CLOUZ HOUZ DESIGN GUIDES - What’s your style?

Embracing Summer with a Grilled Peach Smash

July 25, 2024

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 🙂

Leave A Comment

Join the Conversation

explore

More You'll Love

What We Learned When Restoring Our Original Brick Fireplace

Are You Stuck in Decision Fatigue?
If so, “Designer for a Day” is For You

The Vacation Trends We’d Pack Right Now

get inspired

follow along

Hear me out on something...I want to break down the WHY behind this service.

Over the years, we’ve had so many people reach out who don’t necessarily need full-service design... but they know they still want expert guidance before making big decisions in their home.

Maybe you’re working with a contractor and need help choosing finishes.
Maybe you’re stuck on a layout.
Maybe you just want to make sure the pieces you’re investing in will actually work together.

That’s exactly why I created Designer for a Day. It gives you 6 hours with our team, split into two 3-hour sessions so you have time to sit with decisions, talk with your contractor, and come back with questions or revisions.

During our time together, we tackle whatever is holding you back so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Everything happens live in the session, which means we can talk through ideas, problem-solve, and make decisions together in real time.

And the best part? It works beautifully virtually.
For example: I’m in Tennessee, our junior designer Kaylei is in Oregon, and our clients can be anywhere.

I truly believe good design shouldn’t be reserved for only the biggest projects. Sometimes all you need is the right guidance at the right moment.

If you’re navigating a remodel, renovation, or design challenge and feeling a little stuck, this service was created with you in mind. Link in bio (or head to our website) to inquire!

19 6

Hear me out on something...I want to break down the WHY behind this service.
Over the years, we’ve had so many people reach out who don’t necessarily need full-service design... but they know they still want expert guidance before making big decisions in their home.
Maybe you’re working with a contractor and need help choosing finishes.
Maybe you’re stuck on a layout.
Maybe you just want to make sure the pieces you’re investing in will actually work together.
That’s exactly why I created Designer for a Day. It gives you 6 hours with our team, split into two 3-hour sessions so you have time to sit with decisions, talk with your contractor, and come back with questions or revisions.
During our time together, we tackle whatever is holding you back so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Everything happens live in the session, which means we can talk through ideas, problem-solve, and make decisions together in real time.
And the best part? It works beautifully virtually.
For example: I’m in Tennessee, our junior designer Kaylei is in Oregon, and our clients can be anywhere.
I truly believe good design shouldn’t be reserved for only the biggest projects. Sometimes all you need is the right guidance at the right moment.
If you’re navigating a remodel, renovation, or design challenge and feeling a little stuck, this service was created with you in mind. Link in bio (or head to our website) to inquire!

A little design lover’s guide to Franklin, Tennessee — from a day we spent wandering, shopping, and eating our way through town.

If you’re starting the day right, it has to begin at @perennbakery. Coffee first, obviously. But the pastries are what keep us coming back. My personal favorite is the crème brûlée croissant — it’s perfect.
For shopping, @storehouseno.9 is always worth a stop (actually two. They have two locations close to each other — one in the cutest cottage turned shop and another with beautiful outdoor displays (and even some Visual Comfort pieces).

Lately I’ve been on a bit of a thrift / antique kick, trying to source pieces for our home renovation. We popped into @riversidefranklin, @t.nesbittandco, and @winchester_antiques hunting for furniture and decor finds.

A few other favorites worth bookmarking:
• @whitesmercantile — a Franklin classic. (If you know, you know... Holly Williams owns it.)
Great for gifts, clothing, and little finds you didn’t know you needed.
• @culaccino.tn — Italian restaurant meets wine bar.
• @redponyrestaurant and @cork_and_cow — one of our favorite spots for dinner with family & friends.

Save this for the next time you find yourself with a free day in Franklin🤍

103 12

A little design lover’s guide to Franklin, Tennessee — from a day we spent wandering, shopping, and eating our way through town.
If you’re starting the day right, it has to begin at @perennbakery. Coffee first, obviously. But the pastries are what keep us coming back. My personal favorite is the crème brûlée croissant — it’s perfect.
For shopping, @storehouseno.9 is always worth a stop (actually two. They have two locations close to each other — one in the cutest cottage turned shop and another with beautiful outdoor displays (and even some Visual Comfort pieces).
Lately I’ve been on a bit of a thrift / antique kick, trying to source pieces for our home renovation. We popped into @riversidefranklin, @t.nesbittandco, and @winchester_antiques hunting for furniture and decor finds.
A few other favorites worth bookmarking:
• @whitesmercantile — a Franklin classic. (If you know, you know... Holly Williams owns it.)
Great for gifts, clothing, and little finds you didn’t know you needed.
• @culaccino.tn — Italian restaurant meets wine bar.
• @redponyrestaurant and @cork_and_cow — one of our favorite spots for dinner with family & friends.
Save this for the next time you find yourself with a free day in Franklin🤍

Every studio has its “core values.”

Ours aren’t just buzzwords They’re the things we actually come back to when we’re choosing the extra trim detail... when we’re deciding if that chair is worth the splurge... when we’re asking, will this space still feel right in five years?

Layered. Lived-in. Designed to evolve. Invest in quality. Made for gathering.

That’s what we’re all about!

We’re so glad you’re here.
Xx, Allison

41 3

Every studio has its “core values.”
Ours aren’t just buzzwords They’re the things we actually come back to when we’re choosing the extra trim detail... when we’re deciding if that chair is worth the splurge... when we’re asking, will this space still feel right in five years?
Layered. Lived-in. Designed to evolve. Invest in quality. Made for gathering.
That’s what we’re all about!
We’re so glad you’re here.
Xx, Allison

After designing and remodeling so many kitchens, here are 5 mistakes I’II never make again:

1. Not taking cabinetry to the ceiling.
That awkward gap collects dust and instantly makes a kitchen feel builder-grade. Full-height cabinetry feels intentional and custom.
2. Forgetting landing space.
Every appliance needs a place to land. No counter next to the fridge or range = daily frustration.
3. Using the same cabinet hardware knobs and pulls throughout. Mix styles for interest (I can’t wait to share what I’ve picked for our new kitchen)
4. Underestimating drawer storage.
Drawers > lower cabinets. Always. Deep drawers for pots, pans, and dishes change everything. I hate digging through cabinet shelving!
5. Relying on one overhead light.
Layered lighting (pendants, cabinet lighting, sconces) is what makes a kitchen feel warm and personal.

If you’re planning a remodel, save this for later🤍 Sharing cabinet and counter details soon!

99 9

After designing and remodeling so many kitchens, here are 5 mistakes I’II never make again:
1. Not taking cabinetry to the ceiling.
That awkward gap collects dust and instantly makes a kitchen feel builder-grade. Full-height cabinetry feels intentional and custom.
2. Forgetting landing space.
Every appliance needs a place to land. No counter next to the fridge or range = daily frustration.
3. Using the same cabinet hardware knobs and pulls throughout. Mix styles for interest (I can’t wait to share what I’ve picked for our new kitchen)
4. Underestimating drawer storage.
Drawers > lower cabinets. Always. Deep drawers for pots, pans, and dishes change everything. I hate digging through cabinet shelving!
5. Relying on one overhead light.
Layered lighting (pendants, cabinet lighting, sconces) is what makes a kitchen feel warm and personal.
If you’re planning a remodel, save this for later🤍 Sharing cabinet and counter details soon!

We painted our dining room pink... and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

This is Setting Plaster by @farrowandball, and it completely transformed our dining room at the Sixth Street Bungalow in Columbia, Tennessee. It’s not bubblegum.

It’s not trendy. Joa Studholme, one of color curators at F & B created this beautiful hue when she discovered the beauty in her home with freshly plastered walls. And I just love it!

Depending on the light, it shifts from soft blush to a muted clay tone, which makes the room feel romantic and cozy without feeling overly sweet. I love how it warms up the wood floors. As Joa explains, it feels like a big hug!

If you’ve been nervous to step away from white, this is your sign.

Save this for your paint list and share it with someone who would absolutely love this color.

40 7

We painted our dining room pink... and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
This is Setting Plaster by @farrowandball, and it completely transformed our dining room at the Sixth Street Bungalow in Columbia, Tennessee. It’s not bubblegum.
It’s not trendy. Joa Studholme, one of color curators at F & B created this beautiful hue when she discovered the beauty in her home with freshly plastered walls. And I just love it!
Depending on the light, it shifts from soft blush to a muted clay tone, which makes the room feel romantic and cozy without feeling overly sweet. I love how it warms up the wood floors. As Joa explains, it feels like a big hug!
If you’ve been nervous to step away from white, this is your sign.
Save this for your paint list and share it with someone who would absolutely love this color.

Em & I started dreaming about sunshine and somehow ended up making our hypothetical vacation packing list.

No trip booked (yet) since we are still knee deep in work and house renovation… but we’re manifesting one and planning accordingly. Because sometimes you just need a reason to online shop and dream!

Now that we are in Tennessee I’ve been hearing alllll about 30A in Florida. It seems to be the destination of choice around here for an easy getaway (just an 8 hr drive or a short flight) It sounds so dreamy with those white sand beaches and the bluest of blue water! 😍 I’m determined to plan a getaway there soon. Pulling the moodboard together as we speak.

Tell me in the comments if you have been- and if so, where I need to go/stay/eat! All the stuff. ❤️

Lastly, if you are planning your own vacay, we’re sharing our obsessions on the blog. Happy Friday- and if you are anything like me, happy shopping. 😉 (link in bio) ✨

All Images : Pinterest

89 24

Em & I started dreaming about sunshine and somehow ended up making our hypothetical vacation packing list.
No trip booked (yet) since we are still knee deep in work and house renovation… but we’re manifesting one and planning accordingly. Because sometimes you just need a reason to online shop and dream!
Now that we are in Tennessee I’ve been hearing alllll about 30A in Florida. It seems to be the destination of choice around here for an easy getaway (just an 8 hr drive or a short flight) It sounds so dreamy with those white sand beaches and the bluest of blue water! 😍 I’m determined to plan a getaway there soon. Pulling the moodboard together as we speak.
Tell me in the comments if you have been- and if so, where I need to go/stay/eat! All the stuff. ❤️
Lastly, if you are planning your own vacay, we’re sharing our obsessions on the blog. Happy Friday- and if you are anything like me, happy shopping. 😉 (link in bio) ✨
All Images : Pinterest