A season of softer light, layered textures, and small, considered moves Fall changes the pace, doesn’t it? Afternoons go honey-gold, the air gets a little more crisp, and homes start asking for warmth without clutter. October is that hinge month—still easy and breezy from summer, but quietly getting ready for hosting, early sunsets, and longer...
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Before we put an offer on our Columbia Southern Bungalow, we fell hard for this other property—about an hour from Nashville down the prettiest country backroads. The to-do list was long, and for a first project it was more than we should tackle right out of the gate.
But oh, was I inspired-two buildings, heirloom details, garden potential for days. I could already see it: limewashed walls with antique sconces, a compact luxe bath, refinished plank floors, a gravel court with café lights, tomatoes climbing the fence, slow porch nights.
Sometimes the dream house isn’t the right first house—and that’s okay. I still believe we’ll have a farmhouse in the country one day. For now, we chose what’s best for our family and carried the vision forward. The bungalow felt like the wiser yes, and I can’t wait to show you where we’re taking it.
Although this beauty is no longer on the market, would you buy it?
October, you soft show-off.
Cold mornings + warm afternoons, porch lamps clicking on early, the first grocery-store mums that somehow look chic in a jelly jar. I’m saving soup recipes, tucking books on every surface, and saying yes to night walks when the air smells like woodsmoke. Tiny rituals: a match struck after dinner, a blanket over the arm of every chair, a bowl for keys that sounds like brass when it lands.
This month’s edit is just an ode to all of that. Comment ‘OCTOBER’ and i’ll send the whole thing your way.
Is this your style? Old-World Elegance-layered, collected, refined.
Comment ‘GUIDE’ and I’ll DM you the free, downloadable design guide (arrives in minutes). Inside: room boards, step-by-step layering, paint/ stone/lighting picks, budget-friendly swaps, and a shoppable list so you can start today. (This post is a teaser-the guide goes even deeper).
Save this for your reno mood board, share with a friend, and tell me which style you want next: California Casual Cottage, Timeless Colonial, Mountain Modern Ranch, or Understated Eclectic.
A note to self (and anyone who needs it today):
I often get caught up in the day-to-day. Being a business owner is no small feat-deadlines, decisions, the messy middle. I share the highlights because I’m proud and grateful... but the lows can be loud, and sometimes they drown out the good.
The truth? My “normal” is still someone’s dream. I feel a little shame when I catch myself wishing the stress away, but underneath it all I’m blessed to do something I love, with people I admire, for clients who trust us. The hiccups that threaten to ruin a day are tiny in the big picture.
So here’s me choosing gratitude-again and again. For the work, the lessons, the chance to build something. If you’re in the weeds too, take one deep breath and name three small things you’re thankful for. I’ll go first: creative work, supportive and trusting clients, and a tomorrow to try again.
One last look at the home that built our story...
Dear Oregon,
You raised us. Derrick and I have lived here our entire lives—two kids with big plans who became a husband-and-wife team, parents, and the duo behind Clouz Houz. Tumalo Ranch was our canvas. We opened walls, learned patience, hosted late dinners on the back patio, and put our stamp on a place that stamped us right back.
It turns out it’s never too late for a little change. We’re saying yes to Tennessee. New streets to learn, new porches to sit on, fresh projects to pour ourselves into. Oregon will still be home in our heart of hearts. I already have travel plans in October, so this isn’t goodbye. But wow, I’ll miss you.
We packed the boxes and did one more slow lap through each room. For now, Oregon. We love you. We’ll carry you with us to Tennessee and back again-soon.
I can’t believe this was our final Supper at the Ranch.🥹 One last hoorah in this home, with my parents in town, sitting outside on the most gorgeous end of summer evening. The views, the laughter, the food... everything about it felt like a memory I’ll hold onto forever.
Entertaining has always been one of my favorite ways to show love. Setting a table, pouring a glass, serving a meal... it’s how I take care of the people around me. And this night, our last dinner here, reminded me why it means so much: because meals become moments, and moments become memories.
It’s bittersweet knowing this was the last dinner outside like that... for now. With renovations ahead, we won’t have a functioning kitchen or dining space for a while, but nights like this make me even more excited to create the next chapter.
The menu was one of my favorites: Aperol Sunset cocktail, cheesy stuffed fried olives, weeknight ragu over zucchini ribbons and pasta, and Lemon Amalfi cake. Truly the perfect send-off. The nigh couldn’t have been more perfect
Comment ‘SUPPER’ and I’ll send you the link to the blog with the full menu + recipes. Let me know if you try them out-l’d love to see how you bring them to your own table.
