Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
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Design

How To Make Your Home Uniquely You

When we design for our clients, our approach is deeply rooted in intentionality. Based in Bend, Oregon, we offer many nationwide services personalized to your needs and varying design styles. Understanding how you, our dear clients, navigate your daily routines helps us tailor each element of your home to be both functional and reflective of your individuality. Thoughtful design choices not only enhance the aesthetic appeal, but also ensure that every corner of your living space serves a purpose.

As designers, we believe that a home should be more than just a collection of furniture and décor — it should tell a story. It’s about infusing the essence of those who live there into every design decision. From the layout that facilitates seamless movement to colors that evoke emotion, our goal is to craft environments that feel like an extension of our clients’ identities.

Design: Clouz Houz | Photographer: Zee Wendell

Elevate Your Walls: Personalize with Gallery Walls

Gallery walls are a design feature we absolutely adore for their ability to infuse personality into any space. Mixing artwork, prints, and cherished treasures allows us to create visually captivating displays that reflect our clients’ unique tastes and experiences. 

Whether it’s integrating pieces collected during travels, heirlooms passed down through generations, thrifted finds, or personal mementos, each item adds layers to the narrative of our designs. Embracing variety in sizes, frames, and textures enables us to craft gallery walls that feel curated and deeply personal. Let your walls tell the story of who you are and what matters most — a true reflection of your journey and passions.

Refined Detail Work in Your Home

Detail work like trim, molding, and shiplap is where we get really excited as designers. Shiplap, in particular, holds a special place in our hearts. It fits perfectly into farmhouse vibes, and it can give a sleek modern home a touch of rustic charm. Its clean, classic lines bring sophistication to any space while keeping it cozy and inviting. 

What’s truly magical about shiplap is how effortlessly it adds personality and character. Whether we’re creating a stunning accent wall or transforming an entire room, shiplap brings that crisp, timeless charm.

Design: Clouz Houz
Source: DeVOL

Embracing Wood Ceilings for Warmth and Richness

Wood ceilings are a total game-changer for adding warmth and richness to a room. Unlike walls and floors that get all the attention, ceilings often get overlooked. But let me tell you, a wood ceiling can take your space from basic to beautiful in no time. It’s like bringing a piece of nature indoors, with those natural knots and textures that make you feel instantly cozy.

Think about it — instead of just slapping on a coat of paint, why not go for wood beams, paneling, or shiplap? These materials not only add a touch of rustic charm, but also bring in that earthy vibe that makes a room feel so inviting. Plus, they draw your eye upward, showcasing the architectural beauty of your home’s highest points.

Source: Pinterest

Would You Like Artistic Bathroom Cabinets in Your Home?

Well, imagine scalloped vanities that add a touch of whimsy, or antique dressers repurposed with sleek marble countertops. Opt for a cabinet/vanity that makes a statement! 

Personally, I’m inspired by French history when it comes to bathroom aesthetics — think elegant curves, intricate details, and a touch of vintage charm. Embrace organic shapes and materials to bring a sense of natural beauty into your bathroom.

Below is some cool cabinet inspiration that I hope you’ll see more of in 2024!

Source: @kelseyleighdesignco
Source: Pinterest
Source: Pinterest
Source: Pinterest

As we look ahead to 2024, let’s continue to prioritize design choices that are timeless yet personal. We can celebrate the beauty of craftsmanship and the joy of living in spaces that inspire us every day! Because when your home reflects your style, it becomes more than just a place to live — it becomes a sanctuary filled with memories and meaning. 🤍

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When life gives you lemons… you make lemonade. 🍋
But for us, it wasn’t just a saying.
For over 20 years, I had been designing our homes… but when Derrick lost his job, everything shifted. What felt like everything falling apart was actually the beginning of something new.
After years of being a stay-at-home mom — the role that meant everything to me — I stepped into something completely unknown and started my design business. I was terrified.
Somewhere along the way, Derrick and I found our rhythm, and what started as helping each other turned into building something side by side… Clouz Houz.
And then… we did it again.
We left everything familiar and moved to Tennessee, starting over in a place where no one knew us. No reputation. No safety net. Just a dream… and a lot of faith. And if I’m being honest, it’s taken more grit and determination than I ever imagined. Because starting over midlife hits differently — when so many around you are slowing down, you’re asking yourself to dig deeper, push harder, and believe bigger.
There have been moments I’ve questioned everything. Moments that felt heavy, lonely, uncertain.
But also moments that feel like… this is it. This is the life we fought for.
“Life is Short. Make it Beautiful.” came from one of those turning points — when we realized life wasn’t going to wait for us to feel ready. So we chose to begin. 
Again.
And in this season of rebuilding, I’ve found myself being pulled toward something new… a different way of sharing what I’ve learned, what I see, and what I love.  It’s stretched me in new ways — and in some ways, it’s been unexpectedly therapeutic.
I can’t wait to share more soon. 🤍✨
Office reveal… but also a little life update.
We’ve been working from this space behind the scenes, and it finally feels ready to share. This is where client projects come to life…where we’re sourcing, planning, and building what’s next for both our Oregon projects and the ones we’re beginning here in Tennessee.
Oregon will always be home for our work. Our roots are there and very much staying, but we’re excited to now be creating in Tennessee as well, while continuing to serve clients nationwide.
We have three project openings this summer and are currently taking on new clients in both locations.
If you’ve been thinking about starting a project, you can inquire through our website…we’d love to work together. 🤍
What started as a “simple” fireplace update quickly turned into one of those classic renovation plot twists.😅 
Here’s how it actually unfolded:
1. Planned to install tile over the existing fireplace tile — that was the original vision.
2. Began demo and discovered some serious structural damage to chimney. Immediate pivot.
3. Tore in further and uncovered the original brick hiding underneath.
4. Brought in the mason to re-mortar and clean everything up.
5. The brick went from dusty and rustic to bright red and very classic — and yes... I freaked out a little.
6. Lived with it for a bit to see if I could make peace with the new look.
7. Ultimately we applied a watered down lime grout (what was used by mason) to give it that old-world imperfect feel again.
8. Polished/stained the original stone hearth to refresh it without replacing it.
9. Stripped down the fussy details from the wood mantle and surround.
10. Painted the mantle and reinstalled it — and finally, it all felt right.
Renovations rarely go exactly as planned, but sometimes uncovering what’s underneath leads to something better than you imagined in the first place.