Design

Pros and Cons of Quartzite Countertops

We decided on quartzite countertops in ‘Taj Mahal” for our own home project, and I love love love the look! We even carried the same material up along the backsplash. It brings such a nice warmth to the space, with its beautiful brown tones marbled throughout. I’m so happy we went the natural stone route as it elevates the space and is also durable. In my opinion, there is no comparison to the feel of a kitchen with natural stone vs. synthetic.

Pros

It’s resistant to scratches, heat, and stains, which has always been a problem with other countertops that we’ve used in our homes in the past. Cue the favorite, but high maintenance, sister: marble!  Don’t love it when you leave a citrus fruit on the counter, and you immediately see those acidic stains that are IMPOSSIBLE to get out. It’s not that quartzite won’t etch too, but it is far more durable and resilient than the porous marble option.

Its marbling design is also very unique and whimsical in the sense that it gives a more elegant feel (at least in my opinion). Like any natural materials, each slab is unique. We’ve seen the same Taj Mahal material in other showrooms with far less veining, which is what makes the natural stone so special. Your slab is unique to you, and I highly recommend you reserve your natural slabs before installation just for this reason. You want to be sure you love the one that you will live with for years to come!

Cons of Quartzite

Quartzite countertops are generally less expensive than marble, but are a bit more expensive than some other options such as granite and quartz countertops. The unique veining and patterns of quartzite can add significant value to your home. I would say that you can expect to pay anywhere between $60 and $120 per square foot.

They don’t require much upkeep, but just because they are extra durable doesn’t mean that they are indestructible. Stains can soak into the surface, so wipe up spills right away, especially acidic substances like wine or coffee. Mild dish soap and water is the best way to treat your countertops after a spill, or if you start to see some staining. However, it’s best to avoid using harsh cleaners, including bleach, ammonia, and acid-based products, as they can potentially strip the sealant and lead to permanent stains or etching.

Checkout our Kitchen reveal to lear what more we included in our home design: https://www.clouzhouz.com/the-high-desert-tumalo-ranch-kitchen-reveal/ 

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December always feels like a season all its own. I can already feel myself getting anxious of my “to-do’s” and I am rewriting the narrative this year... which has been an ongoing trend for me in general. Find ways to slow down just enough to notice the little things-like the way the light hits in the late afternoon or how comforting a familiar scent can be.

So in the spirit of curling up and relishing in the comfort of our homes, I find myself drawn to warmth in every form-deep, earthy hues that ground you, textures that invite touch, and timeless details that quietly stand the test of time. This is the season for gathering close, embracing the imperfections of the moment, and leaning into everything that makes your home feel like a haven.

Enjoy our December vision board and find out what we are daydreaming about all month long (LTK link in bio to shop the full roundup)!
If you had asked me 5 years ago if I would ever consider using faux garland, my answer would be… No. Way. But here we are and I find myself using it everywhere. But it’s not that cheesy, plasticky (is that a word?) stuff—I’ve tried many brands (ahem.. I won’t name names) but these are the cream of the crop. 

Ok - so let’s get to the deets of how to achieve this look… Let me tell you:

Materials Needed:
- @afloral 66” faux cedar garland (link in our LTK) I used 4 to get this full of a look!
- command hooks 
- binder clips
- optional: a few additional sprigs + branches for added volume 

1. Stick command hooks on whichever surface you would like to hang your garland from (I spaced mine about 12 inches apart)
2. Attach the binder clips to the stem of the garland
3. Use the hook of the binder clip to attach onto the hook of the command strips
4. Fluff your garland to hide any visible hooks
5. Add a couple of branches into the mix if you are wanting an extra luxe and full look. Don’t forget to fluff! 

If you need this garland (did I mention it’s on sale?) comment ‘GARLAND’ and I’ll send you the link to the exact one we used!
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When the pieces started coming together, it was like the spaces came to life. The living room wasn’t just a room anymore-it became the place where we gather, where we linger over coffee or cozy up for movie nights. The dining room turned into more than just a table and chairs; it’s where we share meals and moments with people we love.

I’ve realized that furniture isn’t just about filling a space. It’s about creating a foundation for how you live. It’s about finding pieces that are not only functional but that feel like they belong. They anchor the room, yes, but they also bring warmth, character, and soul.
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If you’re new here, this part of the house was an addition to our home. We extended this end of the house 16’ to create a comfortable distance between the entry and the bedroom itself, adding a cozy den in between as a privacy buffer (stay tuned for the den reveal soon!). The primary bathroom went from tiny to feeling spacious and perfect for our routines.

We hope you have enjoyed this tour. The walkthrough has been such a great way to share our design choices and how we shaped our home to reflect our lifestyle.  I’m no natural in front of the camera, 😆 but this has been fun! Thanks for being here. ❤️