Design

Tumalo Entryway: Space Optimization & Creative 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 …

… 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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Join me behind the scenes as I add the finishing touches to our Tumalo kitchen! We sourced these brass pulls from @sumnerstreethardware. We then stumbled upon the coolest brand, @walnutstudiolo, known for their handmade leather hardware.

We opted for the the Tilikum + Flanders handles and the Oswego leather wraps for our kitchen. And let me tell you- these wraps are seriously ingenious! You simply wrap the leather around the handles for an instant rustic vibe. 

I’ve been itching to infuse a leather element into our kitchen design, and I have a feeling this is going to be just perfect. Stay tuned for the grand reveal – it’s all coming together so beautifully!
Let’s make lunch: Citrus & Burrata Spring Salad 🍊

We are loving this citrus salad, it is light yet fulfilling (you could add roasted chicken to turn it into a dinner!). The mix of flavors come together: the crunch of the pistachios, tangy fruit, creamy burrata, slightly sweet dressing, and a little spiciness from the arugula.

Ingredients:
- arugula (about 3 handfuls)
- 6 oranges (we used a mix of navel, blood oranges, and cara cara)
- handful of raspberries
- one cup of chopped pistachios
- one large ball of burrata
- extra virgin olive oil
- balsamic vinegar 
- 3 tsp honey
- salt
- pepper

Dressing:
- mix a generous amount of olive oil, balsamic, and honey

Recipe:
1. peel and thinly slice oranges
2. wash your arugula and place it in a bowl as the bed of your salad
3. pour dressing over greens and add a dash of salt and pepper on top
4. arrange oranges over greens
5. break apart burrata and place on top
6. sprinkle over raspberries and pistachios
7. SERVE 🤌🏼 chef’s kiss
“Life is short. Make it beautiful.” That’s what we told ourselves two years ago and truly how Clouz Houz came to be. Consider us your blueprint for reimagining your life. An although we aren’t saying what works for us will work for all… we do hope it inspires you to live your life to its fullest- whatever that may be for YOU. 

As fifty something’s, we took a leap of faith in each other and embraced our change in careers and lifestyle. As a husband and wife who picked up and moved our family to Bend, Oregon, we are proof that it’s never too late to pursue your passions. We are visionaries for our own life and wish to live with intention. We transform spaces into stories and houses into homes- it’s what we are most confident and happy doing. 

So join us BTS as we grow. This is your reminder that age is just a number and the best is yet to come! Starting over has been the greatest adventure of all. 

Thanks for all the love and support you have showed us over the years, it’s truly fuels our journey. 🤍