Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
SUBSCRIBE
Design

February Edit:
The Softness Edition

February always feels like an in-between month. The holidays are long gone, spring still feels far away, and everything slows down in a way that’s either uncomfortable, or quietly kind of beautiful.

This month, I’ve been leaning into softness. Think romantic details, slower mornings, comforting rituals, and little escapes that make late winter feel less heavy. Not Valentine’s Day romance exactly, but the kind that shows up in everyday life: the way you start your morning, what you watch at night, the textures you surround yourself with.

Here’s what has been inspiring me lately.

A New Morning Ritual (and a Little Bit of Magic)

Black graphic with bold white typography reading “How to Manifest,” featuring the name Lacy Phillips, founder of To Be Magnetic, in a modern, high-contrast layout.

I’ve been working my way through the Return to Magic challenge from To Be Magnetic, and I honestly didn’t expect to love it as much as I do. Manifestation is completely new territory for me, but after reading How to Manifest late last year, I felt pulled to go deeper.

Woman lounging on a neutral upholstered chair wrapped in a plush white textured throw blanket, wearing relaxed white pants and a white tank, styled in a calm, cozy, minimalist interior setting.
I’ve been curling up in bed with this blanket.

Lately, most mornings look like this: Derrick brings me coffee in bed (I know … very spoiled), I put my AirPods in, and listen to one of the Deep Imaginings before the day starts. It’s become a grounding ritual, one that has helped me clarify goals and recognize areas in my life that need more attention or softness. If you’re even a little curious about this kind of work, I’d genuinely recommend it. A solid 10/10.

People We Meet on Vacation book cover image of two people lounging on the beach

A Rom-Com Escape (When Football Takes Over the House)

The other night, Derrick and Andrew were fully locked into a football game (which I’m officially over for the season) so I retreated to the bedroom and stumbled on the cutest Netflix rom-com: People We Meet on Vacation. I curled in and got cozy with my blanket from Cozy Earth (I shared this last year and am still loving it — everyone fights over it!).

It was light, funny, mindless in the best way, and exactly what I needed. Everything in the world feels so heavy lately, and sometimes you just want something that lets you shut your brain off for a couple hours. This was that movie for me.

A Netflix Series That Had Me Hooked

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum — His & Hers on Netflix. I loved this series. A murder happens almost immediately (not a spoiler), and I was fully locked in from the first episode.

It’s a limited series, which I always appreciate, and I ended up binging the entire thing in one day. I’ve talked to a few other people who did the exact same thing. Netflix Originals really do it for me.

Music, Nostalgia, and Feeling a Little Sentimental

Lately, my music choices have been all over the place—very mood-dependent. But, I’ve noticed I’ve been feeling a little sentimental, missing those younger, carefree days when life felt simpler and responsibilities were fewer. Anyone else?

I’ve found myself looping back to the music I grew up listening to — it always brings a smile to my face. Lots of 80s and 90s. Starship has been on repeat, especially Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now. I can still picture myself crimping my hair, listening to that cassette tape. A full-circle moment LOL!

My Scarf Era (and a Deep Pinterest Spiral)

One of my favorite ways to unwind is scrolling Pinterest and setting vision (especially for outfits). I love to study street style and pull inspiration from the small details people don’t always think about.

I just bought this and I’m already obsessed. It’s one of those pieces that instantly elevates an outfit—draped over a sweater, tied around your shoulders, or even carried into spring with a white tee. Easy, chic, and surprisingly versatile.

Right now, I’ve officially entered my scarf era. I’m loving all the creative ways people are styling them—tied around the head, layered over sweaters, knotted onto bag handles, even worn as belts. Grabbed this one from Amazon recently and am hooked! It works now layered over knits, and will carry straight into spring with a simple white tee. One thing I’ve noticed that I absolutely love how a great scarf can take even the most basic white blouse or t-shirt with denim and make it feel more stylish.

Below is a little scarf moodboard, and I rounded up more favorites if you’re also feeling inspired. By the way, if you’re not already following along, you can find me on Pinterest—I’m there a lot.

A curated fashion mood board featuring women styling patterned silk scarves in classic, everyday outfits. The collage includes neutral trench coats, white tees, denim, loafers, ballet flats, structured handbags, gold jewelry, and sunglasses. Scarves are worn tied at the neck, wrapped around handbags, styled as headscarves, and draped over shoulders, showcasing rich colors, paisley and floral prints, and timeless patterns in soft browns, blues, creams, and greens. The overall aesthetic feels effortless, polished, and Parisian-inspired, highlighting scarves as a versatile, elevated accessory for everyday wear.

Cashmere Everywhere (and Why It’s Worth It)

The material that keeps catching my eye lately? Cashmere. It’s showing up everywhere this season!! In bedding, socks, sweaters, and even unexpected home accents. And it feels so luxe in a quiet, understated way.

I always encourage investing in materials that last, and cashmere is one of those rare ones that truly does — if you take care of it. It only gets better with time, and it’s something you’ll reach for year after year. I’ve shared a few cashmere finds in this edit that feel especially good for late winter.

A styled lifestyle and home décor collage titled “The February Edit” by Clouz Houz, set against a soft neutral background. The image features a mix of fashion, beauty, and interior accents in warm, romantic tones. Elements include silk scarves in neutral and blush patterns, gold heart earrings, monogrammed white linens, a floral bolster pillow, blush throw pillows, a patterned shawl, striped pajamas with feather trim, red nail polish, a brown upholstered ottoman, a striped linen towel, a neutral patterned lampshade, a brass tray, a silver cocktail shaker, a ceramic cup and saucer, a glass body oil bottle, a dry brush, chic black reading glasses, and a creamy cable-knit throw. A woman styled in a neutral coat with a scarf and sunglasses appears alongside cozy home textures and soft Valentine-inspired details, creating a warm, elegant, and curated February mood.

Heart Earrings | Neutral Scarf | Cashmere Blanket | Ottoman | Bolster Pillow | Throw Pillows | Striped Napkins | Lampshade |

Coffee Table | Cocktail Shaker | Ceramic Cup + Saucer | Feather-Trim Pajamas | Nail Polish | Chanel Glow Stick | Body Oil |

Dry Brush | Glasses | Monogrammed Towels | Ceramic Plates | Bud Vase

Details That Make Home Feel Warmer

February always puts me in the mood to slow down and enjoy the in-between, and simple touches like ceramic plates with a red trim feel perfect for that. I love having little treats out this time of year, especially with Valentine’s Day around the corner. Paired with striped napkins on hand for an impromptu Galentine’s gathering, it’s those small, thoughtful pieces that make hosting feel effortless.

This bolster pillow has completely captured my heart. This brand has been on my radar lately for its timeless, heirloom feel. These salmon and coral-toned pillows styled on a bed or sofa are a reminder that pink can be such a beautiful, grown-up way to add warmth to a space. Don’t let anyone tell you pink isn’t allowed—it absolutely is when done thoughtfully. Layer in something like a brass and glass coffee table, a crystal cocktail shaker for the bar, or a pewter bud vase holding just a few pretty stems, and suddenly the room feels elevated without feeling overly styled.

View through a doorway into a moody stair hall with dusty rose–colored walls, a vintage checkered tile floor in warm terracotta tones, and a framed figurative painting centered above the stair landing. A dark wood banister and carpeted stairs lead upward, while soft, warm lighting creates an intimate, old-world atmosphere.
Photo: Pinterest

We’re currently looking at custom lamp shades like these for the Sixth Street Bungalow office, and it’s such a good example of how subtle upgrades can completely shift a space. Cozy finishing touches like a cashmere cable knit throw, a rust-colored ottoman, or a ceramic and pewter mug and saucer set make everyday rituals feel more intentional. Add in embroidered crest guest towels for the bathroom, and you’re instantly ready for company. Proof that refreshing your home doesn’t always mean big furniture swaps. Sometimes it’s just about layering in a few beautiful accents!

 

Everyday Rituals

This red nail polish has been at the top of my list. I saw a friend wearing it and immediately became obsessed. It’s that perfect, classic Coca-Cola red that somehow works for everything, and of course it’s always sold out whenever I try to grab it. Paired with gold heart earrings, they feel playful without being overdone.

These striped pajamas with feather trim deserve a moment. I bought them for Em and I to wear over Christmas, and I’ve been living in them ever since. They’re cozy, chic, and feel especially perfect with Valentine’s Day coming up (especially if you enjoy staying in). Also been enjoying a little mid-day refresh with this Chanel glow stick. It’s such a pretty, subtle way to add dew and look instantly more awake without doing a full makeup reset.

I’ve also been fully embracing reader glasses lately. They’ve become such a vibe for elevating work outfits, and people are wearing them out to lunch or dinner as part of the look. For self-care, try this body oil, which has been a longtime favorite of mine, especially when paired with a dry brush. This time of year, when your skin just feels dull and dry, this ritual will help you feel better. 

Shop the full February Edit here on our LTK. Everything linked and ready to browse ❤️

xo, Allison

Join the Conversation

get inspired
#clouzhouz
follow along
@clouz_houz
Sweet sweet May. This month’s edit is a curated roundup of pieces inspiring our designs, projects, and lifestyles. Consider it a manifestations of what’s to come as we kick off the summer season. Comment ‘EDIT and I’ll send you the links to these dreamy finds and faves!
We opted for this 9x12 natural fiber jute rug in our den.

Honestly, the weight, the texture, the tone, it just works.
I’ve actually repurchased this rug multiple times for my own home, which says everything. It’s one of those foundational pieces that instantly grounds a space and layers in that warm, collected feel.

If you’re looking for a neutral that doesn’t fall flat, this is always one I come back to.

Comment “LINK” and I’ll send it your way🤍
This is one of those things I feel very strongly about.
Scale is one of the fastest ways to elevate a room... and one of the easiest to get wrong. I see it all the time: a space has beautiful pieces, but something still feels off. More often than not, it’s because everything is too small.

Our coffee table is a good example. It’s intentionally larger because it helps the whole seating area read as one zone. It visually connects the sofa and chairs, gives everyone an actual surface within reach, and creates one strong focal point in the middle of the room.

If it were smaller, we’d need extra little tables to make the layout function, and all of those pieces would start competing with each other.

One larger piece often creates more calm than several smaller ones.

Save this for your next room refresh, and share it with someone who’s trying to figure out why their space feels off.