Milano Modern Stainless Steel Ice Bucket
December 31, 2024
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#clouzhouzfollow along
@clouz_houzIf you’re going to be creative, you have to be willing to stay in a bit of a playful mindset... not everything can be overthought or perfectly safe, because that’s usually when things start to fall flat. I see this all the time, even in my own home, where the moments I almost didn’t do something end up being the ones I love the most. The same goes for our client work. The best spaces don’t come from playing it safe, they come from trusting the process and being open to ideas you might not have considered at first. That’s really the point of hiring a designer, especially at a higher level. You’re not bringing us in to repeat what you already know you like or to be directed every step of the way. You’re bringing us in for our perspective, our resources, and the ability to see things a little differently. We’re never going to lead you in a direction that doesn’t work, but we are going to push you a bit, because that’s where a space starts to feel more thoughtful, more layered, and ultimately a more thoughtful, refined version of your vision. Brought to life with a level of detail that’s hard to achieve without a clear plan behind it.
If you’re thinking about hiring a designer but not totally sure where to start... this is your sign to not overthink it. The best advice I can give you is to trust who you hired for a reason. And if you want to dip your toe in, try it on a smaller scale first.
That’s exactly why we offer our Designer-for-a-Day + Consultation services. It gives you a chance to see how we can help, get a feel for our process, and start making real progress in your home without diving straight into a full-service project.
Whether it’s one room that’s been driving you crazy or just needing direction to make everything feel more cohesive, it’s such a good starting point!
It’s truly one of our favorite ways to work with people. Inquire today on your website. Link in bio.
Part 2!
Make sure to subscribe to us on Substack if you like these types of updates and casual content about our renovation journey! There’s a reason we call it Between the Layers 😉
Kaylei in the Oregon studio, while I’m in the Tennessee office together, collaborating on building out a client’s space... this is what our Premier Virtual Design actually looks like behind the scenes.
Most virtual design services stop at a moodboard, but we’re thinking through how you actually live in your home... what’s working, what’s not, and how every material fits together before you ever click “add to cart.” From detailed floor plans and elevations to fully curated selections and a complete spec guide.
Just delivered in a way that lets you implement it on your own timeline. If you’ve been wanting a designer but don’t necessarily need the full-service logistics, this is exactly where we see this working really well. If that sounds like you, you can inquire through our website or fill out our inquiry form to get started (link in bio) 🤍
There’s a lot of conversation right now about bringing back more enclosed, traditional rooms... and I understand the appeal (tbh, probably what I prefer). But let’s say you have an open layout like our last house...you can still do it with intention and create that cozy, defined space you are wanting.
In this dining space, the goal was to create a place that feels defined in a quite small space right off the kitchen. I wanted it a place to linger, host, and gather.
The banquette (a @ciscobrothers piece I recovered in @schumacher1889 ‘Camden Check’ in “Java”) helped anchor the room, giving it a sense of structure and traffic flow, but also a cozy, intimate feel.
It’s less about open vs. closed, and more about how each space transitions into the next.
Because when it’s working, you don’t really think about it. You just find yourself staying a little longer.
Are you team open concept or team enclosed, more traditional rooms?
Photo: @zeewendell
Work in progress but here’s a closer look at our living room and some of the pieces that make it sing!
Come back for part 2 to round out this space. I love being able to candidly talk about the progress and special elements that went into designing this room.
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