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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One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a designer is that you need to be planning an entire home renovation.

Sometimes you just need someone to look at your plans, selections, and budget and tell you whether you’re heading in the right direction.

After renovating homes for over 20 years, I’ve learned that the biggest mistakes usually don’t come from choosing the “wrong” tile or cabinet color.

They come from investing in the wrong things.
Spending money where it won’t make an impact.
Overlooking details that become expensive to change later.
Or simply not having a clear plan before moving forward.

That’s exactly why we offer one-hour design consultations.

Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, selecting finishes for a new build, furnishing a room, or trying to determine where to invest your budget, we’ll use the time to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence.

Sometimes one conversation can save months of second-guessing.

Comment ‘LINK’ and I’ll send you the consultation booking form to get started.
One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a designer is that you need to be planning an entire home renovation.

Sometimes you just need someone to look at your plans, selections, and budget and tell you whether you’re heading in the right direction.

After renovating homes for over 20 years, I’ve learned that the biggest mistakes usually don’t come from choosing the “wrong” tile or cabinet color.

They come from investing in the wrong things.
Spending money where it won’t make an impact.
Overlooking details that become expensive to change later.
Or simply not having a clear plan before moving forward.

That’s exactly why we offer one-hour design consultations.

Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, selecting finishes for a new build, furnishing a room, or trying to determine where to invest your budget, we’ll use the time to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence.

Sometimes one conversation can save months of second-guessing.

Comment ‘LINK’ and I’ll send you the consultation booking form to get started.
Comment ‘LINK’ and I’ll send you the consultation booking form to get started.

One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a designer is that you need to be planning an entire home renovation.

Sometimes you just need someone to look at your plans, selections, and budget and tell you whether you’re heading in the right direction.

After renovating homes for over 20 years, I’ve learned that the biggest mistakes usually don’t come from choosing the “wrong” tile or cabinet color.

They come from investing in the wrong things.
Spending money where it won’t make an impact.
Overlooking details that become expensive to change later.
Or simply not having a clear plan before moving forward.

That’s exactly why we offer one-hour design consultations.

Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, selecting finishes for a new build, furnishing a room, or trying to determine where to invest your budget, we’ll use the time to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence.

Sometimes one conversation can save months of second-guessing.
One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a designer is that you need to be planning an entire home renovation.

Sometimes you just need someone to look at your plans, selections, and budget and tell you whether you’re heading in the right direction.

After renovating homes for over 20 years, I’ve learned that the biggest mistakes usually don’t come from choosing the “wrong” tile or cabinet color.

They come from investing in the wrong things.
Spending money where it won’t make an impact.
Overlooking details that become expensive to change later.
Or simply not having a clear plan before moving forward.

That’s exactly why we offer one-hour design consultations.

Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, selecting finishes for a new build, furnishing a room, or trying to determine where to invest your budget, we’ll use the time to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence.

Sometimes one conversation can save months of second-guessing.

Comment ‘LINK’ and I’ll send you the consultation booking form to get started.
Comment ‘LINK’ and I’ll send you the consultation booking form to get started.

One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a designer is that you need to be planning an entire home renovation.

Sometimes you just need someone to look at your plans, selections, and budget and tell you whether you’re heading in the right direction.

After renovating homes for over 20 years, I’ve learned that the biggest mistakes usually don’t come from choosing the “wrong” tile or cabinet color.

They come from investing in the wrong things.
Spending money where it won’t make an impact.
Overlooking details that become expensive to change later.
Or simply not having a clear plan before moving forward.

That’s exactly why we offer one-hour design consultations.

Whether you’re planning a kitchen renovation, selecting finishes for a new build, furnishing a room, or trying to determine where to invest your budget, we’ll use the time to answer your questions and help you move forward with confidence.

Sometimes one conversation can save months of second-guessing.
One thing I don’t think I fully understood when we made this move was that reinvention isn’t one big moment. It’s a thousand small decisions.

When we left Oregon, I wasn’t running away from something. I loved our life there. I loved our clients, our community, our routines. 

What surprised me was realizing that gratitude and restlessness can exist at the same time. You can be deeply thankful for the life you’ve built and still feel pulled toward something new. 

For me, that feeling showed up long before we packed a single box. It showed up in quiet moments. Little questions I couldn’t shake. Curiosity about what else might be possible if I stopped choosing the familiar answer every time.

Moving across the country, renovating a nearly 100-year-old home, rebuilding community, growing a business in a new place—it all sounds very exciting when I list it out now. 

Living through it felt much messier. There were plenty of moments where I questioned our decision. Moments where I missed what was comfortable. Moments where I wondered if we were crazy. But I’ve learned that growth rarely feels certain when you’re in the middle of it.

And if there’s one thing I hope people take away from this, it’s that you don’t need to have everything figured out before taking the first step. You just need enough courage to trust yourself with what’s next. 

I’d love to know—have you ever made a decision that scared you but changed your life for the better?