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The 5 Elements of Our Signature Style

Ever wonder what makes the magic happen at Clouz Houz? Well, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the secrets to our signature style. Over the years, our aesthetic has taken a few twists and turns, but these four factors are the ride-or-die essentials that consistently elevate and are prominent in our designs. So, grab a cup of your favorite coffee and join me as I explain the “why” behind our work!

Source: Clouz Houz

Aging Gracefully: Embracing Living Finishes in Design

Don’t be afraid to let your space age gracefully, just like a fine wine. We’re head over heels for unlacquered brass, and copper or bronze. They’re our go-to materials for that perfect patina that only gets better with time. 

Sure, you can clean them up and restore them to their original glory, but we’re all about letting them do their thing. It gives your accents a sort of vibe that is just irreplicable. Embrace the beauty of life’s imperfections and let them shine in their own way!

Source: Amber Interiors

From door hardware to lighting fixtures, and even those little accents in décor, living finishes are the unsung heroes that bring a layered look and undeniable charm to our projects. So, next time you’re eyeing that gleaming brass faucet or considering cabinet hardware, don’t shy away – let it age like a pro! It can become your own signature look.

 

Playful Harmony: Unleashing the Art of Pattern Play

In our playbook, more is definitely more! I’ve never been one to turn away from mixing patterns. In fact, I believe a room truly comes to life with at least two different patterns on textiles like pillows or furniture. But why stop there? Make a bold statement with vintage rugs, or infuse patterns into larger furniture items. It’s the secret to injecting loads of personality into our spaces. 

Source: Clouz Houz

While solids and neutrals have their time and place, patterns with a signature pop of color are our absolute favorites. Lately, I’m swooning over florals – they’re like a breath of fresh air for any room … literally! 

Source: Unkown

Curious about my current favorites? Check out my roundup at the very end!

 

Embrace Nature Through Natural Materials

I’m a firm believer in the power of materials straight from Mother Nature herself: think natural stone, real wood, and the cozy charm of wool carpet. These aren’t just design choices; they really set a space apart in terms of quality and feel. 

Source: Clouz Houz

Sure, natural stone might etch over time. But let me tell you, the look and quality of real marble, quartzite, and granite are unmatched for that luxe and layered vibe. Sorry, man-made materials – you’ve got some tough competition. 

Source: Clouz Houz

I get it — low-maintenance materials have their appeal. But, if you’re open to the beauty of natural materials, I’ll shout it from the rooftops – real and natural materials are the MVPs! 

 

Blending Traditional Charm with Modern Edge

It’s all about that eclectic edge: a room with soul is born when you throw tradition and contemporary into the design blender. Picture a vintage piece stealing the show in a sea of sleek and modern elements. There’s a lot of beauty in the unexpected mix that just warms my design-loving heart. 

Source: Clouz Houz

Take a dining space, for instance – pairing an old table with contemporary dining chairs adds a layer of intrigue that a matchy-matchy set can’t quite achieve. It’s the collision of eras that makes the space not just interesting, but downright charming. 

Source: Lauren Liess

And, let’s talk textiles! Who says a current contemporary chair can’t cozy up with a vintage-inspired floral pattern? It’s the eclectic twist that turns a simple piece into a conversation starter. 

 

Textural Elegance

Texture is the true element that transforms any space from flat to fab! In my opinion, rattan, textured finishes on furniture, and the warm embrace of mohair mixed with linen are game-changers. It’s all about that sweet sweet dance of materials – think rattan or wicker cozying up with marble for that perfect blend of textures. 

Source: Clouz Houz

Why stick to just one texture when you can create a harmonious blend of different feels? Mix materials with varying textures, and voilà – true bliss! It’s that layering effect that adds depth and richness, making your space feel special and sensational. 

Source: Clouz Houz

Clouz Houz tip: All linen or all velvet? It can feel blah sometimes. But blend them together, and it will truly elevate your whole space and take it to the next level. 

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In the world of design, it’s not just about trends; it’s about understanding what a room desires to be and embracing its purpose. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Each space is tells a unique story that mirrors our clients’ dreams and the narrative of their home.

Our Signature Style

As we spill the secrets behind our signature style, we invite you to take a closer glimpse into the heart behind our work.

These elements aren’t just design principles for us; they’re the core values that guide our projects, infusing each space with soul and character.

Curious to see more of this in action? Check out the handpicked items below that speak to each element. For a more immersive experience, follow along on our Instagram and Pinterest

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Before we sketch a floor plan or source furniture, we sit with the house and let it speak a little.
For the 6th Street Bungalow, this step was especially important. The house has its own personality, and the flatlay helps us study it from every angle.
It lets us play, make changes early, test combinations, and make sure each material has a reason for being there. Nothing is theoretical at this stage.
We want to feel the stone, the fabrics, the wood tones, the finishes, and see how they interact from room to room.
The flatlay becomes our anchor — a visual blueprint that keeps the design cohesive while giving us room to refine as we go. It’s a crucial part of our process and one of the most valuable tools for creating a home that feels intentional, personal, and true to the architecture.
If you want to get started on your home, our spots for Q1 of the new year are filling up. Visit our website (link in bio) to inquire.
My ins and outs this year!
Do you agree? Let me know if I missed any in the comments!
Hang in there for me on this one (I feel very passionately about this topic 😂). One of the things we care most about when designing homes is where the pieces come from. Vintage and antique sourcing isn’t just about finding something “different”... It’s about choosing pieces that already carry a story.
The truth is, the most memorable rooms aren’t built all at once or off a single shopping list. They’re layered over time. A chair with worn arms. A table that’s been repaired more than once. A piece you weren’t looking for, but couldn’t leave behind. Those are the things that give a home its soul.
When you bring vintage into a space, you’re investing in more than furniture. You’re investing in craftsmanship that’s hard to replicate today, materials that have already stood the test of time, and details modern manufacturing simply doesn’t prioritize anymore. And there’s something deeply satisfying about living with pieces that feel personal.
This is why we source the way we do. Not to fill a room, but to give it meaning. Collected doesn’t mean cluttered. It means intentional, patient, and a little emotional (in the best way).
A home should feel lived in, loved, and uniquely yours.
Ok here’s the truth- I have a lot of favorite whites- but this may be my new fave for cabinetry! 
Here’s the part no one tells you:
Most “bad” white cabinets aren’t bad colors… they’re bad context. White fails when it’s chosen in isolation. Paint chips are judged under fluorescent store lighting, held next to nothing, and decided before cabinets, counters, floors, or hardware are even finalized. Then that same white gets wrapped around an entire kitchen and suddenly feels gray at noon, yellow at night, or weirdly dull no matter how much light you have.
That’s why we chose Shoji White by Sherwin-Williams for our kitchen cabinets this time around.
Not because it’s trendy.
Not because it photographs well.
But because it behaves.
Shoji White has a soft warmth that doesn’t show up on a chip, but does show up when it’s next to real materials. It stays steady throughout the day, doesn’t compete with natural wood or stone, and doesn’t turn chalky once it’s covering full-height cabinetry. That consistency is what actually makes a white “safe” — not how popular it is.
Designer truth:
If a white only looks good at one time of day, it’s not a good cabinet white.
If it needs perfect lighting to work, it’s not a good cabinet white.
If paint decisions make you spiral, it’s not because you’re bad at this (it’s because white is reactive, and no one teaches you how to test it properly).
Our blog goes live today at 3:00pm PST, where I break down how to evaluate whites in your actual space and share a few other cabinet whites we consider truly “safe” — the ones we use repeatedly for clients because they hold up in real life, not just in photos.
Save this if you’re choosing cabinets soon.