Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
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Design

The 5 Elements of Our Signature Style

Ever wonder what makes the magic happen at Clouz Houz? Well, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the secrets to our signature style. Over the years, our aesthetic has taken a few twists and turns, but these four factors are the ride-or-die essentials that consistently elevate and are prominent in our designs. So, grab a cup of your favorite coffee and join me as I explain the ā€œwhyā€ behind our work!

Source: Clouz Houz

Aging Gracefully: Embracing Living Finishes in Design

Don’t be afraid to let your space age gracefully, just like a fine wine. We’re head over heels for unlacquered brass, and copper or bronze. They’re our go-to materials for that perfect patina that only gets better with time.Ā 

Sure, you can clean them up and restore them to their original glory, but we’re all about letting them do their thing. It gives your accents a sort of vibe that is just irreplicable. Embrace the beauty of life’s imperfections and let them shine in their own way!

Source: Amber Interiors

From door hardware to lighting fixtures, and even those little accents in dĆ©cor, living finishes are the unsung heroes that bring a layered look and undeniable charm to our projects. So, next time you’re eyeing that gleaming brass faucet or considering cabinet hardware, don’t shy away – let it age like a pro! It can become your own signature look.

 

Playful Harmony: Unleashing the Art of Pattern Play

In our playbook, more is definitely more! I’ve never been one to turn away from mixing patterns. In fact, I believe a room truly comes to life with at least two different patterns on textiles like pillows or furniture. But why stop there? Make a bold statement with vintage rugs, or infuse patterns into larger furniture items. It’s the secret to injecting loads of personality into our spaces.Ā 

Source: Clouz Houz

While solids and neutrals have their time and place, patterns with a signature pop of color are our absolute favorites. Lately, I’m swooning over florals – they’re like a breath of fresh air for any room … literally!Ā 

Source: Unkown

Curious about my current favorites? Check out my roundup at the very end!

 

Embrace Nature Through Natural Materials

I’m a firm believer in the power of materials straight from Mother Nature herself: think natural stone, real wood, and the cozy charm of wool carpet. These aren’t just design choices; they really set a space apart in terms of quality and feel.Ā 

Source: Clouz Houz

Sure, natural stone might etch over time. But let me tell you, the look and quality of real marble, quartzite, and granite are unmatched for that luxe and layered vibe. Sorry, man-made materials – you’ve got some tough competition.Ā 

Source: Clouz Houz

I get it — low-maintenance materials have their appeal. But, if you’re open to the beauty of natural materials, I’ll shout it from the rooftops – real and natural materials are the MVPs!Ā 

 

Blending Traditional Charm with Modern Edge

It’s all about that eclectic edge: a room with soul is born when you throw tradition and contemporary into the design blender. Picture a vintage piece stealing the show in a sea of sleek and modern elements. There’s a lot of beauty in the unexpected mix that just warms my design-loving heart.Ā 

Source: Clouz Houz

Take a dining space, for instance – pairing an old table with contemporary dining chairs adds a layer of intrigue that a matchy-matchy set can’t quite achieve. It’s the collision of eras that makes the space not just interesting, but downright charming.Ā 

Source: Lauren Liess

And, let’s talk textiles! Who says a current contemporary chair can’t cozy up with a vintage-inspired floral pattern? It’s the eclectic twist that turns a simple piece into a conversation starter.Ā 

 

Textural Elegance

Texture is the true element that transforms any space from flat to fab! In my opinion, rattan, textured finishes on furniture, and the warm embrace of mohair mixed with linen are game-changers. It’s all about that sweet sweet dance of materials – think rattan or wicker cozying up with marble for that perfect blend of textures.Ā 

Source: Clouz Houz

Why stick to just one texture when you can create a harmonious blend of different feels? Mix materials with varying textures, and voilĆ  – true bliss! It’s that layering effect that adds depth and richness, making your space feel special and sensational.Ā 

Source: Clouz Houz

Clouz Houz tip: All linen or all velvet? It can feel blah sometimes. But blend them together, and it will truly elevate your whole space and take it to the next level.Ā 

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In the world of design, it’s not just about trends; it’s about understanding what a room desires to be and embracing its purpose. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Each space is tells a unique story that mirrors our clients’ dreams and the narrative of their home.

Our Signature Style

As we spill the secrets behind our signature style, we invite you to take a closer glimpse into the heart behind our work.

These elements aren’t just design principles for us; they’re the core values that guide our projects, infusing each space with soul and character.

Curious to see more of this in action? Check out the handpicked items below that speak to each element. For a more immersive experience, follow along on our Instagram and Pinterest.Ā 

Join the Conversation

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@clouz_houz
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.
Finally using our kitchen... and it feels so good 🄹

We don’t take this for granted for a second! Having a fully working kitchen again truly feels like such a gift. It’s always been the heart of our home, and after so many months without it, being back in this space feels extra special.

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know Derrick and I are major foodies.

And over the years, he’s become such an incredible cook... his recipes just keep getting better and better (lucky me ā˜ŗļø).

There’s something about cooking at home, slowing down, and gathering around a meal that just feels like us again.

Would you guys want to see more of what we’re cooking, like we used to share?
5 stars. I wanted to make our guests feel comfortable and welcome and a hotel inspired bed seemed like the perfect idea.

All of this bedding is from @onequince , comment ā€˜BED’ and we’ll send you everything that’s linked on our LTK.

This look isn’t for the ā€œanti-pillowsā€ person - in fact it’s all about the layering for that plush, all-white and cozy hotel inspired look.

Here’s how to get this look in your home:
- Start with smooth, wrinkle-free sheets (a quick steam makes all the difference) I love the classic embroidered trim on these I used.
- Tuck your sheets tightly (especially the corners) for that tailored finish
- Layer in a plush duvet or comforter for that full, cloud-like feel (I like to stuff a duvet cover with an insert thats one size larger)
- And don’t skip the pillow layer technique (this is key!): I stacked four total for sleeping, two euro shams for structure, two decorative shams, and an oversized accent lumbar pillow (ours measures 18 x 42 in @LeeJofa fabric) to finish it off

Save for the next time you want a bed refresh!
Here’s how to bring everything you love together. Without the chaos!

Comment ā€˜LOVE’ and I’ll send you exactly how we define your base, choose your lead style, and mix in the rest so it actually works.

Most people think they have to choose one style... but that’s usually not the problem. The issue is trying to make everything feel equally important.

If you want your home to feel collected (not confusing), you need a clear lead... and then layer in the rest.
The difference between a home that looks good... and one that feels good?
It’s what your hands touch every day.

Plumbing fixtures.
Cabinet hardware.
Upholstery.

These aren’t always the most exciting decisions, but they’re the ones you interact with constantly. And trust me, you notice the difference. If you’re going to invest anywhere, start here.

Save this + pass it along to someone designing a space right now!