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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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When we created our Design Guides, it wasn’t about offering a “budget workaround” or a one-size-fits-all look. We built them using the same exact process we use for our clients and our own homes.
Because the goal has never been to make your home look like ours. Or anyone else’s.
Your lifestyle is unique. Your space is unique. And your home should feel that way too.
What we are noticing lately is this:
Most people know the vibe they’re drawn to... but get stuck when it comes to decision-making.
What to actually buy. How big it should be. How to mix styles without it feeling chaotic. How to commit and not second-guess every choice.
So we’re toying with the idea of taking the guides a step further. Diving deeper into how to implement the styles, how to mix and match them, and sharing more of the behind-the-scenes designer thinking that usually stays in client work.
Would that be helpful? Would you want more guidance beyond just the shop links?
If you’re curious about our Design Guides (or want us to explain them further), comment ‘GUIDE’ and I’ll send you the link.
Designing your own home while running a business is a very specific kind of chaos. Timelines stretch, things get put on the back burner, and progress happens in tiny waves. There’s no rule book for this (as a personal project) and I’m constantly reminding myself that nothing is wrong just because it’s slow.
These videos are my way of zooming out. Because the truth is... we’ve come so far. Even when it doesn’t feel finished yet, even when rooms are still a few months away from being fully usable, there’s so much happening under the surface. This is creativity doing its work. And I’m trying to leave stress behind and actually enjoy watching it unfold.
Designing for our homes is one of my favorite things to do, but also the hardest. When it’s your space, you have a million ideas, a million things you want to try, and no one else to blame if you change your mind. But that freedom is the magic. I love client work, truly, but there’s something so special about not having to defend every decision or worry about someone second-guessing the vision.
This is how design is supposed to feel: trusting a direction, letting it evolve, not taking it so seriously that you squeeze the life out of it. When you collaborate instead of control, when you give the process room to breathe, that’s when the real Clouz Houz look shows up.