Talk Shop: Clary Bosbyshell // Clary Bosbyshell Design
ABOUT CLARY
Atlanta-based designer Clary Bosbyshell grew up in the world of design and developed her eye for aesthetics at a young age, spending her days amongst antique markets and art galleries, swatch books and fabric samples. A University of Georgia graduate who studied design in Cortona, Italy, Clary spent two years in the world of fashion merchandising before joining her mother’s interior design firm, Margaux Interiors Limited, in 2009, where she worked for ten years before opening her own firm in 2019.
Clary is known for creating timeless interiors that expertly layer color and pattern while remaining both elegant and practical. Her knack for mixing fine antiques and one-of-a-kind pieces is one of the reasons why we love her work so much: it’s timeless, beautiful and offers a clear point of view. That view has also been feted with industry accolades: Clary was most recently named a 2020 House Beautiful Next Wave Designer.
Clary's passion for design combined with an understanding of her clients’ needs has led her to design projects ranging from traditional to contemporary – a skill in itself. Her sense of style and adorable family (with a baby girl on the way, too!) always brighten up our Instagram feed, and we love all the behind the scenes imagery she shares from install days and client presentations.
We sat down with Clary to chat about all things design, where she shared her tips for career advice, style icons, favorite design resources and more.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Classic, beautiful, collected.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My mother, travel and growing up in the South.
How did you start your company, and what is your favorite thing about what you do:
After 10 years of working with my Mother at Margaux Interiors Limited, I started my own company in 2019. My favorite thing about what I do is getting to know the clients and translating our vision into a beautiful home that reflects them and their family.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
My Mother, Margaret Bosbyshell . Growing up I was always been surrounded by beautiful things and she began to train my eye at a young age. Our home was covered in Rose Cumming chintz, antiques, Chinese export porcelain and pieces she collected and loved. She has always been very stylish in her clothes and set a beautiful table for dinner. She taught me how to how to run a design business and be confident in myself!
What does your home say about you:
It is a reflection of places we have traveled, passed down family antiques, and worn sofas from our dogs laying all over.
Where do you find inspiration:
Travel, Coffee Table Books, Social Media, Other Designers.
Who are your style icons:
Aerin Lauder, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Mario Buatta.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining
A beautifully set table, and a stocked bar!!!
Do you collect anything:
Blue and White porcelain, Table linens, China, Herend Bunnies.... I say it’s a passion not a problem ;)
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@cutterbrooksshop, @theglampad, @graciestudio.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken: Follow- Scale and Proportion
Broken- Mixing Metals
What are you working on right now:
Projects all over Atlanta in Buckhead and some fun E- Design clients in different parts of the country.
Wardrobe staples:
Chanel Flats, straight medium denim wash jeans, Ann Mashburn poplin tops and pretty floral midi length dresses, Cartier Tank Watch.
Best career advice you ever received:
Be confident in yourself!
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in Antiques, Good Upholstery and Drapery. Save on sisal rugs, and side tables.
Your greatest extravagance:
Leontine and D. Porthault Bedding, and I do love a good hair blow out!
Favorite places to shop for home:
Cutterbrooks, Matilda Goad, Parc Monceau, Gramercy Home.
Most prized possession and why:
My children , everything else is replaceable—my sweet family is not.
Your interiors motto:
Buy one antique a year and in 10 years you will have a wonderful collection!
Your life motto:
Live what you LOVE & It’s a passion not a problem.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Look for common themes, colors and patterns in the rooms you love.
Take Ten: My Favorite...
Food: Pasta
Drink: Sparkling Water
Film: Something's Gotta Give
Hotel: Le Sirenuse in Positano
City: Capri
Bedding: Leontine and D. Pourthualt
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee with Almond Milk
Playlist: Van Morrison
Weekend Activity: Being with my Family
Design Book: One Man’s Folly, Furlow Gatewood
