Shop That Vibe

By Ronda M. Parag

As millennials begin to settle into their newlypurchased homes, the task of furnishing them comes down to one question — what’s the vibe? Sure, there’s plenty of big box furniture stores catering to fit every budget, but millennials aren’t exactly the same shoppers as Gen X. They aren’t looking for cookie cutter rooms where everything looks like it was purchased in one place. No, these shoppers are all about building a mood. Creating spaces where they can drink Negronis and eat cheeseboards while photographing it all for Instagram.

So how does an independent furniture shop stand out? Answer: Curated Bespoke and Vintage pieces.

While the Wayfairs and RHs of the world compete for get-it-now designs that lack personality, local retailer Clayton Gray Home sources heirloom-quality pieces like imported Moroccan rugs, African carved wood stools, local plaster art and vintage crystal glassware. While the shop does include some newer products from brand names Palecek, Made Goods and Arteriors, owner Wendy Garraty says it’s all about blending the new and sourced pieces to create a final look.

“You never want someone to look at your home and know exactly which store every piece came from,” says Wendy Garraty, owner of Clayton Gray Home. “That’s why our customers love shopping with us. We work with a variety of vendors and carefully curate the whole look for them. They shop at Clayton Gray Home because it feels good — like a place they want to live in.”

Designing with antiques and vintage items isn’t necessarily a new concept. Then again, Clayton Gray Home isn’t selling grandma’s old china. When you have expert designers sourcing all the items and pulling together the look for you, you’re no longer shopping for vintage or new pieces. You’re shopping for a vibe. M

Stop in at Clayton Gray Home at 1413 S. Howard Ave., Suite 102 in Tampa or visit www.claytongrayhome.com.