Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
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Embracing Summer with a Grilled Peach Smash

Hey friends!

I hope you’re all managing to stay cool and safe this summer. Here in Oregon, the fires have made their return. I swear, every year it seems to happen sooner and sooner. We spent the earlier part of this week up at Suttle Lake, and it was definitely getting smokey and windy. It feels so sad to see this happen time and time again, destroying the beautiful surrounding areas of our home. Not to mention, it’s quite miserable and un-motivating to work and go about our daily routines with a thick cloud of smoke that suffocates you and makes it feel like the apocalypse!

But, speaking of smoke, let’s pivot to happier things. I have the best drink with a smokey flavor for you to try! I’ve waited all summer long for peaches to be in season, and they finally appeared at the farmer’s market — thank goodness. There are so many tasty treats to make during peach season! They’re refreshing, citrusy, sweet, and soft. I have plenty of other recipes featuring peaches if you guys are interested (they are Clouz family approved), so let me know in the comments!

Today, I wanted to feature a cocktail as a little mid-summer treat for you all to try. You’ll love this seasonal take on a whiskey sour, and the grilled peaches twist is fun and unexpected. This is becoming my current hyper fixation, especially with this heat—it feels like I’m rewarding myself at the end of a long day with an adult juice!

The recipe itself is super straightforward, so don’t let it intimidate you. The homemade thyme honey syrup is a crucial ingredient, and only takes a few minutes to mix up. Pour the syrup directly on top of the peaches and grill, or cook them on a skillet to get a bit of char (this is what I did since Derrick didn’t want to fire up the grill)!

Give it a try and let me know if it hits the spot. Cheers! ?

Want more tasty drinks recipes? Check out this other bourbon favorite of ours: Lemon Thyme Bourbon Cocktail 🙂

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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 ☺️).

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 ‘BED’ and we’ll send you everything that’s linked on our LTK.

This look isn’t for the “anti-pillows” 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 ‘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!