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 “why” 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. 

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 décor, 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. 

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! 

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. 

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. 

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! 

 

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. 

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. 

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. 

 

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. 

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 voilà – true bliss! It’s that layering effect that adds depth and richness, making your space feel special and sensational. 

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. 

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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

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Now booking Signature Virtual Design projects.

The room you’ve been meaning to finish for the last two years probably doesn’t need another Pinterest board. It probably needs a plan.

Most homeowners get stuck somewhere between inspiration and execution. They know they want to update a room, replace furniture, or finally make decisions they’ve been putting off, but there are too many moving pieces. Too many options. Too many decisions that feel difficult to make.

That’s where our Signature Virtual Design comes in.

We create a complete design plan for your space, including layouts, furniture and finish selections, sourcing, drawings, and clear direction so you can move forward with confidence. You get the same level of design thinking we bring to all our projects, just in a format you can implement on your own timeline.

Whether you’re updating a single room, or furnishing an entire home, our goal is simple: help you stop second-guessing and start making progress.
Now booking Signature Virtual Design projects.

The room you’ve been meaning to finish for the last two years probably doesn’t need another Pinterest board. It probably needs a plan.

Most homeowners get stuck somewhere between inspiration and execution. They know they want to update a room, replace furniture, or finally make decisions they’ve been putting off, but there are too many moving pieces. Too many options. Too many decisions that feel difficult to make.

That’s where our Signature Virtual Design comes in.

We create a complete design plan for your space, including layouts, furniture and finish selections, sourcing, drawings, and clear direction so you can move forward with confidence. You get the same level of design thinking we bring to all our projects, just in a format you can implement on your own timeline.

Whether you’re updating a single room, or furnishing an entire home, our goal is simple: help you stop second-guessing and start making progress.
Now booking Signature Virtual Design projects.

The room you’ve been meaning to finish for the last two years probably doesn’t need another Pinterest board. It probably needs a plan.

Most homeowners get stuck somewhere between inspiration and execution. They know they want to update a room, replace furniture, or finally make decisions they’ve been putting off, but there are too many moving pieces. Too many options. Too many decisions that feel difficult to make.

That’s where our Signature Virtual Design comes in.

We create a complete design plan for your space, including layouts, furniture and finish selections, sourcing, drawings, and clear direction so you can move forward with confidence. You get the same level of design thinking we bring to all our projects, just in a format you can implement on your own timeline.

Whether you’re updating a single room, or furnishing an entire home, our goal is simple: help you stop second-guessing and start making progress.
Now booking Signature Virtual Design projects.

The room you’ve been meaning to finish for the last two years probably doesn’t need another Pinterest board. It probably needs a plan.

Most homeowners get stuck somewhere between inspiration and execution. They know they want to update a room, replace furniture, or finally make decisions they’ve been putting off, but there are too many moving pieces. Too many options. Too many decisions that feel difficult to make.

That’s where our Signature Virtual Design comes in.

We create a complete design plan for your space, including layouts, furniture and finish selections, sourcing, drawings, and clear direction so you can move forward with confidence. You get the same level of design thinking we bring to all our projects, just in a format you can implement on your own timeline.

Whether you’re updating a single room, or furnishing an entire home, our goal is simple: help you stop second-guessing and start making progress.
Now booking Signature Virtual Design projects.

The room you’ve been meaning to finish for the last two years probably doesn’t need another Pinterest board. It probably needs a plan.

Most homeowners get stuck somewhere between inspiration and execution. They know they want to update a room, replace furniture, or finally make decisions they’ve been putting off, but there are too many moving pieces. Too many options. Too many decisions that feel difficult to make.

That’s where our Signature Virtual Design comes in.

We create a complete design plan for your space, including layouts, furniture and finish selections, sourcing, drawings, and clear direction so you can move forward with confidence. You get the same level of design thinking we bring to all our projects, just in a format you can implement on your own timeline.

Whether you’re updating a single room, or furnishing an entire home, our goal is simple: help you stop second-guessing and start making progress.
One of the questions I get asked most often is why furniture can vary so dramatically in price. You can pull up two sofas online that look nearly identical. Yet one costs a few thousand dollars more than the other. Most of the time, the answer isn’t in what you’re seeing. It’s in what you can’t see.

When I’m sourcing furniture for clients, I’m looking beyond the fabric color and silhouette. I’m paying attention to all of the little details that determine how a piece will perform over time. A quality hardwood frame can often outlast the upholstery itself, which is why heirloom pieces can be reupholstered multiple times over their lifetime.

Even something as simple as cushion construction can completely change how a sofa feels. A family room sofa that gets used every single day should feel very different than a sofa in a formal sitting room. There isn’t one “best” option. The right answer depends on how you live.

None of this means every room needs custom upholstery. But understanding what’s happening beneath the surface helps explain why two pieces that look almost identical online can feel completely different five or ten years later.

As designers, we’re always thinking beyond how something photographs. We’re thinking about how it will sit, wear, and function for the people living with it every day. That’s where the value lives.