Design

Spring Musings: Styling a Transitional Easter Spread

This Easter is bringing a twist for our family – a delightful blend of bittersweet moments and exciting plans. With spring breaks overlapping, our middle child is jetting off with college pals, while our oldest is venturing to the Windy City, Chicago. As for us parents, we’re facilitating a cross-country move with our youngest joining us as well! Amidst this chaos, Easter’s aura persists, albeit in a different way. While we won’t be all together under one roof on Easter Sunday, I’m still dreaming of a festive brunch and all the fun traditions that come with it. 

Source: Unknown

Keep reading as we unravel the first part of our three-part spring series, full of inspo for versatile and timeless table settings and recipes fit for any occasion. 

Setting the Scene: Inspiration

When it comes to crafting the perfect spring table setting, Anthropologie hits the spot. Though their vibrant colors and playful patterns scream springtime, I lean towards a more neutral, earthy vibe. Yet, I sprinkle in pops of color with versatile, timeless pieces — and you can too! It’s all about practicality – why invest in overly festive items for a single day of use? Anthropologie’s array of transitional pieces allows you to mix and match for various occasions or events. This year, with our Easter plans askew, I’m all about infusing subtle spring vibes into my dining space. Let’s elevate that finishing touch with effortless style. 

If we were to be around this Easter, here’s what I would buy to decorate my table and to use all throughout spring. I’d definitely snag some of these gorgeous glazed dinnerware pieces in a lovely lilac hue. They’re so charmingly unique with their slight variations, perfect for adding an earthy, organic vibe to any meal. And, let’s not forget the matching lilac linen napkins — a must-have to add a touch of softness. To amp up the texture, those scalloped edge woven rattan chargers would be perfect, providing a delightful backdrop for the feast. As for the tablecloth, why not go all out with either a plaid or floral design? It instantly adds elegance and a nice pop of pattern.

Now, let’s talk glasses … specifically colored glasses. I’m swooning over these dusty pink ones; they’re pretty but incredibly versatile for any occasion beyond Easter. And to pour those refreshing drinks, this etched pitcher is simply perfect. It’s all about adding little touches to make every gathering feel special this spring, don’t you think? You can shop all these items and more at the bottom of this page!

 

Source: Etsy

Make and Bake — Favorite Spring Cake Recipe

Introducing our star recipe: Lemon Thyme Olive Oil Cake. This cake is a breath of fresh air, so irresistibly delicious that it keeps you coming back for more day after day. This cake is going to be my go-to treat for spring – whether it’s for brunch or dessert, it always steals the show. 

I’ve combined two recipes. This is something I love to do because then I can get it exactly how I want it. In this case, I got the recipe for the Lemon Thyme Olive Oil Cake from @boxwoodavenue and the double cream frosting from @supergoldenbakes. Mixing and matching is my secret for creating the ultimate delights. I love frosting, so by slicing the cake in half and adding a generous layer of the cream frosting, it adds a bit of sweetness and creaminess … which is always a yes in my book!

Clouz Houz Tip: For this cake, I decided to kick it up a notch by dehydrating lemons for that extra rustic flair. 2 lemons, thinly and evenly sliced into ¼″ slices (approx 3mm). I used Meyers lemons and sprinkled Trader Joe’s Raw cane sugar on top. Pop those lemon slices in the air fryer at 170 degrees for 5 hours, and voila! Hassle-free lemon garnish perfection. 

Tradition Throwback

Source: Clouz Houz

While we won’t be indulging in our annual tradition of dyeing eggs naturally this Easter, I still wanted to reminisce about the beauty it brought to our tables and celebrations last year. If you’re curious to learn more about the process, I encourage you to check out last year’s Easter blog post where I explain the dyeing process. From the vibrant hues created by simple ingredients to the fun-filled memories made with loved ones, it’s such a fun activity and experiment!

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As we wrap up Part One of our spring series kickoff, I just want to wish each of you a happy Easter and cheers to the upcoming spring season! Whether you’re enjoying a traditional brunch with loved ones or are embarking on new adventures, I hope this post has helped to inspire. Check back Thursday for all my go-to fashion Spring Essentials.

Source: Clouz Houz
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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.
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Family, gathering, food, relaxation. ❤️

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!
Welcome to Tumalo Ranch. This home has been our journey, our vision slowly brought to life, and, honestly, a work in progress every step of the way. When we first set foot here, it was more of a blank canvas than a home a place just waiting to be shaped into something that felt like us.

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. 

Autumn has always been my favorite time to slow down, light the first fires of the season, and make space for cozy, quality moments. Here’s to embracing the change, creating memories, and making your spaces feel more like home. Cheers to the season ahead!
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!