Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
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The July Edit: Enjoy the Small Pleasures

Cheers to our first official summer in the Tumalo Ranch home in Bend, Oregon! We couldn’t feel luckier to have had the chance to turn this old house into something that’s truly ours. We put a lot of thought and care into designing it just the way we needed it to be, and can now enjoy being there. It has been very rewarding to use both Derrick’s and my skills to create something beautiful that we’re so proud of! Sharing our journey with you all has been such a joy, and we can’t wait to keep the story going and see what other fun ideas come our way.

Looking into July, it finally feels like we’ve reached that ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ moment after all the move-in chaos. This month, I’m taking a page out of the Clouz Houz book and choosing to linger longer. It’s a good reminder to slow down and appreciate all the little things that make life so wonderful. So, this post is your reminder too: take more time to embrace the moments that make your story special.

This month’s color of the month is Farrow & Ball’s ‘Parma Blue,’ a gorgeous light blue that’s so soothing it reminds me of a relaxing evening on a white sand beach under a beautiful sky! Can you tell I’m dreaming of a beach vacation? Seriously though, I’ve been loving colors lately, and having more fun with my creative side. Can’t wait to use this color on a client project soon. If anyone’s feeling inspired, you know where to find us!

Click here to read last month’s edit and learn about “color drenching” — a trending paint technique that we love here at Clouz Houz!

 

You might like the special finds I’ve rounded up for this month. It’s a timeless collection with some festive flair thrown in —because who doesn’t enjoy celebrating the 4th of July? It wouldn’t be the July Edit without a little red, white and blue.

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What’s Inspiring Us in Our Designs

Let’s dive into what’s sparking creativity this month! I’ve found some amazing pieces that I just have to share with you all. Enjoy!

First up, the checkered rug. It’s neutral, classic, and just the right amount of fun to spice up any living area. You’ll love how it blends timeless style with a playful vibe.

Next, I’m totally obsessed with this turquoise concrete sink. Imagine it in a mood room, laundry room, or even a powder bath. It’s funky, bold, and makes a standout statement.

I also have to mention this incredible leather chair with a dramatically tufted sling seat. It’s all about that “linger longer” vibe, with its rich, authentic, lived-in look. This chair is a classic that’s both stylish and comfy, and easy to enjoy.

You can never have enough vessels and baskets, especially in summer. They’re perfect for storing everyday household items in a chic way, using organic and natural materials to hide the less-than-pretty essentials. Notice how they elevate the everyday!

Framed mirrors are another designer favorite. An artistic framed mirror is perfect for styling on shelves or bookcases. Try layering it with other art pieces for added texture and depth.

For outdoor dining, a clever food cover is a must to keep the bugs away. It’s all about making your home feel like a 5-star restaurant by elevating the basics. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Lastly, summer art (like nostalgic prints and vintage photography) are really inspiring. This particular piece from a park in France captures colors, movement and memories, making it feel so special and alive. I can’t get enough of it.

Enjoy an Inspired Wardrobe

There’s nothing quite like slipping into a sundress on a warm day. Lately, I’ve been all about anything floral — effortless comfort with a touch of whimsy. These dresses make me feel instantly put together, even on the laziest of days. They’re my secret weapon for those “I have nothing to wear” moments.

Here’s a fun fact about me: I never leave home without a baseball hat in my bag! It’s my go-to for those unexpected hair emergencies or when I want to add a cool, relaxed vibe to my look. This summer, I’m loving hats with fun and flirty sayings. They’re the perfect accessory to elevate even the simplest outfit and give it that playful twist.

And, of course, everyone’s latest obsession — the crochet tote. It’ll become your go-to for carrying essentials to the beach, the lake, or even just running errands. I recently found this American-inspired one with “Le Vibe” printed on it, and it’s totally my mood this month. It’s playful, functional, and oh-so-chic! It reminds me to have fun with fashion and embrace laid-back summer vibes.

These pieces are more than just wardrobe additions; they’re little joys that make summer even sweeter. I hope they inspire your style as much as they do mine. Here’s to celebrating effortless, fun, and practical pieces that make every day a little more special!

Enjoy Beauty and Wellness

Let’s wrap up this month’s edit with some beauty and wellness favorites that have been giving all the feels this summer. Because, yes, I’m a product junkie. I admit it. ❤️

First up, Jones Road. Their products have you feeling dewy and rosy all summer long. You can keep their essentials in your bag for last-minute touch-ups or a quick refresh on the go. There’s something satisfying about having a little magic in your purse to keep you looking and feeling your best all day ⭐️

And speaking of little joys, I recently picked up a book called “Small Pleasures.” Not only is it gorgeous enough to use as décor (hello, coffee table vibes), but it also has a lovely message! It’s all about appreciating the tiny moments that make life so sweet. It’s funny how the smallest things can leave the biggest impact, isn’t it?

Enjoy your Summer ☀️

As we head into July and embark on new adventures, I encourage you to embrace the magic around you and find joy in the little things. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Cheers to a summer filled with love, laughter, and endless inspiration!

Have a wonderful weekend, y’all!

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Everyone wants their home to feel elevated. What most people don’t realize is that it rarely comes from choosing the most expensive countertop or the prettiest light fixture.

During every project, we’re constantly asking ourselves, “Will this actually make life better?” Does this layout make unloading groceries easier? Is there somewhere to put the toaster instead of leaving it on the counter? Will there be enough storage for the things this family actually owns? Is this chair beautiful... and somewhere you’ll want to sit every night?

I think people assume we spend our days obsessing over fabrics and finishes. Truthfully, we spend just as much time talking through layouts, storage, and the tiny decisions you’ll appreciate every single day. Those conversations don’t always show up in a highlight reel, but they’re usually the reason a home feels so good to live in.

You don’t have to have every decision figured out before reaching out. Most of our clients come to us because they know something isn’t working—they just need help seeing what’s possible. Schedule an hour consultation with me and we can talk through your project (link in bio)!
Life is too short for a room that doesn’t make you happy. Color is @farrowandball Setting Plaster🩷
POV: You want a home you love... but you don’t have the budget to do it all at once.

And then you find our studio!

I’d rather see you create one room you absolutely love than stretch yourself across an entire house and feel like nothing is ever finished. One finished room gives you momentum. It reminds you why you started. And it gives you a clear vision for everything that comes next.

One of the things we help clients with is deciding where to begin. Together, we create a roadmap that allows your home to evolve thoughtfully over time-without feeling pieced together.

You don’t have to do it all this year. You just have to know what comes first.

If you’re wondering where to start, we’d love to help. Feel free to message me and we can set up a 15 min discovery call!
New project in Bend, Oregon.🤍

We just signed on with the sweetest family, and one of the first things they said was, “We don’t really love our house.” A home can be objectively beautiful and still not feel good to live in.

In this house, the kitchen, dining room and living room are all one big great room. It sounds ideal until you realize the dining table is taking up the exact real estate the living room desperately needs.

Instead of making the kitchen bigger, we’re making it smarter. One move solved several problems at once: more storage, a better dining area, and enough square footage to give the living room the footprint it deserved.

Now we’re moving into one of my favorite phases... layering in materials. This is why I love the conceptual phase. Before a single cabinet is ordered, we’re already changing the way this family will live in their home.

If you’ve been looking around your own home thinking, “I know this could work better, I just don’t know how,” we’d love to help. Whether you’re planning a renovation, reworking your layout, or just need an expert eye before making expensive decisions, that’s exactly what we have to offer!

Check out our services through the link in our bio or send this post to a friend who’s struggling with this exact thing.
While renovations are an investment, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned after years of designing homes is this:
It’s not about how much you spend. It’s about where you spend it.

The homes that feel the most elevated aren’t necessarily the ones with the biggest budgets. They’re the ones where every decision was made with intention.

That’s the philosophy behind everything we do. We help our clients understand where it’s worth investing, where they can save without sacrificing the overall look, and how to create a home that feels layered, timeless, and beautifully functional. Because a thoughtfully planned home will always feel more luxurious than one filled with expensive choices that don’t work together.

Good design isn’t about spending more.
It’s about making every dollar work harder for you-and creating a home you’ll love living in every single day.

If you’re planning a renovation or a furnishing project, we’d love to help. Learn more through the link in our bio.
People often ask why renovations have always been my favorite. The easy answer is that I love watching a transformation. But if I’m honest, I think it’s something much deeper than that.

Years ago, our family walked through a season that forced us to start over. It wasn’t something I would have chosen, but looking back, it changed the way I see everything. Homes. People. Even myself. I stopped looking at what something was and started paying attention to what it could become. Maybe that’s why fixer-uppers have always felt so familiar to me. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re starting over. I know what it’s like to wonder if something beautiful can come from a season that feels uncertain. That’s why I love renovations. They’re hopeful. Every wall that comes down makes room for something new. Every decision is an act of believing that what’s ahead can be better than what was there before.

The funny thing is... I don’t think this is really about houses. I think all of us have something in our lives that feels unfinished, overlooked, or in need of another chance. I’ve learned that the middle of the story rarely looks like the ending. And sometimes the most beautiful things aren’t built from scratch. They’re simply revealed.
For anyone who’s ever had to start over... I’m rooting for you!