LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Welcome home! I’ve often heard that home is a state of mind, but I believe the houses we build are the foundations to the feeling of home we all crave and seek. Within these pages of our first edition of Opening Doors, we invite you to feel inspired, while cultivating and creating a sense of home. Whether you’re embarking on a fall road trip to find peak leaf color, enhancing your front porch with a pumpkin-and-succulent display, or diving into modern design tips and trends—the feeling of home and comfort can be found here.
Each of our over 14,000 team members across the country is deeply committed to opening doors to a better life through listening, connecting and genuinely caring about our homeowners and their happiness. To us, it’s personal.
Opening Doors is a way for us to give you a small glimpse at the extraordinary people that build your home. You’ll meet Stephany, whose striking success at our Sulphur Springs home building facility has taken our team by storm. You’ll learn about our commitment to sustainability and environmentally conscious methods that aim to reduce, reuse and recycle. Maybe you’ll even be inspired to pick up an album from our famed team member who is also a member of the Dirty Guv’nahs band.
Opening Doors was created for you and your home living journey. Grab a cup of coffee, get cozy and ease into this curated collection of Clayton Home Building Group lifestyle stories. Get inspired and know our family is connected with yours every step of the way.
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey home.
Keith Holdbrooks
PRESIDENT OF CLAYTON HOME BUILDING GROUP
Opening Doors Contents
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Caroline Collins McKenzie
CREATIVE CONSULTING & DESIGN
Erynn Hassinger Design
CLAYTON HOME BUILDING GROUP
Keith Holdbrooks
President of Clayton Home Building Group
Donie Wood
Chief Customer Officer
Lexi Blackburn
Director of Communications
Paul Fortenberry
Director of Marketing
Samantha Monnig
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Camille Stepp
Marketing & Communications
Project Specialist
Marina Gibson
Graphic Designer
CLAYTON
CREATIVE & PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM
Bree Smith
Director of Creative Services
Deb Brienen
Photographer
Heather White
Photographer
Meghan Francis
Photographer
PRODUCTION & PUBLISHING
High Resolutions
CONTRIBUTORS
Katie Christian
Charlyne Mattox
Morgan Trinker
OPEN SEASON
PAGE 6
Your one-stop guide for what to see, do and enjoy this autumn—from easy pumpkin displays and hosting the ultimate s’mores roast, to a fall color trek in your neck of the woods. HAVE IT MADE
HAPPYNESS AT HOME
Legends of the Fall
PAGE 20
Seven ways to up the autumn ante in every room. Plus, pretty fall decor fi nds.
Material World
PAGE 28
Now trending: homes with rich color and ample texture.
Work From Home
PAGE 32
Design secrets for carving out an effi cient and stylish home offi ce.
FEATURES
Mountain High
PAGE 34
A Floridian follows her family tradition of heading to scenic Cashiers, North Carolina, for rest and relaxation—and fi nds her dream tiny home in the process.
For Keeps
PAGE 42
The Mayfi elds create a dream home and new career on their family property in the heart of Alabama.
Gather ’Round
PAGE 48
Create an autumn bounty of savory bites and sweet treats that will have guests wanting to sit and stay awhile.
PAGE 58
Whether you’re a fi rst-time home buyer or looking for your forever home, this curated collection of Clayton Home Building Group models will help you fi nd just the right house for this phase of your life.
Open season
Campfire Classic
ENJOY A SWEET PRIMER ON THE BASICS FOR CRAFTING AN ANYTHING-BUT-BASIC FIRESIDE TREAT.
Even if you happen to think that spending time in the great outdoors is, well, not so great, there’s one element of gathering around the campfire that’s always appealing: s’mores. The ooey-gooey, chocolateand-marshmallow combo has been a source of joy and Scout’s honor for almost 100 years. In fact, the first record of the dessert—then called “some mores”—can be found in the 1927 guide “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts.” The tasty term was later shortened to “s’mores” in the circa-1936 Recreational Programs for Summer Camps. But the rite of stacking up graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate is hardly just for children. Those of us who long ago traded in our sashes and trunks for backyard fireplaces and well-appointed outdoor kitchens are still down for turning up the heat on a
thing for those who are interested in the art of mass production: The S’mores to Love S’more Maker. This contraption allows you to craft and cook as many as six s’mores at a time, and because it’s only $15, it won’t eat into your ingredients budget.
Claim to Flame. Obviously, there’s nothing quite like sitting around a campfire or bonfire, but you can craft delicious s’mores on a grill, over an outdoor firepit—or even above a gas stove. It’s not how you bring the heat, says Mattox; it’s how you use it. “If you want a marshmallow with a burned outer layer —not melted inside—stick it close to the flame, catch it on fire and immediately blow it out,” she advises. “When you’re looking for a nicely golden brown marshmallow that’s melted all the way through, hold it 2 feet from the fire and rotate constantly. It takes about 30 seconds to get it perfect.”
crisp, fall night and pair the melty, messy sweet with a glass of wine or whiskey, neat.
So why has this particular dessert stood the test of time? The makings are inexpensive; they’re made with fire; and the end result is decadent and delicious. Even better, says food editor and recipe developer Charlyne Mattox, it’s easy to put your personal spin on the confection. Here, Mattox—a former Girl Scout herself—offers the lowdown on what to have on hand for s’mores that you and your guests can get fired up about.
Hot Rods. If you’re perusing Amazon, you’ll find there are a number of s’mores-specific skewer options, but you don’t have to get fancy. After all, when you’re roughing it, you’re likely using foraged sticks and branches. So when you’re at home, feel free to use whatever metal skewer or bamboo stick you have on hand—as long as it’s between 2 and 3 feet long. “That way, you’ll be able to hold the marshmallows over the fire without getting too close,” Mattox explains.
Caged Beauty. Not everyone has the patience for making one s’more at a time. Luckily, there’s some-
The Fluffy Stuff. While there are tons of artisanal marshmallows available in a host of flavors—Hammond’s vanilla bean, Madyson’s cinnamon sugar, and even cookie dough–infused marshmallows from XO Marshmallow, to name a few—you can’t go wrong with a grocery store variety. “Go with a jumbo size—the smaller ones might not hold up to the fire,” says Mattox.
Hot Chocolate. Once again, it’s maker’s choice. Feel free to create a masterpiece with dark, white or milk chocolate squares. You can also combine all three! The one caveat: Avoid a chocolate bar with a filling. “It’ll be extra messy and akin to hot lava by the time it leaves the fire,” warns Mattox.
All About that Base. While traditionalists stay true to the graham cracker base for their s’mores, you can always sandwich those marshmallows between cake slices or cookies. “Don’t like graham crackers? Sub in chocolate chip cookies,” suggests Mattox. Or build your s’more around savory stalwarts like saltines, Ritz crackers, crispy potato chips such as Pringles, or sea salt kettle chips for a satisfying mix of salty and sweet.
GIMME S’MORE
From stylish sticks to delicious ingredients, five ways to enhance your s’mores game this fall.
LEFT: A simple
repit is all you need to transform your backyard or campsite into prime territory for a s’mores party. (Start the evening with a weenie roast, and follow up with s’mores for dessert!)
ABOVE: Take your s’mores up a notch with tasty twists, such as adding a dollop of peanut butter or using chocolate graham crackers.
Marshmallow Roasters, $39 for two; orvis.com
Cast Iron Firepit, $129; homedepot.com
Graham Crackers, $9.50; batterbakery.com
Chocolate Bar Variety Pack, $28; oliveandsinclair.com Marshmallows, $8; darlingspring.com
Meet
Stephany Mejia
A rst-generation American is making waves in Sulphur Springs, Texas.
Stephany Mejia credits family as the key to her career success. Not only did a cousin give her the heads-up about a retail job opening at Clayton Homes back in 2018, but she says she couldn’t have risen through the ranks without the support of her immediate family. Today she’s a customer success manager and a star member of the Clayton Sul-
THE RIGHT STUFF
A Few of Mejia’s Favorite Things
phur Springs home building facility. She’s also the mother of two boys (ages 12 and 14) and knows she’s lucky to have extended family support. Prior to the pandemic, travel was an important component of the customer success manager role, with Mejia hitting the Texas highways at least twice a month.
“I’m Mexican American, so family is very important. I can call my mom when I’m away for the week; my brother takes the kids to school; or my dad stays with the boys.”
Growing up in Sulphur Springs, Mejia was familiar with Clayton, but she had no idea that she would one day work there.
“Sometimes, things fall in your lap if you’re lucky,” she explains.
“It’s up to you to recognize the opportunity.” To be certain, the pandemic has thrown her a number of curveballs over the past 18 months, especially with the many material shortages in the home building industry. But Mejia says the challenges have only proven how adaptable the company and its team members—including her—truly are. “I have learned so much about myself during the pandemic,” she says.
“Now, I love having problems thrown at me all the time. I like looking for solutions. Sometimes it’s hard. The people involved make it worth it. The people are my favorite part of this job.”
» EARLY ALARM SETTINGS. I love slow mornings, so wake up at around 5:45 a.m.
The earlier wake up, the better tone set for my day.
A Bright
Idea in Sulphur Springs
In 2019, the Sulphur Springs facility added a inventive carport system to the parking lot. The coverage keeps cars cool from the Texas sun, and is also equipped with roughly 600 energyproducing solar panels.
“The carport provides approximately 25%–30% of the facility’s power,” says William Jenkins, director of environment and sustainability for Clayton Home Building Group. The system has also saved over 180 tons of carbon dioxide since it was installed. “This is the first facility with on-site renewable energy,” adds Jenkins.
“It’s a forerunner to using renewable energy for our building processes.” Here’s to keeping on the sunny side.
» GETTING PHYSICAL. CrossFit has been my go-to workout for the past two years.
» TAKING FIVE. Whenever I need a break, I’ll step outside for a breath of air and a little sunshine.
» SIPPING A SPLASHY COCKTAIL. Today, I’d probably order a vodka with cranberry juice and a splash of club soda.
» INSIDER’S TIP. If you ever visit Sulphur Springs, you need to rent a kayak and explore Lake Coleman by boat!
Save the Seeds
Create a savory fall snack with your leftover pumpkin seeds. After removing, clean, dry and place on baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Roast at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until golden brown.
Pretty Pumpkin Planter
Skip the expected potted mums and perk up your porch this fall with a pumpkin-and-succulent display.
TEAM MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Happyness at home
Wow from the start.
Set an autumnal tone before guests even step through the front door. Easy details such as dried berry wreaths and fresh-from-the-patch pumpkins will add seasonal curb appeal with staying power right on through the Thanksgiving holiday.
by LAURA KOSTELNY photography by MEGHAN FRANCIS, MORGAN TRINKER & HEATHER WHITE
Velvet Pumpkins, $26 for three; homedepot.com
Green Glass Table Vase, $58; wayfair.com
Pumpkin Patch Doormat, $15; kirklands.com
Rattan Hurricane, $50; crateandbarrel.com
Magnolia Home Fringe Napkin Set, $10; target.com
Phoenix Striped Throw, $75; mcgeeandco.com
Hammered Copper Canister Set, $59
Dried Wreath, $18; ikea.com
Material World
Now trending: Stark, all-white rooms are giving way to homes with ample texture and rich color. Here, Alice Allen, an interior designer for Harris Doyle Homes ® , a Birmingham, Alabama-based builder part of Clayton Properties Group ®, shares four warm, inviting schemes.
No. 1 INTO THE LIGHT
From the white quartz to the sky blue Sweet Dreams paint by Glidden ®, this look is all about playing it cool. “Even the wood and leather elements are light in appearance,” says Allen. To keep a design like this one from feeling washed out, look to a few dark elements, such as unlacquered brass accents or ebony furnishings to ground the space, Allen adds. Graphic lines like the tile will add further interest.
No. 2
BLUE STREAK
Saturated shades of blue on the cement tile provide a focal point against a classic white paint, such as White Dove by Benjamin Moore ® “Bold color is especially impactful in a crisp, clean scheme like this one,” Allen explains. Rounding out the mix is a white-oak style luxury vinyl plank and cool-toned gray quartz.
“Satin-finish brass hardware, which continues to gain in popularity, adds additional warmth to the look,” adds Allen.
Mountain High
A FLORIDIAN FOLLOWS HER FAMILY TRADITION OF HEADING TO THE WOODS OF NORTH CAROLINA FOR REST AND RELAXATION.
Clayton Designer Cottages ®, such as this one, were designed by architect Jeffrey Dungan to be small modular homes that feature the best in sustainability and functionality.
by JOHN RIHA photography by AARON FINE ARCHITECTURE PHOTOGRAPHY
To avoid “cluttering” the home, Waller opted for a neutral decor scheme of creams, browns, grays and soft blues. Warm wood tones on the floor, ceiling and various furnishings ensure the look doesn’t read as cold.
Cashiers, North Carolina— population 200—is a pip of a town located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Despite its diminutive size, the village and surrounding area are a favorite mountain getaway for many, thanks to the cascading waterfalls, peaceful lakes and a comfortable, temperate climate. It’s an especially popular spot for Southerners looking to escape hot summers or bustling cities or both.
But when Palm Beach, Florida, native Alexis Waller decided to establish a summertime haven in the area, it wasn’t just the small-town charms that drew her—there was family history pulling at her heartstrings, as well.
“My great-grandparents came here during the summer,” says Waller, a real estate agent with Brown Harris Stevens in Palm Beach Florida. “My mother also came to Cashiers often. So I guess you could say we’ve always come here.”
Although she knew right where she wanted to be, Waller wasn’t quite sure what kind of house would suit her mountain getaway needs. Then, during a local tour of showcase homes, she came across a small but stylish dwelling that completely captivated her and checked all the boxes. Offered by Clayton as one of their Designer Cottage series, the one-bedroom, onebath, 456-square-foot cottage featured soaring ceilings, plenty of windows and a modern yet rustic exterior that Waller knew would feel right at home set against the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
With long and narrow footprints,
The Lulamae is an 1,832-square-foot farmhouse-style home that features three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a spacious kitchen.
ABOVE: Members of the Mayfield family gather in front of their home.
For Keeps
A family creates a dream home—and job!—in the heart of Alabama.
by
LAURA KOSTELNY & KATIE CHRISTIAN
photography by MEGHAN FRANCIS & HEATHER WHITE
When it comes to romantic settings, it’s tough to beat the beach. From the sound of crashing waves, the feel of warm white sands and the sight of magnificent sunrises and sunsets, the seashore is the perfect venue for falling in love. But Mesha Mayfield gives less credit to the shores of Orange Beach, Alabama, than she does to her now-husband Jerome’s dimples. In fact, she couldn’t take her eyes off them from the minute she met him on a boat ride put together by a mutual friend. But as they rode along the waves of the coast, they found the connection was more than skin deep. “I love those dimples, but he also has the best heart,” Mesha says.
The couple eventually married in a small chapel on the beach, and made a life for themselves by the water. But as idyllic as it was, there was something missing: Mesha was too far from her children and grandchildren to see them regularly. However, Jerome, of good dimples and great heart, had the answer: They could move four hours north to Luverne (population 636) where they would enjoy the perks of being grandparents while living happily ever after on his family’s 300-acre property just outside of town.
Jerome’s family had owned the land—which included the Mayfield family airstrip—for years. His father had a passion for flying, and he made sure to pass it along to his son, who learned to fly as a youngster. He spent his childhood taking off from his own backyard toward far-flung destinations.
Good news travels fast in a small town, and it wasn’t long after they got settled in that people started showing up. First, the Mayfields were asked to host a
few family events here and there.
Then the couple began fielding requests from folks of no relation who wanted to rent the airplane hangar and surrounding land for weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. To their surprise, they found that they loved hosting events and were naturals at making people’s special events even more special. So they decided to go full throttle, and officially launched their business: Venue at the Runway. They’ve been booked up ever since.
While the business began organically, figuring out what kind of home to build on the property was a little tougher. The Mayfields had bought a house a few miles away, but the plan had always been to build something closer to the venue to ensure that operations ran smoothly. Jerome was dead set on taking their time, but Mesha wanted a faster solution. In fact, she had seen a prefab farmhouse floor plan on a billboard and taken it as a literal sign. “I asked him if we could
go look at some prefabricated homes. I told him they aren’t like what they used to be,” she says.
“When we got to Clayton, I didn’t look at any other homes. I told them I wanted the farmhouse. I knew that was it.”
As anyone who has ever been in love can attest, when you know, you know. The Mayfields moved into their sweet farmhouse, the Lulamae, just four months later. Working with Albert, a home consultant at Clayton Homes of Clanton, they were
RIGHT: Homeowner
Mesha Mayfield and her granddaughter enjoy their weekly baking session—a tradition the duo began after the Mayfields purchased their Lulamae farmhouse.
ABOVE: The Mayfields’ Lulamae farmhouse features an expansive kitchen island, perfect for preparing family meals for their children and grandchildren.
ABOVE: The living room of the Lulamae has a cozy fireplace, which the Mayfields outfitted with stone and a reclaimedwood mantel.
RIGHT: The Lulamae features a covered porch off the front door, an ideal place for relaxing and enjoying a quiet Alabama fall night.
Apple Cider Sangria
Charcuterie Board
With Romesco Dip and Rosemary & Balsamic
Fig Jam
Acorn Squash & Pickled Onion Salad
With Feta & Pepitas
Ginger Pumpkin Pie
Sour Cream Apple Pie
Pecan Sticky Buns
ABOVE: Clayton’s Freedom Farm House is a quintessential home for enjoying all of life’s moments, from cooking a fall feast in the large kitchen, to hosting family and friends in its open-concept fl oor plan.
LEFT: Liven up your fall table with delicious decor such as gourds, apples and small pumpkins that refl ect the colors of a crisp, fall day. A simple plaid throw blanket can double as a casual tablecloth. Look to scattered candlesticks in a mix of materials to add height and warmth to the display.
Apple Cider Sangria
For an extra-special party touch, line the rims of the wine glasses with a dried apple and sugar mixture. To make, add equal amounts of chopped dried apples and sugar to a food processor and process until finely ground, then place in a shallow bowl. Dip the rims of the glasses in water then in the sugar mixture. Party time!
START TO FINISH: 2 hours, 10 minutes (10 minutes active)
SERVINGS: 8 to 10
INGREDIENTS
1 bottle pinot noir wine
2 cups fresh apple cider
½ cup Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur
1 apple, sliced
1 ripe but fi rm pear, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon whole cloves
INSTRUCTIONS
In a pitcher, stir together all ingredients. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place oven rack in lowest position. Preheat oven to 425 F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. On a lightly oured work surface, roll dough into a 12-inch circle. Fit it into the bottom and up the side of a deep-dish 9-inch pie plate. Trim, leaving a 1-inch overhang; fold overhang under and crimp as desired. Freeze 20 minutes.
2. Line pie shell with foil and ll with pie weights, dry beans or rice, pressing all the way to the edge. Place on prepared baking sheet. Bake, 15 minutes. Remove foil and pie weights. Cool completely on a wire rack; reserve baking sheet.
3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon and salt. Add remaining ingredients and whisk to combine. Pour into par-baked pie shell.
Bake 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 F and bake until lling is set around the edges but still slightly wobbly in the middle, 35 to 45 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack, then chill at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.
Sour Cream Apple Pie
Have apple pie spice on hand? You can use it in place of the cinnamon.
HANDS ON TIME: 30 minutes
START TO FINISH: 8 hours, 5 minutes (includes chilling)
SERVINGS: 8 to 10
INGREDIENTS
All-purpose flour, for work surface
2 recipes Easy Pie Dough (page 55)
²∕ ³ cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons all-purpose
flour, plus more for work surface
½ teaspoon kosher salt
4 to 5 pound apples (such as Gala, Honeycrisp or Pink Lady), peeled and sliced ³∕8 -inch thick
²∕³ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon heavy cream
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 425 F with the oven rack in the lowest position. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. On a lightly oured work surface, roll one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. Fit it into the bottom and up the side of a deep-dish 9-inch pie plate. Trim, leaving a 1-inch overhang; fold overhang under and crimp as desired. Freeze 20 minutes.
2. On a lightly oured surface roll second disk of dough into a 12-inch circle; chill 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together sugar, cinnamon, our and salt. Stir in apples, sour cream, lemon juice and vanilla until apples are coated. Transfer apples to pie shell and dot top with butter.
4. Place chilled dough circle on a lightly oured surface. Using a pastry wheel ( uted, if desired), pizza wheel or paring knife, cut ten 1-inch-wide strips of dough. Weave pastry strips over lling to form lattice; trim and crimp ends as desired. Brush lattice with cream and sprinkle with sugar.
5. Bake on prepared baking sheet, 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375 F and bake until crust is golden brown and apples are tender, 1 hour, 20 minutes to 1 hour, 30 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. then chill at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.
Sour Cream Apple Pie
Homes that fit your lifestyle.
Model Behavior
Whether you’re searching for a starter home, looking to accommodate a growing family or downsizing to an empty nest, there’s a Clayton home that’s just right for this phase of your life.
The Everest
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,280
BEDROOMS: 4
BATHROOMS: 2
BUILDER: Clayton Waycross
FEATURES: An expansive kitchen and light-filled open floor plan make The Everest well suited for a modern, busy lifestyle. Split bedrooms give everyone space to spread out. A separate dining room provides an area for families to gather on special occasions.
The Frontier
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,980
BEDROOMS: 3
BATHROOMS: 2
BUILDER: Clayton Rutledge
FEATURES: A covered porch welcomes guests to The Frontier with timeless charm—and provides a breezy spot to take in the views. Inside, details such as a foyer, fireplace and kitchen island give it a homey feel. Split bedrooms and a bathroom with double sinks add to the appeal.
The Freedom Farmhouse
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,788
BEDROOMS: 3
BATHROOMS: 2
BUILDER: Clayton Bean Station
FEATURES: The Freedom Farmhouse offers an ideal floor plan size for growing families. Items such as a kitchen island and pantry enhance the kidfriendliness. Finishes like beams, shiplap and X-brace details take the farmhouse style up a notch.
The Chestnut
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,801–2,605
BEDROOMS: 3
BATHROOMS: 2
BUILDER: Arbor Homes
FEATURES: The Chestnut makes the most of every inch with an open-concept kitchen, dining and living space, plus a garage. The primary bedroom has a large closet with access to the laundry room. This ranch-style home has the option to upgrade with the addition of a bonus room.
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COME BACK SOON
VONORE, TENNESSEE
The sun sets on the shores of the Little Tennessee River, where The Saltbox, built by Clayton Tiny, has a prime spot to take in the views. This idyllic spot is a short drive from Clayton’s headquarters in Maryville, Tennessee—an equally picturesque spot in the Tennessee foothills.
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photography by MORGAN TRINKER