We’ve all heard it. Remind yourself of the little things that matter most. Be grateful for what you have. Don’t take things for granted. Focus on what you have, not what you don’t. Have goals, but don’t forget where you started and how far you have come.
And we all try to stay on track with these thoughts. But it’s easy to forget, and then we get accustomed to what we have and overlook their value again.
It’s funny, I posted about my journey last week and how proud I am of myself for how far I’ve come. I have navigated dark times, like so many of us do. And wow, I received many messages and comments of how it resonated with you.
What was my biggest takeaway during those dark times? I recognize all that I have and be grateful for them. My health, my family and friends, getting outdoors, getting to stay in on a winter night by the fire, etc. These small mindset changes helped me get through some pretty rough times. And while it wasn’t easy, it helped.
So, as we are heading into our weekend, let’s remind ourselves how lucky we are to have what we do- whatever that might be. Cherish those things and keep being grateful for them.
Controversial design choices I made-and would do again in a heartbeat.
Design is personal, and while these choices may not be for everyone, they have truly transformed our home in the best way.
1. No TV above the fireplace
Our living room is for living, not just watching. We opted to keep the focus on conversation, coziness, and enjoying the space without a giant screen dominating the design. (And trust me, we still watch plenty of movies-just not here!)
2. No upper cabinets in the kitchen
Instead of traditional uppers, we went with open shelving + marble for a more airy, collected feel. The space feels lighter, and I love how our everyday essentials double as decor.
3. A huge window in the primary bath
Yes, it’s BIG. But light > privacy for me! The natural light makes the space feel like a spa, and strategic window placement + window treatments keep things feeling private when needed.
Would you do any of these in your home? Or do you think I’m crazy? Drop your thoughts in the comments and send this to a friend who needs some out-of-the-box design ideas!
I love the magic of lamp lighting. There is just something so romantic about a home with that cozy ambient light.
At 6pm: when the sky fades, the house glows, and everything slows down. This is the part of the evening where time feels softer and the warmth lingers just a little longer.
Part 1 of our #TheBoldAndTheBeautiful project — the laundry room/ mudroom.
This space is proof that functional doesn’t have to mean boring. We’re layering in bold color, earthy textures, and moody contrasts to make it feel intentional and elevated-because even a mudroom deserves a moment.
Think transitional meets modern, with just the right amount of playfulness. More to come soon!
If I were a leprechaun... My home would be a cozy little dream
—moody greens, warm candlelight, vintage treasures, and the perfect amount of old-world charm.
Basically, if you’re looking for interior inspo, we hope you follow us on Pinterest. We’re constantly pinning spaces that inspire-a mix of designer-approved finds, timeless aesthetics, and homes that make you want to curl up and stay forever.
Follow us at Clouz_Houz for all things interiors, mood boards, and design inspo you didn’t know you needed!
P.S All of these images are from Pinterest with the exception of a few... we snuck in some from past projects, because we LOVE incorporating green into our interior designs. Can you spot them? Let us know!
Starting over is weird. It’s scary and exhausting, and honestly, not something I ever thought we’d have to do. When Derrick lost his job, everything flipped upside down. We had to make choices that felt impossible at the time—pivoting, pushing ourselves into new territories, stepping into the unknown.
And let me tell you, I was so unsure of how it would all play out.
There were nights I laid awake questioning everything. Days where I felt completely lost. But somehow, step by step, we figured it out. Not all at once, not even gracefully—but we did. And now? I look back and see how much we’ve grown, how much stronger we are because of it. It’s wild to think about the version of me from back then—the one who wasn’t sure if we’d be okay. If only she could see where we are now.
So if you’re in that season—the messy, uncertain, feels-like-you’re-drowning season—just know that one day, you’ll look back and see how much you’ve made it through. Even when you think you’re stuck, you’re still moving forward. And that’s something to be proud of.
Thanks for listening… it’s hard to be vulnerable and talk about dark times, but my hope is that by sharing our story we shed some hope to others who are experiencing the same changes in their lives.
Share with a friend who you think may need to hear this. 💛
