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.

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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. 🤍

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Join me behind the scenes as I add the finishing touches to our Tumalo kitchen! We sourced these brass pulls from @sumnerstreethardware. We then stumbled upon the coolest brand, @walnutstudiolo, known for their handmade leather hardware.

We opted for the the Tilikum + Flanders handles and the Oswego leather wraps for our kitchen. And let me tell you- these wraps are seriously ingenious! You simply wrap the leather around the handles for an instant rustic vibe. 

I’ve been itching to infuse a leather element into our kitchen design, and I have a feeling this is going to be just perfect. Stay tuned for the grand reveal – it’s all coming together so beautifully!
Let’s make lunch: Citrus & Burrata Spring Salad 🍊

We are loving this citrus salad, it is light yet fulfilling (you could add roasted chicken to turn it into a dinner!). The mix of flavors come together: the crunch of the pistachios, tangy fruit, creamy burrata, slightly sweet dressing, and a little spiciness from the arugula.

Ingredients:
- arugula (about 3 handfuls)
- 6 oranges (we used a mix of navel, blood oranges, and cara cara)
- handful of raspberries
- one cup of chopped pistachios
- one large ball of burrata
- extra virgin olive oil
- balsamic vinegar 
- 3 tsp honey
- salt
- pepper

Dressing:
- mix a generous amount of olive oil, balsamic, and honey

Recipe:
1. peel and thinly slice oranges
2. wash your arugula and place it in a bowl as the bed of your salad
3. pour dressing over greens and add a dash of salt and pepper on top
4. arrange oranges over greens
5. break apart burrata and place on top
6. sprinkle over raspberries and pistachios
7. SERVE 🤌🏼 chef’s kiss
“Life is short. Make it beautiful.” That’s what we told ourselves two years ago and truly how Clouz Houz came to be. Consider us your blueprint for reimagining your life. An although we aren’t saying what works for us will work for all… we do hope it inspires you to live your life to its fullest- whatever that may be for YOU. 

As fifty something’s, we took a leap of faith in each other and embraced our change in careers and lifestyle. As a husband and wife who picked up and moved our family to Bend, Oregon, we are proof that it’s never too late to pursue your passions. We are visionaries for our own life and wish to live with intention. We transform spaces into stories and houses into homes- it’s what we are most confident and happy doing. 

So join us BTS as we grow. This is your reminder that age is just a number and the best is yet to come! Starting over has been the greatest adventure of all. 

Thanks for all the love and support you have showed us over the years, it’s truly fuels our journey. 🤍