Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
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The August Edit: Linger Longer

Embracing the Present

The summer months are such precious days, aren’t they? We have limited time to spend the days lounging outside on patio furniture, BBQing with friends and family, and experiencing nature blooming along with our spirits. This season can feel so chaotic at times, always trying to jam the most trips in, that we often get carried away. I have to constantly remind myself to stay in the moment and embrace the time that I am currently in. And honestly, a staycation can be just as relaxing if you’re intentional with how you spend your time in the comfort of your own home.

Furniture That Encourages Relaxation

And with that comes home furniture and lifestyle items that support that goal and make it enjoyable to linger in a memory longer. August is all for those special pieces that evoke emotions, start conversations, and inspire. We’re taking it back to the basics, with neutral and soft color palettes of a calm summer day, and with pops of exciting colors and patterns sprinkled throughout.

Pieces Inspiring My Designs

In August, it’s all about those light and airy styles that feel organic to summertime, while bringing a breath of life and fresh twists into the equation at the same time. And, what better way to understand the vision than to include Kelly Wearstler’s book, “Kelly Wearstler: Evocative Style.” Everyone should pick up this book, the designs inside are just so uniquely stunning! Perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon perusing her pages chocked full of inspiration.

Source: Geremia
Geremia Design 2022 photographed by Laure Joliet

Color of the Month

Benjamin Moore’s ‘Coral Spice’ has a nice punch of color while also being mellowed with a hint of brown tones. I chose a pinky coral for August because there are so many different hues you can pick from, but it feels refreshing for summer.

I also came across this black & white tile and knew I needed to include it in this month’s roundup. This is from a local company, Kibak Tile in Sisters, Oregon, and I just love the colors and patterns of their designs. The contrasting colors feel like such a nice and refreshing contrast to the rest of this edit’s color palette. And, the floral motifs give it a variety of characters. I’d love to use this in a bathroom, beach home, or as a backsplash.


What I’m Wearing: Slow Living Essentials

I want to emphasize the importance of slow living being our lifestyle, and handpicked a few things that give that vibe while still making me feel fresh+seasonal yet relaxed.

  • Raffia Clutch with Ruffles: A subtle accent for any outfit, this clutch is the material of the season.
  • Essential Tote: MASSIVE and perfect for carrying work materials or stocking up at the farmer’s market. The durable canvas is easy to clean. Kaylei was so sweet and surprised us with Clouz Houz totes for travel and site visits. We load them up with samples, plans, etc. You can customize them with your initials, logo or name. So so cute!
  • Seersucker Linen Pants: These pinstriped linen pants elevate any basic outfit. Pair them with a white tee or a graphic one for an effortless, breathable, and flowy look.


What I’m Using to Style My Home

This month is all about the little accessories that make a house a home.

  • Fun and Retro Print Pillows: Perfect for jazzing up a couch or adding a fun accent to a chair or bed. Summer is the time to pick playful designs!

  • Porcelain Lighting: Inspired by our primary bedroom in Tumalo, this statement fixture adds a stylish touch.


Lifestyle Favorites

  • Oyster Plate: A Clouz Houz staple for the season. We love our oysters, and this plate is both functional and beyond aesthetic.

Linger Longer

August is about those special pieces that evoke emotions, start conversations, and inspire. It’s about understanding the intent behind each item and relating to where some of us might be at this point in the summer. Relish the good times, embrace the soon to be end to the season and linger longer outside, in the comfort of your home with loved ones. Life is short. Make it Beautiful…. however it brings you joy. 

Cheers to a season of joy, inspiration, and unforgettable moments! ?

***

I case you missed last month’s posts…

Pro’s and Con’s of Quartzite Counters

Grilled Peach Smash Cocktail Recipe

Our Fave Sofa and Coffee Table Combos

Shop the High Desert Tumalo Ranch Living Room

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Are you all ready for summer like I am?!? Our team loves pulling all the inspo and things that are shaping our design work each month. June is my favorite... for a lot of reasons, because, one: I’m a total warm weather girl and two: it’s Derrick’s and my anniversary month! I can’t believe we are celebrating 29 years next week!

Anyway, I digress... I’m breaking down all the things in today’s Between The Layers post (live at 5:00 PST). I can’t wait to share with you allllll the things we have our eyes on for projects.

I’m even sharing some items I have been debating for our house because I need your help assuring me I’m not crazy with all these ideas I have brewing.😂

Inspo imagery via Pinterest
If you’re going to be creative, you have to be willing to stay in a bit of a playful mindset... not everything can be overthought or perfectly safe, because that’s usually when things start to fall flat. I see this all the time, even in my own home, where the moments I almost didn’t do something end up being the ones I love the most. The same goes for our client work. The best spaces don’t come from playing it safe, they come from trusting the process and being open to ideas you might not have considered at first. That’s really the point of hiring a designer, especially at a higher level. You’re not bringing us in to repeat what you already know you like or to be directed every step of the way. You’re bringing us in for our perspective, our resources, and the ability to see things a little differently. We’re never going to lead you in a direction that doesn’t work, but we are going to push you a bit, because that’s where a space starts to feel more thoughtful, more layered, and ultimately a more thoughtful, refined version of your vision. Brought to life with a level of detail that’s hard to achieve without a clear plan behind it.
Part 2!

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Kaylei in the Oregon studio, while I’m in the Tennessee office together, collaborating on building out a client’s space... this is what our Premier Virtual Design actually looks like behind the scenes.

Most virtual design services stop at a moodboard, but we’re thinking through how you actually live in your home... what’s working, what’s not, and how every material fits together before you ever click “add to cart.” From detailed floor plans and elevations to fully curated selections and a complete spec guide.

Just delivered in a way that lets you implement it on your own timeline. If you’ve been wanting a designer but don’t necessarily need the full-service logistics, this is exactly where we see this working really well. If that sounds like you, you can inquire through our website or fill out our inquiry form to get started (link in bio) 🤍