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Tumalo Entryway: Space Optimization & Solutions

Let’s talk entryways, shall we? It’s funny – we’ve shared all sorts of updates about our home renovation journey, but we haven’t touched on the entryway yet. And … there’s a reason for that. With just two weeks until move-in day, things are getting pretty hectic around here. We’ve got electrical work happening, appliances being installed, and the final touches of paint going up on the walls. Oh, and did I mention that the entryway isn’t exactly spacious? 

Nope, it’s just a cozy little welcome area right off the living room, all part of one big open space.

But, despite its size, this entryway has got me excited. Why? Because it’s a blank canvas waiting to be transformed into something special. It’s a space that’s going to set the tone for the rest of our home, so you better believe I want to get it just right. So here’s where things get interesting. I’ve been going back and forth on how to approach this, deciding whether it should it be a practical spot for family and friends to kick off their shoes and hang their jackets, or whether it should be more about the aesthetic. Honestly, it has to be a bit of both.

When you step through the front door into the entryway …

… there’s this one little wall that’s just begging to be the focal point! And, I’ve got big plans for it! I’m talking a stylish bench (or maybe a console table) adorned with art, and stools stashed underneath for extra seating by the fire. Or, why not a combination of both? 

The possibilities are endless, but one thing’s for sure – I want it to feel intentional and functional. In reality, a true reflection of our style and how we envision ourselves using the space. So, join me on this journey as we dive into the world of entryway design. We want to turn this little corner into a welcoming oasis that sets the perfect tone for our home.

I’ve been mulling over a couple of ideas, and have whipped up two mood boards to help visualize what I’m thinking. Let’s see what we’ve got!


I’ve been eyeing this first option for a while now. We used this Rush House rug for one of our clients, and it’s still in the running. The woven pattern brings nice texture to a space, and I love its neutrality. It goes with anything! It’s a large-scale art piece that would set the tone perfectly. All I would need to do is find a farmhouse-style console table to tie it all together.

What’s got me really excited are these adorable camel-colored stools with fringe detailing. They add a playful touch, and really capture the rustic charm of Tumalo. Plus, picture this: two sconces flanking the art, casting a warm glow — it’s a wall that’s as beautiful as it is inviting.


Just as much function as Option 1. But, instead of a tabletop for dropping things, I’m wondering if a bench is a better option here? I have a vintage bench I purchased years ago that may fit perfectly on the wall, with a great piece of art above it. You gotta love benches for entryways, especially if you don’t have a coat closet. They’re a great landing pad for bags, coats, hats etc.

Well, which do you think? Knowing me, I won’t be able to decide until we get our things moved in. And, they’ve been in storage for the last eight months! I almost forget what all we have …

***

That being said, I’m thinking of hosting a yard sale the same weekend we move in. Crazy? Maybe a little. Truth be told, I’m not entirely sure where we’ll fit all our stuff. This house is a significant downsizing for us, but it’s a shift we’ve embraced as the kids have grown. We’ve come to realize that functionality is key when it comes to home design, and we don’t necessarily need a sprawling house anymore. With the kids becoming more independent, it’s mostly just D and me these days. ?

But, here’s the catch: this house is seriously lacking in storage space. We’ve already got two storage units bursting at the seams, so it’s high time we clear out the clutter and pass along the things that no longer serve us. So, mark your calendars for the weekend of May 18/19 – if you’re in town, swing by and say hello! Who knows, you might just find a treasure or two.

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Our style has always leaned timeless and traditional, but never too polished. There’s always a bit of ease to it. Maybe that comes from our roots in Oregon, or maybe from where we are now in Tennessee, but we’re drawn to spaces that feel warm, deeply personal, and quietly layered. A hint of western influence, but not in a way that defines everything. Just enough to give it an organic and rustic edge.

If that feels like you, we’d love to help bring it to life (link in bio to inquire)!
I’m going to be honest... when I first started in this business even I was intimidated.

I would walk into showrooms and wonder how their pricing worked and if you really must know there was a lot of ambiguity around how designers worked.

I have never wanted our clients to feel that way. We keep our process really streamlined, transparent and unintimidating. It starts with a quick questionnaire: budget, goals, how you live, etc. From there, we hop on a 15-minute discovery call to make sure we’re aligned. We want to be sure both parties are a good fit for each other!

Once everyone is agreed this feels “right” we dive into your first full conceptual design and walk you through layouts, materials, and selections in a way that we think brings the space to life.

You’ll have time for edits, and then from there we finalize everything so you can move forward with confidence. We follow through with executing the vision.

Our goal is always to make the process feel approachable and comprehensive. If you’ve been thinking about working with a designer but didn’t know what to expect... this is your sign.

Link in bio or head to our ‘work with us’ page to get started!
Enjoy a minute and a half walkthrough of the main level of our 6th Street Bungalow project. I’ve been having so much fun finally starting to style some of these finished spaces and wanted to share a little update.

This is also your reminder that life actually happens in our homes. Notice the hallway that still hasn’t been wallpapered, the moving boxes stacked in the corner of the dining room, or the empty shelves in the hutch that have quickly become our family’s catchall. Don’t get me wrong, I love a clean and tidy home, but as things usually get put back by the end of the day, a new mess unfolds the next morning. That’s just the reality of living through a renovation. But the mess is also a good sign. It means things are changing, construction is moving, and we’re getting closer to a home that finally feels like ours without people constantly in and out working.

While it’s fun to share the final reveals, this is your reminder that Instagram is a highlight reel. Try not to compare your home to someone else’s on its best.
This voiceover is from an interview with Ina Garten, and it stopped me in my tracks.

My parents still tell the story how they’d leave for a dinner out while I babysat my little sister and brother, and by the time they got home, the entire living room would be completely reworked. Not asked for.... but I just had to see if it could feel better. I had recruited my sister and brother to help me move the furniture in an entire new layout!

I didn’t know it then, but that instinct was the beginning of everything.

Fast forward 35 years... I went from being a stay-at-home mom to starting my own business, taking on real clients (not just my parents, who truly didn’t sign up for the redesigns😂 and building something that genuinely fills my cup.

There were so many moments of doubt in between, like starting later, wondering if it was too late, if I’d missed my window. But here’s the thing. It’s never too late to start. To pivot. To build something around what you naturally love.

Sometimes the thing you’re meant to do has been quietly following you your whole life.