Design
Why Your Pantry Is a Hot Mess
Why Your Pantry Is a Hot Mess
(And the Simple Fixes You’ve Been Missing)
We’ve all been there—no judgment, seriously. The pantry has a way of becoming a black…
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This might be controversial... but I’d choose this countertop over marble every time.
If you’re dreaming up a kitchen reno (or in the thick of one), don’t overlook this one detail-it can seriously change how you live in your space.
Let’s be honest: marble is gorgeous, but it can be high-maintenance. It scratches. It stains. It needs constant sealing and can be sensitive to acidic foods like lemon juice, etc. After years of using natural stone, we finally found something just as beautiful but more forgiving.
Meet Taj Mahal Quartzite.
It’s a natural stone that looks like marble-soft veining, creamy tones, timeless feel... but more durable.
Why we love it:
- Natural, elevated look
- Handles heat+ red wine spills
- Doesn’t stain easily
- No sealing every few months
- Durable enough for real life
And here’s our pro tip:
Go with a leathered finish. It gives a subtle texture that hides smudges, adds depth, and makes the stone feel more relaxed and lived-in (we’ve seen zero marks on ours). Think: the softness of a honed finish but more textured and full of character.
We’ve used quartzite in so many client projects, and it continues to be the best of both worlds—beautiful and functional. It’s the countertop l’d recommend again and again.
Save this post for your kitchen reno-or send it to someone who needs this advice! You won’t regret going with quartzite.
Think like a designer-without hiring one.
If you’re tired of second guessing your design decisions—this is your shortcut. Comment STYLE and we’ll send you our Design Guide-aka everything you need to pull together a room like a pro.
We rounded up 5 of the most important tips we use in every single project to help you create a space that feels intentional, elevated, and personal. From choosing the right scale to styling with soul, these are the exact steps that change a house into a home.
Save this post if you’re ready to finally design a space that actually feels like you.
Comment “ME” and I’ll send you the link to take our 3-minute style quiz-designed to help you actually figure out what your design style is.
As designers, one of the first questions we ask new clients is: Do you know what styles you’re drawn to? Most often times, they don’t really know.
That’s why we made this. When you can recognize the elements that pull you in-whether it’s a rolled arm, a pleated skirt, or a clean-lined silhouette—you’re that much closer to understanding your design style as a whole. And that’s the secret to creating a home you’ll never get tired of.
So-take a scroll through and tell me: which sofa are you?
Then comment “ME” and I’ll send you the quiz to find out for sure.🤎
Phase One: The Kitchen
This client originally reached out for our Designer for a Day service-perfect for those needing a second opinion or help finalizing key selections. But during our session, it became clear that they were craving more comprehensive support—a cohesive plan, full visual direction, and guidance from start to finish.
That’s when we shifted them into our Full Service offering, which includes photo-realistic renderings like these, detailed sourcing, and tailored design development to bring the entire space to life.
We always help clients determine the best-fit service based on where they are in their project and how involved they’d like us to be. Whether you’re just starting out or already mid-renovation, we’ll meet you where you are —with clarity, structure, and a plan.
This kitchen is just phase one. With warm wood tones, creamy cabinetry, subtle brass accents, and thoughtfully layered finishes, it sets the tone for what’s to come-and we can’t wait to bring the rest to life.
We have a couple spots available for our next quarter. Head to the link in bio to explore our services, or reach out directly and we’ll help you figure out what path makes the most sense for your project.
Renderings: @by.siaoro
I love the vibe of these clips... just like an old home video with loved ones... and that’s just what this little team of ours feels like. Family.❤️
A little Clouz Houz work retreat to Chicago-just me, my biological daughter, and my work daughter!😄
We planned the trip to be part business, part play... and ended up with so much more than we expected.
We made it all over the city-browsing showrooms, touching fabrics, pulling samples, walking through vintage shops that felt like treasure hunts. We geeked out over lighting displays, layered materials, and moody paint colors (as designers do), and in between all the design inspo, we laughed over wine, soaked in the skyline along the lake, and shared meals that turned into memories.
Chicago just hits different when you see it through a design lens-the textures, the architecture, even the way restaurant lighting sets a mood. I left with my creative tank totally full and my heart even fuller.
And yes, we documented it all. If you’re a fellow design lover (or just planning your own trip), we shared our full itinerary + recommendations in our ‘A Design Lovers Guide to Chicago’ blog post-live on our website.
Grateful for my team, this work, and this life that lets me chase what I love.
Latte, cappuccino, americano? I got you. My favorite coffee shop is honestly... my own kitchen.☕️
We designed our kitchen with a little appliance garage to tuck away our espresso maker (an investment but worth every penny when I think about how much I save in Starbucks)-and it keeps the counters clutter free and pretty. This is what we mean when we say we design homes to fit your lifestyle!! And coffee—well that’s a non-negotiable for me!
Whether I’m running out the door to the office or off to the farmer’s market on a Saturday, I use it daily.
If you get it-you get it. And if you want the details on our setup, comment “COFFEE” and I’ll send you the links to shop!
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