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Year-At-A-Glance: High Desert Tumalo Ranch Update

Enjoy the BTS of all our progress over at the ranch

Hey y’all! Welcome to the awaited Tumalo project update – a year-long whirlwind of renovation revelations! Can you believe how far we’ve come? From brainstorming innovative solutions to discovering quirky materials, we’ve been on a mission to transform this space into our dream farmhouse. As we gear up to embrace the new year, we’re thrilled about the prospect of moving in soon and infusing those last magical touches that will truly make this space ours. 

Okay, let’s spill the tea on what’s been brewing behind the scenes! Right now, it might seem like things are at a bit of a standstill visually. But hey, it’s all part of the grand plan. We’ve been knee-deep in the not-so-glamorous world of plumbing and electrical work. Trust us though, the excitement is building beneath the surface. Coordinating all these nitty-gritty details has been a puzzle worth solving, paving the way for the real fun to begin: diving into the delightful world of design elements. So hang tight, because once we’ve nailed down these crucial foundations, we’re diving headfirst into the exhilarating realm of bringing this space to life!

Interior Update

Let’s start with the heart of the home: the kitchen! There has been a lot of editing and adaptations, as is par for the course in any remodel. One tweak we made was to the original design, specifically the shelf behind the range. Initially, we had this vision of a fabulous shelf. But, after some trial and error, we discovered that it was causing a bit of a hitch with the exhaust in the hood. Turns out, it was just too deep and would’ve played the role of a hood-blocker!

So, as the saying goes, ‘out with the old’ – we’ve bid adieu to the shelf behind the range. But fear not, the marble shelf is still reigning supreme, we are still wrapping it around the rest of the kitchen. This way, it keeps the focus on the evolution of the design, ensuring functionality without compromising on our vision for the space. 

Exciting news! Derrick worked his magic and the tile is in — talk about game-changer 😉 We’re head over heels for it. It adds an incredible texture to the kitchen, giving it that ‘wow’ factor. What’s even better is how it defines the kitchen space, creating this beautiful distinction from the hardwoods in the rest of the house. It’s like the kitchen has its own personality now, and we’re obsessed with the vibe it brings to the entire area.

We are so happy that he kitchen is really starting to take shape! The cabinets are in, and let’s just say, we’re beyond thrilled with how they’ve transformed the space. We opted for these sleep, slim shaker cabinets – talk about a contemporary twist on a classic shaker style. They bring a modern vibe that’s totally rocking the kitchen scene. And now, we are beginning to pick out hardware to compliment these beauties. This update is like putting the final cherry on top and we can’t wait to see the whole look come together! 

 

Evolution of the Shower Space

In the realm of the master bathroom, the spotlight is in our shower transformation. For this update, we’ve taken a bit of a detour from our initial design, mainly due to budget considerations. Originally, we had these grand plans for the shower: a sprawling expanse adorned with pebble flooring and walls. But, in a quest for practicality without compromising style, we opted for a more budget-friendly approach. Say hello to the stunning marble 12×24 tiles that now grace half the shower walls. 

And here’s the kicker: the top half? We’re teaming up with a local artisan who specializes in plaster finishes! This unique collaboration promises to infuse an artistic edge into the space, and we’re itching to unveil the final masterpiece. Stay tuned as we share our journey!

Clouz Houz tip: Save on shower coasts with waterproof finishes. Consider these finishes as an alternative to full tiling! While tiles are a classic choice, we explored a more cost-effective route by combining the two looks. There are many great options for waterproof finishes.

Rumpus Room Revamp: A Cozy Haven in the Making!

Big news for the rumpus room – our flooring dreams have come true! The herringbone hardwood flooring has made its grand entrance, and oh boy is it stunning. The texture it brings to the space is simply divine. The herringbone pattern isn’t just flooring; it’s an aesthetic masterpiece that’s bound to elevate the entire feel of this room. We are getting ready for some serious fun and cozy times ahead because this space is shaping up to be the heart of comfort and joy in our home!

We’ve settled on this rich, deep brown hue for the walls of this room, a choice that’s going to bring a whole new moody vibe to the space. Plus, a fabulous surprise awaits! We’re keeping it under wraps, but let’s just say, a stellar sofa is in the making by one of our beloved furniture vendors. Trust us, it’s going to be a showstopper — it’s set to steal the spotlight in this room.

Right after the New Year, the wet bar cabinets are swooping in. With these cabinets getting installed, the space will truly start to take on its full personality. Once the cabinets settle in, we’re diving headfirst into installing the backsplash tile, adding that final touch of pizzazz to the bar area. It’s gearing up to be the ultimate hub of entertainment and relaxation. 

 

 

Exterior Elegance

Let’s kick off our exterior update journey with a spotlight on the windows. These have been in place for a few months now, and what a difference they’ve made! They’re the unsung heroes transforming the entire feel of our spaces. More light streaming in, rooms feeling bigger, and that seamless transition to the backyard with its breathtaking views. They really do a great job of making our home feel like a haven that effortlessly connects the indoors with the beauty of the outdoors. 

Another crucial update on the horizon for our exterior: the chosen stain! We’re all set with the perfect hue to grace the outer walls of our home. However, here’s the catch: painting will have to wait until the spring rolls in. Winter’s chill has put a temporary pause on this step – it’s just too cold to get that paint job done. But as soon as the weather warms up, we’ll be getting right into this phase to give the exterior the finishing touch it deserves. Sneak a peek at some of the door hardware we’ve ordered – it’s the little details that truly make a house a home. Scroll down for links to our trusted sources for these gems!

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Phew! That’s the whole scoop on our latest update for now. We hope you’ve enjoyed this behind-the-scenes peek into our progress. These photos aren’t just snapshots, they’re glimpses into our vision for a modern rustic farmhouse that we are head over heels in love with.

Every nail hammered, every tile placed, and every design decision made has brought us closer to crafting a space that feels like home. We’re thrilled to share this journey with you guys! As we inch closer to the final masterpiece that’s a testament to hard work, creativity, and a whole lot of heart.

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20k. Wow. Feeling a little surreal over here (and right before Christmas!). Emma surprised me with this cake today and it honestly made me pause and take it all in. This journey has been nothing without you all (this community) showing up, supporting, growing with me. I’m so grateful for every message, interaction, and tiny bit of love along the way.
And I’ll be honest... it’s not always easy showing up here every day and sharing so many pieces of our lives. You don’t see everything, and that’s okay. But what’s real is this connection and the people on the other side of the screen.
Here’s to all of you. Thank you for being here, for cheering us on, and for making this space feel like something worth building.❤️
After designing and remodeling so many bathrooms, here are 5 mistakes I’ll never make again:
1. Stopping tile too low on the wall.
Tiling only part way up can make a bathroom feel choppy and visually shorter. Taking tile higher (or all the way up in key areas) instantly feels more custom and elevates even the smallest space.
2. Choosing form over storage.
A pretty pedestal sink with nowhere to hide anything... I’ve learned my lesson. Vanities with drawers, medicine cabinets, and smart niches keep your counters clear and make your bathroom actually livable. For example, pretty pedestal sinks have my heart — but they have zero secrets. If you truly love the look, add a tailored sink skirt to hide essentials, or do what we’re doing in our own project: bringing in an entire wall of IKEA PAX built-ins for overflow storage. Desianers think hard about lifestyle... because a beautiful bathroom that doesn’t actually work never stays beautiful.
3. Using the wrong grout color.
Bright white grout on a busy floor or in a shower is a cleaning nightmare. A softer, mid-tone grout is more forgiving, ages better, and lets the tile shine instead of the lines.
4. Cheap, overly shiny hardware and fixtures.
Nothing dates a bathroom faster than ultra-shiny, lightweight hardware. A tip I give clients: always look for weight and finish depth. Polished nickel with a warm undertone, unlacquered brass that patinas beautifully, or even aged bronze instantly elevates a space. Spend once and avoid upgrading again in two years.
5. Relying only on overhead lighting.
One can light = harsh, flat, unflattering. Layered lighting changes everything. Add sconces at face level (ladies... this is a game changer for getting ready), plus a decorative fixture or even a candle for a softer, moodier feel.
If you’re planning a remodel or want help avoiding these mistakes in your own home, send me a DM — we’d love to help you design a bathroom you’ll love for years🤍
“Designers are expensive.” That’s the public opinion... and sometimes, it’s true. But it’s also the reason we exist. 
A designer’s fee is almost always less than the cost of redoing things that weren’t done right the first time.
We see it all the time. Clients come to us after plans are finalized, materials are ordered, and the space is already under construction. By then, it’s much harder (and more expensive) to course-correct. Details like lighting placement, ceiling heights, tile layout, and even outlet locations all impact the final design. And when we’re part of the process early, those decisions work together instead of against each other.
Working with a designer isn’t just about how your home looks.. It’s about how it feels and functions. Our role is to bridge the gap between vision and execution, to make sure every decision supports the next one.
If you’re in the early stages of building or renovating, this is your sign to bring design in from the start. It’s an investment in doing it once, and doing it beautifully.
Inquire through our site (link in bio) to start your project!
Headed back to Oregon today and scrolling through old Christmas clips like the nostalgic, obsessed person that I am.😂 It truly never fails to be the coziest place during the holidays.
We chose the PNW this year partly for the peaceful vibes... partly because our renovation is unhinged right now. And MOSTLY because I wanted to put up a tree. 
Luckily we have a fake one in storage. No ornaments, just twinkle lights and vibes. I’ve got a few simple tricks to make it feel special for our family.
Where are you celebrating this year? Traveling? Staying home? I love hearing what this season looks like for everyone.
Until then, I’ll just be on the Tennessee backroads with my coffee, gathering design inspo from every pretty home I drive past!