven’t ever looked back. I’ve now been in the industry now for 25 years and with Clayton & Company for the past 2!
How would you describe your interior design style?
I love using harmonious schemes and colour palettes, creating a flow that is calm and inviting, not challenging. I really try to get into the client’s mindset, and design something really tailored to how they will use their space, where they will love spending time, and that also works well in a practical sense too. I feel the ultimate luxury is having something that flows exactly as you need it to.
I have a few design styles which I love! I am particularly passionate about neutral interiors, with a mix of contemporary and classic style. I love soft contemporary clean lines but also interiors with an eclectic, antique feel.
Having said that, I also love working with pops of colour, using fabrics from suppliers like Manuel Canovas and Pierre Frey.
“I am inspired by nature and the textures and colours I see around me.”
How do you begin a project? Where do you find inspiration?
I believe my strengths lie in interpreting a brief and translating ideas into creative design solutions. By actively listening to clients, I aim to understand their personality, taste and requirements, which helps me build their trust and confidence. This enables me to create schemes that exceed their expectations. I begin by identifying their preferences through curated inspirational imagery and then develop the design from there.
My extensive knowledge of fabrics, soft furnishings, and colour and pattern coordination, developed over years in the industry and driven by my passion for textiles, serves as the foundation for my design work.
I am inspired by nature and the myriad textures and colours I see around me. I constantly take photos, building a large collection of images that fuel my creativity. Walks along the North Devon coast, with its beautiful rock formations and rich textures, have been particularly inspiring.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
My days are varied, often requiring in-depth research to meet clients’ needs. Each day can be completely different from the last. I love taking on new briefs, envisioning the client’s style, and collating imagery, fabric and wallpaper samples, and sourcing FF&E. I also enjoy the administrative side, from creating spreadsheets to ensuring products meet requirements for depth, height, durability, colour, budget, and timescale.
It’s time-consuming but worth it when you see the end result!
Can you pinpoint any particular milestones in your career?
Recently, I had the pleasure of designing a large living room in a converted barn for a Gloucestershire-based private client (images below).
I curated fabrics for all of the upholstery in calming green and blue tones. Every detail was considered, including all the artwork, which I carefully researched and sourced to create an evolved look of pieces collected over time.
The challenge was to create warmth and comfort in such a large, bare room while keeping the space light. I commissioned bespoke built-in shelving with storage for an unused alcove to give it purpose.
My client, accustomed to white walls, was initially nervous about committing to colour but decided to trust my vision. The result exceeded our expectations, transforming the room into an elegant, cosy and inviting space perfect for relaxation. Seeing the huge smile on her face during and after installation was incredibly rewarding!
What are your goals for the future as an interior designer?
The dream would be getting some really great varied projects to work on – from country houses to more contemporary spaces. That’s what makes me happy.
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