Blessed are those who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing.
—Camille Pissarro
For Bountiful homeowner Ashley Clark, the roots of beautiful things and their impact on her career as an interior designer first took shape at the base of the majestic Wasatch Range in Utah. “As early as I can remember the scents, sounds and majesty of the Wasatch Mountains had a special influence on me, especially in the spring and autumn. Spring is a time for new life in the Rockies. Though a city girl, I made regular trips to my grandparents’ dairy farm where I learned to bond with the beauty and color of the land. I learned the value of hard work and accomplishment—traits that have continued to define my drive to succeed with both family and career. In autumn, the green of high-country aspen groves turned to gold, orange and red—complementing the vivid gold of cottonwoods that lined the streams. The abundance of natural shades and color gave me an early lesson in the use and presence of color and has been an integral part of my design sensibility.”
Following a family tradition, Clark studied at Utah State, earning a degree in marketing but always maintaining a strong interest in design. With post-graduate financial responsibilities knocking at the door, she pivoted to real estate and finance. It was the switch to real estate that returned her to design with a focus on interiors. “I had a client who, after seeing some of my design work at a visit to my home, requested that I work with her on a new home she had in mind—on condition that I close the sale on her current home. That was all the incentive I needed. We closed the deal and within a month it was off to the races with my first design project. The rest is history!”
Clark’s work on her own home included more than design—it involved a structural re-do that was, at the time, new territory for her. “I loved the quarter-century-old property but I soon realized that if it was going to be the permanent home for my husband and our family of four it was going to need some significant structural changes. We love the flow and feel of a single-story home and wanted to avoid an upstairs-downstairs arrangement.” The original cottage’s 1,800-square-foot footprint was reconfigured to 2,500 square feet, including Clark’s repurposing of what was once an outside courtyard into indoor living space. “From the street it appears to be a modest charmer with a small footprint but upon entering our guests are astounded at its breadth and depth. It immediately opens to a space that showers each visitor with an abundance of natural light, illuminating the beauty and warmth of the interior while at the same time drawing upon the natural beauty of well-planned and tended landscaping.” Ensuring natural light was no small task, and Clark’s choice of an abundance of windows and French doors has guaranteed a seamless blend of inside and outside living.
Her high-country roots are apparent the moment a visitor walks into the entryway where the cottage’s theme of light hardwood contrasts against white brick, illuminated with powerful industrial ceiling lights that are painted black for additional contrast. Each guest then passes through a large floor-to-ceiling slider into a modern living and dining area, which, though minimalist in its design, is made warm and inviting by the furniture and interior elements selected by Clark. “The entry and slider when taken together are a homage to my grandparents’ barn and dairy farm and the special days I spent with them growing up.”
For her home Clark chose colors to contrast light and dark—choosing a Benjamin Moore color called “Jet” which she describes as a “smoky dark gray.” It is used on the trim, the kitchen island, bathroom cabinets and two bedrooms, including a powerful master bedroom wall. While choosing to employ a clean, neutral and uncluttered look throughout her home, she has added some special touches, not the least of which is a vintage 1940s basketball scoreboard that she had rewired and installed in her son’s bedroom.
Twenty-first-century chairs contrast against a kitchen island painted with Benjamin Moore “Jet” in a clean-lined kitchen space.
Ashley has an extensive collection of antique wood utensils and bowls.
A casual lifestyle is captured in the informal dining area with a modern motif light fixture.
Was the multiyear project worth the effort? “Yes—and more! But having said that, I quickly learned that being a homeowner and designer is much harder than it sounds! Making design decisions for yourself—your own home—is hard! So, while in my business I am inspired by the Napa Valley designer Erin Martin, Pittsburgh’s Leanne Ford, and the Los Angeles-based designer Eric Olsen, I can’t adequately describe the admiration I have for Diane Keaton who, as a homeowner, has designed and redesigned her homes in a creative fashion and in doing so has, through her work and books, empowered homeowners who wish to introduce a degree of individuality and uniqueness into their homes and living spaces.”
Ashley’s career has taken some surprising turns, including the successful design of her own home. It is certain that future projects will reflect her belief that nothing is more rewarding than respectfully taking a space that may have become static after years of family enjoyment and breathing into it new life and purpose.
The Benjamin Moore “Jet” black accentuates the master bedroom furnishings.
A Persian runner in the master bath with Jack-and-Jill vanities reflects Ashley’s love for the unexpected.
Ashley has a passion for all things natural and nothing is more compelling than the natural fiber rug in her son’s room, complete with dynamic patterns.
ABOVE AND BELOW: There’s always room for toys.
A children’s room with smartly wooded cabinetry surrounded by matching twin beds sports unique headboards composed of oversized lumbar ticking patterned pillows attached to the wall with leather straps.
ABOVE AND BELOW: The vintage sawbuck table and airy natural towel cabinet sit ready to accommodate guests taking advantage of the outside living and pool area.
Crosby circles the pool before his daily dip.