Design

Our Client Design Process: A Holistic Approach

 

Our Client Design Process: A Holistic Approach

Welcome to the magical world of interior design, where we work our magic to make your home dreams come true! Today, I am thrilled to give you a sneak peek into our exciting design presentation process — it’s not just a meeting, it’s a journey to your dream space. 

There’s more to our mission than meets the eye. We’re all about creating a luxurious experience for you. That means we prioritize clear communication, proactive thinking, and handling every detail with finesse. You won’t have to deal with the usual design project headaches because we’ve got it all covered, from contracts to working with builders.

We even take it a step further. Picture this: white-glove delivery, your plates neatly displayed on your new shelves, and even your bed expertly made. We’re here to make sure your design journey as smooth as silk. But, before I get ahead of myself with all of our design superpowers, we’ll dive into the heart of our design presentation process. That includes the prep work, the key elements, and how it all leads to creating your dream space. Get ready for an inside look at how we turn your design dreams into a reality that’ll leave you in awe! 

Step 1: Inquiry

It all starts when you, our wonderful clients, take a moment to fill out our client inquiry form on our website. From that very instant, our team begins visualizing your dreams. We delve into listing photos of your home, allowing us to envision the canvas and your needs. We’re excited to get a look into your world and see if we are the right fit. But, hey, sometimes, it might not be a perfect match. No worries, though! It’s all about providing the best service for our clients, and if we’re not the best fit aesthetically, we’ll be the first to let you know. 

 

Step 2: Consultation

Next, we move to the “consultation.” This is where the magic deepens: we offer an on-site consultation. If you are not local, we can schedule a Zoom meeting to meet face to face and ask for detailed photos and videos of your space. We absolutely adore working with clients virtually, so if you’re miles away, don’t hesitate to reach out. Right now we are manifesting projects in Whitefish, Montana, and Sun Valley! Anyone, anyone?? 😉 During the on-site consultation, we walk through your home, but here’s the twist — it’s not about offering design advice just yet. Instead, it’s all about building trust, getting to know your space, and seeing if our visions align … at least to some degree. Your dream space knows no bounds. 

Step 3: Proposal/Contract

Now, let’s dive into the enchanting “design proposal/contract>” This is where the real magic start to take shape! After our consultation, we take about a week to craft a comprehensive design proposal that lays out the entire scope of work. But here’s the exciting part: it’s not just a vague outline. We break it down by each room: from the primary bathroom to the kitchen, laundry, and beyond. You’ll get an estimation of the design hours for each space so you know exactly what to expect. Please note, though, that project management admin hours aren’t included in the proposal, because they’re billed by the hour. At the end of every month you are billed for design hours and any project management hours accrued in that given month, so you’re kept up to date on billings.

We love using IDCO Studios’ template on CANVA to create our proposals. It’s a fantastic tool that helps us bring your dream to life. (Here’s the link to IDCO if you want to check it out yourself: https://www.idco.studio/)

 

Step 4: Design Questionnaire

Our questionnaire is where we like to add a little sprinkle of personal touch. Here’s where we get down to the nitty-gritty details that make your design uniquely yours. We’ll ask you to fill out your “design homework,” a fun list that covers everything, even the tiniest details. Expect questions like, “Do you prefer a high bed or a low bed?” “Do you want drawers in your nightstand?” And we’ll get creative with it too — “Do you lean towards geometric patterns, stripes, paisley, Indian block prints, or a solid, texture-rich look?” Your answers to these questions help us weave a design that’s truly “you” into every corner of your space. Your dream is in the details! 

Click the link to get started with our client questionnaire , we cannot wait to work with you!

Step 5: Discovery Kickoff Meeting

Let’s kick it up a notch with the kickoff meeting, where we take everything we’ve gathered and turn it into a design journey you’ll love!

Clouz Houz tip: If you’re stepping into our studio, it’s not just a meeting; it’s an invitation into our home. Our cooler is stocked year-round with your favorite bubbly drinks and brews. We’ve got snacks to keep your energy up, and we often grab pastries from our local baker because, hey, every meeting should feel like a fun get-together. 

During this meeting, we’re bringing the initial concepts to the table … things like furniture layouts, floor plans, and elevations for review. But here’s the beauty of it — nothing’s set in stone just yet. We’re diving into the finer details. We’ll chat about cabinet styles — slim shaker or traditional, inset or overlay. Then, the faucet talk — do you prefer a side spray or a pull-down? And let’s not forget the real gems, like discussing if you need a water filter or where to place the microwave. Plus, we’re throwing in a curveball — wear on living finishes, light or dark flooring, engineered hardwoods throughout. These are all the ingredients that make your space yours! So no stone is left unturned.

Clouz Houz tip: If you’re making decisions about your flooring, we stand proudly behind DuChateau flooring. We  highly recommend it if you’re on the hunt for top-notch, quality, engineered hardwoods. Your floors are the foundation of your design, and we want to make sure they are both beautiful and durable. 

Step 6: Then We Disappear … quite literally!

Well, not literally, but almost! For the next 6-8 weeks, we’re in full ‘ghost’ mode, working behind the scenes to craft your dream space. This is when we take the wheel and steer the ship straight towards your vision. You might find us working from home, diving into design books, scrolling through Pinterest late at night, or simply taking a refreshing walk in nature. The creative process is like a fine wine; it takes time to mature. While it may seem like we’ve vanished for a while, rest assured, we’re working on a multitude of details. 

We’re also collaborating closely with our draftsperson, furniture makers and showrooms, as well as ordering samples. We’re handpicking the exact tile, floors, fabrics, wallpapers, paints, finishes, hardware pulls, knobs, lighting, and even the faucet that’s perfect for your space. Oprah once said, “The best gift you can give yourself is time.” It’s during this time that the greatest ideas come to life, and the results are truly enchanting. 

Clouz Houz tip (for designers): Don’t be afraid to step away and take the time you need. Be open about the magic-making that’s happening behind the scenes. This is how you show up as your best self and offer the most amazing designs. 

Step 7: Holistic Presentation

This is where we unveil the entire masterpiece, in its entirety! We’re not just presenting isolated elements; we’re looking at all the finish materials as a harmonious whole. And, we’re diving deep into elevations and layouts. Here’s the most thrilling part: you get to witness your entire dream coming to life right before your eyes! 

Clouz Houz tip: We may just pop open some champagne to celebrate this milestone. It’s a moment to savor as we bring together every detail into one breathtaking design. Your dream space is about to take its final form, and it’s an absolute triumph!

 

Step 8: Bidset to pass along to your Builder/General Contractor

Now we are at the “bidset” stage. This is where we hand the wheel over to your general contractor and become their best friend in the world of design. We present them with the comprehensive ‘bible’ of instructions that contains every single detail and selection that we’ve carefully crafted. 

But here’s the thing — if there’s ever a need to make revisions due to budgetary considerations, rest assured, we’re here to adjust and revise selections as needed. Your goals are our top priority, and we want to ensure it’s up to par, no matter the twists and turns along the way. 

* * *

In the world of design, our ultimate goal is simple: to make our clients as happy as can be. We’re here to ensure that this experience is not just efficient but also inspiring and creative. We treat your project with the same care and love as if it were our own home, and we’re incredibly proud of the bonds we build with our clients along the way.

Big shoutout to Julia Miller from Yond Interiors for helping us fine-tune our client process. We’re beyond grateful for our call using @theexpert. If you get a chance, check it out — we highly recommend it!

And the excitement doesn’t stop there – next week, we’re gearing up for the Haven List Retreat in beautiful Sonoma. We can’t wait to soak in all the wisdom from experts in our field. It’s the industry’s top business retreat for interior designers, and we’re ready to dive in and learn even more! 

We hope this glimpse into our process sheds some light for those seeking to transform their space and who want to know more about how we work here at Clouz Houz. Your dream space is just a few steps away, and we can’t wait to make it a reality!

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Chic Serve-All Tray

Impress your guests upon arrival with yummy pastries arranged on this chic platter.
Serving Platter
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We have dreamt of what it would be like to build a fire, pour a glass of wine and settle in for the night in this home! And it’s finally happening! It’s almost surreal to be experiencing our first fall here... I remember when I urged Derrick to call the listing broker so we could schedule a viewing. Now just a little over two years has passed and we are living in it the way I dreamt it would be.

When I walk into a home, whether a client’s or one we are viewing for an investment project, I have a way of visualizing immediately all that could happen there. My mind starts racing with ideas and its potential. When we found Tumalo Ranch it was lovingly cared for by it’s previous owners but it needed updating. My job as a designer is to tap into the potential and make the house into a home- suitable for those that live there, or soon to live there! And I love this part of my job... the dreaming and scheming to tell the home’s story is pretty rewarding.

When I sit in here now and look around the room at all the details and plans that went into creating this space I am reminded of why it’s so important to take the time to conceptualize and set the vision. We’ve designed the living room intentionally to make unwinding feel effortless, whether it’s the end of a long day or just a quiet night in. It is our fave corner for relaxing and visiting with family and friends. It is all in the details that make it feel special and inviting: the dim lighting, warm textures, and that perfect spot to kick back in front of the fire. So dream big and don’t discount the little things that can make a big difference on how a room feels and lives.
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Thinking back to my childhood, Thanksgiving always meant an incredible meal prepared by my mom, and it brings back so many cherished memories. Now, I love carrying on that tradition with my own family. Over the years, I’ve found ways to keep things simple yet still beautiful and delicious. Today on the blog, I’m sharing some of my favorite table-setting essentials and tips to make the day as enjoyable as possible.

By the way, has anyone watched the Martha Stewart documentary? So inspiring! I used to joke with my mom that she was “Martha Stewart 2.0,” but honestly—I learned from the best!
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From the start, we wanted it to be a place where every nook invites you to slow down, and every room carries a little bit of history. Take the kitchen, for example: we decided to skip upper cabinets and bring in open shelving. It was one of those choices that felt risky, but it ended up making that space feel more open, more connected-like everyone who steps in is part of our daily rhythm.

Then there’s the living room, where Lucy lounges in the sun, watching chipmunks through the window. We’ve filled it with little pieces we’ve picked up over the years, each telling its own story. It’s the little quirks like these that make our home feel alive, always evolving just like us.

This is just a first look— a trailer, if you will —of what’s become our sanctuary. There’s so much more to share: the rooms where we’ve celebrated with friends, the quiet corners where we retreat on those long, cozy evenings. Tumalo Ranch is all about creating a home where moments linger a little longer, where imperfections make it feel even more like us.

If you’re curious to see more, stay with us. We’re excited to share this journey and maybe inspire you to dream a little bigger in your own space.
Big things are coming your way this season! Get ready for room reveals, home tours, client project walk-throughs, and so much inspiring holiday content. We’ve been pouring our hearts into these projects behind the scenes for the past few months, and we can’t wait to start sharing them with you.

This fall, we’re introducing a fresh look for CH! We teamed up with @bozemanmediadesign to capture the journey, and we’re so excited for you to be part of it. 

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We could’ve never imagined where life would take us. Ten years ago, we thought we’d be in Portland, still living the lives we’d always known. But life threw us a curveball, one that challenged us and ultimately opened the door to a world we never expected—a world of intentional living, passion for creating, and the joy of building spaces that reflect each unique story.

Starting Clouz Houz was more than just a career shift; it was a reawakening. The obstacles we faced turned into lessons, teaching us to live slowly, find beauty in the everyday, and share the knowledge we’ve gained along the way. And through it all, this incredible community has been with us, cheering us on.

To anyone out there feeling uncertain—this is your sign. Seek what fills your soul, take that leap. We’re so grateful to have come this far, and we’re beyond excited to continue this journey together. Here’s to growth, to gratitude, and to the adventure ahead. Cheers to 2 years of Clouz Houz! 

And peep our new logo at the end😉. We’ve been working on a little rebranding—because, like everything in life, things are always evolving! Thanks Renee @with_tandem for the new look!