March 30, 2015

Clayton’s design of his home is a work of art in its own right.  Connecting an old nineteenth century barn to a schoolhouse built around 1805, he has interwoven old and new in a seamless flow.  One aspect to this house is that the old bank barn opens up to the south.  Clayton utilized that aspect to create a conservatory, a room filled with plants that he has purchased or been given over the years.  Currently there are two lemon trees, a Brunfelsia pauciflora (yesterday, today and tomorrow), Amaryllis, Clivia, forced daffodils and tulips, a banana tree and a night-blooming cereus among other plants.  Spring comes to the Bright household even when the crocuses outside are struggling to come up. Indoor spring

March 9, 2015

When Clayton sees the need, he designs furniture and then collaborates with others to get his vision produced in reality.  There is one piece he designed which is used multiple times a day – a low “bench” for sitting on while donning and doffing boots.  It is the perfect height – one doesn’t need to lean over too far, yet it’s high enough that when the Labradors come along to “help,” a half-on boot can be raised over their backs. The bench has a padded portion on which to sit and a flat wooden portion for collars, gloves, hats, etc.  There is enough space underneath the stretcher for recently shed slippers or sneakers.  And as so typical of Clayton’s designs, this incredibly utilitarian piece of furniture has great proportions and looks very attractive.Boot bench