Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
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How We Crafted a Bahamas-Inspired Home with India Hicks Charm

Not gonna lie… Harbour Island has long been at the top of my dream destination list (maybe even the #1 spot). I love the vibe—refined but relaxed, coastal but not cliché. It’s that perfect blend of barefoot elegance and British island charm that just hits every time.

Photo: Pinterest

Fun fact: Before I was a designer, I was (very briefly) an India Hicks ambassador when she introduced her jewelry and accessories line ? I used to host trunk shows at friends’ homes and at our house, and totally fell in love with the layered, collected island aesthetic she does so well. And, to think Harbour Island is her hometown! This look is kind of a little love letter to that era—and honestly, I still haven’t gotten over it.

For this month’s conceptual location design, we imagined what it would look like to bring that Harbour Island feeling home. Keep scrolling for the room boards, and a breakdown of how we channeled the laid-back luxury of the Bahamas — with just a hint of India Hicks flair.

A warm, collected entryway mood board with vintage nautical artwork, a bone inlay chest, ornate gold mirror, striped accent chair, bamboo coat stand, coral-toned walls, and a coastal striped market tote for a lived-in island feel.

Chandelier | Lamp | Picture Frame | Tote | Chair | Easel | Dresser | Tile

The Entryway: Where Collected Meets Casual

Your entry sets the tone—and in this case, it whispers barefoot luxury with a wink. We leaned into light, layered pieces with personality, like the ivory dresser that feels both polished and beachy. A white coral lamp (or this one or this one!) keeps things coastal without being kitschy, while a gilded scalloped frame brings in that British sensibility (very India Hicks).

Want to elevate your own entry? Try swapping your mirror for something scalloped or gilded. This small shift will help create a sense of occasion right when you walk in the door.

We also added a vintage easel for a punch of island texture, and balanced it with a striped cane-back chair that gives off a refined resort feel. Tuck in a colorful market tote or two for a pop of playfulness and you’re quite literally ready to go!

Steal this look

  • India uses natural textures (rattan, bamboo, grasscloth) to ground the space
  • Add a lamp with sculptural or coastal character
  • Lean into vintage or antique accents to keep things feeling storied

A serene and textural lounge design concept with twin slipcovered chaises, layered wicker baskets, palm fronds, a shell chandelier, black botanical prints, and open built-in shelving styled with pottery and books.

Painted Pot | Beaded Chandelier | Chaise | Rug | Side Table | Coasters | Wicker Boxes | Lamp

The Lounge: Soft Neutrals & Shell-Inspired Details

We wanted this room to feel like a deep exhale—somewhere to put your feet up after a beach walk. The key here is tone-on-tone — but done right. We anchored the space with serene cream chaises, which invite lounging in the most elevated way.

Above, the scallop shell chandelier is the star—playful, unexpected, and dripping in coastal glam. Paired with a leafy brown wallpaper, it keeps the room from feeling too flat or minimalist.

You don’t need a beach house to get this look—just layer soft, sandy tones and add one “vacation forever” moment. That could be a chandelier, a woven drink table, or even a set of silver coasters styled on a tray.

Pro tip: Incorporate soft textiles in neutral shades, but vary your materials. Mix linen, wicker, and metal for contrast that still feels relaxed.

Steal this look

  • Let your lighting be the jewelry of the room
  • Add wallpaper to bring depth (even one wall is enough)
  • Accessorize with vintage silver trays or wicker boxes (another option I love) for easy elegance

A cozy yet elevated bedroom mood board featuring a black canopy bed, neutral layered bedding, matching wood nightstands, green ceramic lamps, embroidered pillows, floral tiles, and a bold brass ceiling light.

Lamp | Linens | Pillow | Nightstand | Bed | Rug | Bench | Flush-Mount

The Bedroom: Refined Island Romance

The bedroom channels that slightly moodier, more layered take on island style. The wrought iron canopy bed (you could also go for something wooden or bamboo) makes a statement while still feeling airy. We layered it with neutral bedding and a floral throw pillow in muted tones—nothing too precious, just lived-in beauty.

A standout piece in this room is the twisted wicker console, which brings that relaxed texture while still feeling intentional. Above, the vintage palm leaf chandelier adds a regal island touch and gives off the perfect golden-hour glow.

This room is a great reminder that island-inspired doesn’t have to mean blue and white everywhere. Bring in texture, keep the palette grounded, and don’t forget the romance. Whether it’s a vintage frame, a seashell dish, or layered coral and wood, let each piece feel like a souvenir from a life well-traveled.

Steal this look

  • Invest in one dramatic bed frame and pair it with a bench at the foot
  • Let lighting and decor nod to travel without being theme-y
  • Use vintage finds to add character and a sense of history

A styling-focused mood board with coastal and tropical textures—woven baskets, floral ceramics, turquoise star tiles, a driftwood lamp, striped chairs, patterned rugs, and a chic white chandelier—all grounded by an image of a sun-drenched bathroom with teal cabinetry.

Want More Decor Ideas?

If you’re loving the vibe and want to bring more of that breezy, refined island energy into your space, we’ve rounded up a few extra finds that are totally worth it. Think: sculptural lighting, layered textures, and subtle nods to the tropics without going full theme. You can shop everything over on our LTK here—we’ve saved all our favorites so you don’t have to dig.

And of Course, a Fashion Moment!

A curated vacation-style outfit board featuring breezy dresses with tropical prints, gingham sets, ivory heels, a silk camisole, and striped skirts, alongside nostalgic island photography and beachside snapshots.

Zebra Pants | Sandals | Camisole | Palm Dress | Shorts | Striped Set

 

It’s funny how designing around a place you’ve never been can still feel so personal. This concept ended up being a little daydream, a little memory, and a little inspiration for what’s next. Whether you’re styling a breezy corner of your home or reimagining a whole room, I hope this gives you a nudge to lean into the places that speak to you—even if you haven’t visited them yet. The vibe always finds a way in!


Would you like to refresh your home?

Promotional image for Clouz Houz Design Guides, featuring layered design boards and a close-up of a woman arranging a silver tray with accessories. Text overlay highlights the guides as a "15+ page complete design guide" for refining your home style.

 

Are you struggling to define your style or figure out how to pull your space together? That’s exactly why we created our Clouz Houz Design Guides. They’ll help you design a space that feels cohesive, elevated, and personal — without hiring a designer.

Click here to explore the five curated styles, complete with inspiration boards, designer tips, and product links that make sourcing simple. 

 

Neutral graphic showcasing five curated interior design styles from Clouz Houz: Mountain Modern Ranch, California Casual Cottage, Timeless Colonial with a Modern Twist, Old-World Elegance, and Understated Eclectic. Designed to help guide users in choosing a cohesive home aesthetic. Clean, minimal branding with elegant fonts and floral sketch accent.

 

Not sure which one’s for you? Take our free quiz to discover which aesthetic best suits your space.

We’re here to help you move forward with confidence, and create a home that truly feels like yours.

P.S. If you’re new to Clouz Houz and want to be in the know on all things home, design and lifestyle, subscribe now so you don’t miss a post! As a bonus, you’ll receive our exclusive 42-page ‘Paint Guide,’ which will help you select the perfect shades for your home. And, you’ll also receive our weekly newsletter, including special finds that are not on the blog — they’re only for subscribers. ? 

Life is short. Make it beautiful!

1

Entryway

Faux Bamboo Display Easel
French Art Frame
Retro-Travel Tote in Pink Lemonade
Contemporary Ceramic Lamp
Jonathan Charles Baronial Dining Side Chair
Napa Dresser
12 Light Metal Dimmable Chandelier
2

Lounge

Bunny Williams Home Hive Lamp in Green
Painted and Glazed Handmade Clay Flower Pot
Windmere Woven Box
Delmar Chandelier
Keira Stool
Flora Rug
Miramar Chaise
Graham Coasters
3

Bedroom

Iron Loop Bench, Brown Mohair
Bunny Williams Home Marlon Bed
Linnea 2-Drawer Solid Wood Nightstand
Bunny Williams Biddulph Semi-Flush
Bunny Williams Home Hive Lamp in Green
Virginia Collection Sheets
Mali Hand-Knotted Rug
Amelia Floral Pillow Cover
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Everyone wants their home to feel elevated. What most people don’t realize is that it rarely comes from choosing the most expensive countertop or the prettiest light fixture.

During every project, we’re constantly asking ourselves, “Will this actually make life better?” Does this layout make unloading groceries easier? Is there somewhere to put the toaster instead of leaving it on the counter? Will there be enough storage for the things this family actually owns? Is this chair beautiful... and somewhere you’ll want to sit every night?

I think people assume we spend our days obsessing over fabrics and finishes. Truthfully, we spend just as much time talking through layouts, storage, and the tiny decisions you’ll appreciate every single day. Those conversations don’t always show up in a highlight reel, but they’re usually the reason a home feels so good to live in.

You don’t have to have every decision figured out before reaching out. Most of our clients come to us because they know something isn’t working—they just need help seeing what’s possible. Schedule an hour consultation with me and we can talk through your project (link in bio)!
Life is too short for a room that doesn’t make you happy. Color is @farrowandball Setting Plaster🩷
POV: You want a home you love... but you don’t have the budget to do it all at once.

And then you find our studio!

I’d rather see you create one room you absolutely love than stretch yourself across an entire house and feel like nothing is ever finished. One finished room gives you momentum. It reminds you why you started. And it gives you a clear vision for everything that comes next.

One of the things we help clients with is deciding where to begin. Together, we create a roadmap that allows your home to evolve thoughtfully over time-without feeling pieced together.

You don’t have to do it all this year. You just have to know what comes first.

If you’re wondering where to start, we’d love to help. Feel free to message me and we can set up a 15 min discovery call!
New project in Bend, Oregon.🤍

We just signed on with the sweetest family, and one of the first things they said was, “We don’t really love our house.” A home can be objectively beautiful and still not feel good to live in.

In this house, the kitchen, dining room and living room are all one big great room. It sounds ideal until you realize the dining table is taking up the exact real estate the living room desperately needs.

Instead of making the kitchen bigger, we’re making it smarter. One move solved several problems at once: more storage, a better dining area, and enough square footage to give the living room the footprint it deserved.

Now we’re moving into one of my favorite phases... layering in materials. This is why I love the conceptual phase. Before a single cabinet is ordered, we’re already changing the way this family will live in their home.

If you’ve been looking around your own home thinking, “I know this could work better, I just don’t know how,” we’d love to help. Whether you’re planning a renovation, reworking your layout, or just need an expert eye before making expensive decisions, that’s exactly what we have to offer!

Check out our services through the link in our bio or send this post to a friend who’s struggling with this exact thing.
While renovations are an investment, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned after years of designing homes is this:
It’s not about how much you spend. It’s about where you spend it.

The homes that feel the most elevated aren’t necessarily the ones with the biggest budgets. They’re the ones where every decision was made with intention.

That’s the philosophy behind everything we do. We help our clients understand where it’s worth investing, where they can save without sacrificing the overall look, and how to create a home that feels layered, timeless, and beautifully functional. Because a thoughtfully planned home will always feel more luxurious than one filled with expensive choices that don’t work together.

Good design isn’t about spending more.
It’s about making every dollar work harder for you-and creating a home you’ll love living in every single day.

If you’re planning a renovation or a furnishing project, we’d love to help. Learn more through the link in our bio.
People often ask why renovations have always been my favorite. The easy answer is that I love watching a transformation. But if I’m honest, I think it’s something much deeper than that.

Years ago, our family walked through a season that forced us to start over. It wasn’t something I would have chosen, but looking back, it changed the way I see everything. Homes. People. Even myself. I stopped looking at what something was and started paying attention to what it could become. Maybe that’s why fixer-uppers have always felt so familiar to me. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re starting over. I know what it’s like to wonder if something beautiful can come from a season that feels uncertain. That’s why I love renovations. They’re hopeful. Every wall that comes down makes room for something new. Every decision is an act of believing that what’s ahead can be better than what was there before.

The funny thing is... I don’t think this is really about houses. I think all of us have something in our lives that feels unfinished, overlooked, or in need of another chance. I’ve learned that the middle of the story rarely looks like the ending. And sometimes the most beautiful things aren’t built from scratch. They’re simply revealed.
For anyone who’s ever had to start over... I’m rooting for you!