CLOUZ HOUZ DESIGN GUIDES - What’s your style?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Design

May Edit: Embracing Romance and New Beginnings

April showers have come and gone, leaving behind the promise of May flowers. This monthly edit is sure to bring about emotions of romance, and encourage us to cultivate new beginnings as we transition into late spring. It’s unbelievable how quickly April flew by, isn’t it? May is rolling in like a breath of fresh air, welcoming a season of vibrant energy and new beginnings here in Bend. Let’s just hope we are through all the snow… I just heard there’s a chance of a few flurries tonight! Springtime in Bend can be silly, but when the trees start to bud and daffodils start popping up it’s a mood lifter for sure. 

I don’t know about you, but I’m loving this vibe! The world around us is bursting with color and life, and its got us feeling inspired to tackle some new design projects. There’s just something about this time of year that makes us want to freshen things up and bring a little more joy into our spaces.

So here’s to May – a month full of possibilities, sunshine, and all-around good vibes. Let’s make it one to remember!


Sculptured Sophistication

Sculpted pieces are stealing the spotlight in our designs lately, and I can’t get enough of them! Why are we so drawn to these bold, statement-making elements? Because they add an undeniable charm and elegance to any space. 

Source: Alexis Bittar

Lately, I’ve been eyeing the silver sculptural cuff in my shopping cart. Its organically intricate design feels perfect for any outfit that desires to be elevated naturally & simply. And, don’t even get me started on this ruffled brass chandelier. Its hand-formed shapes bring a touch of vintage flair that you’ll absolutely adore. But the pièce de résistance? The white concrete outdoor dining table, with a minimalist design and rich texture that will create the perfect setting for stylish al fresco gatherings with friends and family.

Floral Finesse

As May ushers in a season of blossoming in all aspects of life, I’m thrilled to shine a spotlight on these exquisite pieces that capture this essence. Let’s start with the stunning Flora dress by Ulla Johnson – a literal work of art! With its lightweight fabric, delicate ruffle trim and handkerchief hem, it’s the epitome of sweet feminine charm. What is it about delicate florals that make them such wonderful design elements? Well, for starters, they bring a sense of freshness and vitality to any space, infusing it with a touch of natural beauty and tranquility. Whether adorning a dress or gracing the walls of a room, florals have a magical way of uplifting the spirits and creating a sense of joy and optimism.

Source: Ulla Johnson

Speaking of walls, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect way to incorporate this floral wallpaper into our Tumalo project. There’s something about moody botanicals and rich colors that speaks to me, but I’m not sure if it’ll find the right place in our design scheme. Still, I’m keeping it in my arsenal, hoping that someone else will see the beauty in this captivating pattern. 

Borastapeter “Nightingale Garden”

 

Free-Spirited Style

Let’s talk about Boho Chic – a style that can resonate on a deep level. It’s all about that laid-back, free-spirited vibe that feels so effortlessly cool! Here are some pieces that embody this aesthetic in the most perfect way.

Source: Flattered

Take, for example, this suede clutch – the slouched silhouette gives off a relaxed, easygoing vibe, and the sand hue adds an earthy warmth that feels so inviting. It’s like carrying around a piece of nature, and I’m all about that organic look. 

Source: Maiden Home

And then there’s the chocolate mohair accent chair – like a creative muse in furniture form. It’ll inspire you with its streamlined design and luxurious mohair upholstery. The way it seamlessly blends comfort with style is just so intriguing to me, I can’t help but imagine how it would elevate any space it graces.

 

Celebrating Handcrafted Treasures

I often advise clients to incorporate handcrafted pieces into their design, as they have the power to transform a house into a home. These artisanal touches infuse a space with a special character and uniqueness that simply cannot be replicated. It’s these handcrafted treasures that add depth and personality, creating a living environment that feels truly authentic and one-of-a-kind.

I’m excited to share that I’m incorporating this hardware into my own home. These were sourced from Walnut Studiolo, a business also local to the PNW, known for their handcrafted leather goods. We wanted to incorporate a leather element somewhere, and discovering these local leather drawer pulls was just the right sign from the universe. After deliberating over where to place them, they’ll go on the cabinets or in the bed nook pullout built-in drawers. What’s undeniable is the soft texture they bring and how they stand out, adding a unique flair to our home’s design theme.

Source: Tory Burch

As for the hand-painted pitcher, I envision it becoming a centerpiece of nostalgic and whimsical farmhouse table settings all summer long.

 

Romantic Accents

Late spring, with its blooming flowers and warm sunshine, has always held a special romantic allure. There’s something inherently magical about this time of year, especially when spent immersed in nature. From leisurely picnics in the park to romantic strolls along tree-lined paths, there are endless ways to embrace the romance of late spring and infuse everyday life with a touch of enchantment.

Source: Pinterest

Personally, I’ve always been one to romanticize my surroundings and pay special attention to the little details that make life feel extraordinary. That’s why I’m particularly drawn to romantic accents like a vintage wicker picnic basket and a striped European-inspired linen duvet cover. Pieces like these transport me to idyllic scenes of leisurely picnics and sun-dappled afternoons, which fills my heart! Try this yourself with the accent pieces you choose to make your space special … and personal.

Allison’s perfume

One item that holds a particularly romantic significance for me is a perfume I purchased last May while in Italy. Its scent takes me back to the cobblestone streets of Florence. Investing in new scents as the seasons change has become a cherished tradition for me, with each fragrance serving as a token to remember the period of time in which I’m living and to preserve memories with just one sniff.

***

As we welcome the arrival of May and late spring, let us revel in the romance that surrounds us! Take pleasure in the delicate blossoms adorning the trees and the carefree boho vibe that infuses the air. Embrace the magic of late spring, and find joy in the simple pleasures. Let’s all cherish the memories we create, and continue to cultivate a life filled with love and inspiration. 🤍

Join the Conversation

get inspired
#clouzhouz
follow along
@clouz_houz
Comment ‘HELP’ to learn more + get the guides!
We hope you can take a look at our Design Guides. We created them for those of you who are asking questions like: “How do I make my home feel cohesive?” Or you are tired of second guessing decisions about styling and designing your home.
Our guides are chocked full of curated furniture recommendations for five different rooms (living, dining, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom) with over 100 shoppable pieces to help you create a space that feels not only right for you, but collected and complimentary. 
Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing a few key areas, these guides are a great place to start! Follow along @clouz_houz for more designer tips!
We’ve shared a lot about the move, but this next chapter is about what comes after. The messy middle and the part where we start creating again.
Our new house in Tennessee is officially under renovation, and we’re bringing you behind the scenes! Every step, every decision, every layer. This home will be a space where we can show more of what we do day-to-day: the design process, our approach to renovating, and the details that make a house feel like a home.
Client projects are still the heart of what we do, but home renovations have always been the other side of our story. From #HighDesertTumaloRanch to this new #SixthStreetBungalow home, we’ve learned that the process matters just as much as the final reveal.
We’ll be sharing more here and even deeper tutorials and stories over on YouTube (link in bio- our first video for this project will be hitting our channel soon). From design breakdowns to sourcing tips to the real BTS that doesn’t make it to Instagram.
Here’s to new beginnings, familiar chaos, and a home that is inspiring + testing us all over again.
Comment ‘LINKS’ and l’ll send you the best faux magnolia on the market (IMO).
We just moved, so my usual decor stash is slim (I’m knee deep in demo and boxes!), but when I’m in a pinch I will lie magnolia branches together down the center of a table for instant ambience and a festive touch.
l’ve rounded up the best of the best faux magnolia garlands for you to get this look throughout the season.
Drape on the mantel, sweep a banister, frame a mirror, or run down the table with a few tapers… done!
Comment ‘LINK’ to take our quiz to instantly discover your interior style & more!
Not sure what your style actually is? This free quiz will help you identify your personal aesthetic-whether it’s cozy mountain modern, timeless colonial, or something totally unexpected. It’s fun, fast, and surprisingly spot-on.
Plus, you’ll get a full mood board and shoppable product picks to start designing your home right away. Take the quiz now and stop second guessing your style.
The bunk room at our Sun Valley Saddle House project is officially taking shape! Painting is done, carpet is in, and it’s finally starting to feel like the cozy retreat we envisioned (next up, wallpaper!).
What’s the single hottest tip for making a space feel cozy? Color drenching!
We color-drenched the walls and ceiling in @farrowandball Stifkey Blue, and layered in @stantoncarpet “Tattersall” which instantly warmed up the space. There’s something about that moody, cave-like feel that just works up here in the mountains.
We love designing bunk rooms because they’re where form meets function… practical for families or guests, but also the perfect opportunity to get a little fun and funky with color and pattern. This one’s already giving us movie night + ski weekend vibes.
So much is happening at this project right now. Built-ins, lighting, primary suite remodel, custom bar, and furniture deliveries are all in motion, and I can’t wait to share more soon.