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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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Soaking in every little moment from our Santa Monica trip last week 🌴 As a mom, spending one on one time with each child is always good for the soul. I made this a tradition with each of our kids after graduation and I can’t recommend sneaking away- whether that’s in your city for a staycation or jumping on a plane for a little weekend adventure. Quality time with my kids always fills me up and reminds me the “why” I do what I do in this crazy thing called life.
We talked about things we never talk about. We laughed. A lot. We had tough conversations about missing school life. He told me about his dreams... ones I didn’t realize. What he values in friendships. What he doesn’t need in his life. We reminisced about the family road trip to Yosemite in a RV that was falling apart as we travelled (ie. I had to lean out the passenger window to tell D when he could change lanes since we lost a side mirror amongst other mishaps 😂). We decided our new favorite summer cocktail was the Pina Calabra at @propersantamonica rooftop pool and pasta @giorgiobaldi_ristorante is the BEST summer meal.
I’m sharing a full recap on the blog: what we did, where we ate, and all the little details I want to remember forever. Part travel guide, part journal entry.
Comment ‘LA’ and we’ll send you the link to read the full post!
Step inside the Lake Oswego Bungalow Lookbook🤎
This project already had such good bones, an absolute gem of a cottage in one of the most charming Lake Oswego neighborhoods. We weren’t here to renovate; this one was all about bringing in warmth, comfort, and character through furniture, styling, and a few cosmetic touches like wallpaper and lighting updates.
If you ask me what is one way to update your home without a lot of renovating, it’s furniture and styling! 100%!! We furnished the entry, living room, family room, primary suite, office den, and a few guest spaces. It was truly a full home furnishings project, and I can’t wait to dive into the details of what we did in each of these rooms. This is just a little peek behind the curtain!
Some of our favorite projects are the ones where we get to come in and reimagine the layout and feel of a space through furniture and accents. A fresh start without the full remodel-just the right edits to make your home feel like you.
We’re currently accepting clients for Q4 (aka the perfect time to get going once the kids are back in school and you’re ready to reset for the new year). Message us if you’re thinking about starting a project-we’d love to bring your space to life.
Comment ‘STYLE’ and I’ll DM you the link to explore all five. You can also find them in our LTK shop under product collections anytime.
I created these Design Guides because I know firsthand that design help can feel out of reach. If I weren’t a designer, I’m not sure I could afford to hire one myself-and that’s exactly why this mattered so much to me.
I believe your home should feel beautiful, personal, and pulled together without needing a huge budget or endless time to figure it all out. These guides are here to be your roadmap. And although I can’t say it completely replaces a designer, it’s a great tool to help those who are designing on their own. These guides are complete with curated furniture picks, paint palettes, styling tips, and layouts designed to take the guesswork out of the process.
They’re not just moodboards-they’re permission to start. Direction when you’re stuck. And support when you want your space to reflect you.
If you’ve ever stood in your living room and said, “I just wish someone would tell me what works”... I made these for you.
And if you still feel like you’re stuck or unsure what’s next, that’s okay too. We offer 1-hour consults, Designer for a Day sessions, and more—so you never have to navigate it alone. Head to the link in bio to learn more about our services and see how we can support you further
Summer Cherry Panzanella 🍒
I love a panzanella salad in the summer… but this one is even better by adding cherries! Never would I have thought to include them but they give a delicious twist to this classic! And the hot honey champagne vinaigrette? She pulls it all together with just the right balance of sweet heat and acidity. And of course, my personal fave, creamy burrata- I can’t get enough!! 
Make sure you save this + here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
For the salad:
• 2 slices sourdough bread, cut into 1” cubes (about 2 cups)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups halved cherries
• 1 cup thinly sliced cucumbers
• ½ cup watermelon radishes, quartered and thinly sliced
• 1 ¼ cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup thinly sliced basil
• 1 ½ tbsp roughly chopped mint
• 4–6 oz burrata
• Optional: a pinch of aleppo pepper or crushed red pepper
For the dressing:
• 2 ½ tbsp champagne vinegar
• 2 ½ tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp hot honey (or regular honey)
• Pinch of salt and pepper
How to Make It-
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. On a parchment-lined sheet, toss your sourdough cubes with olive oil, minced garlic. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until golden and crisp on the outside but still a little soft inside.
2. In a large bowl, gently toss together the toasted bread, cherries, cucumbers, radishes, tomatoes, shallots, basil, and mint.
3. In a small jar or bowl, whisk the champagne vinegar, olive oil, Dijon, hot honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
4. Transfer the salad to a serving platter, tear the burrata over the top, drizzle with vinaigrette, and finish with a sprinkle of aleppo or red pepper if you’re into a little kick.
We accepted an offer on our home 🥹 feeling all the feels over here!! So grateful-but also, wow, that happened FAST.
Every kind comment and bit of feedback during the listing made me smile, seriously. This house has been so good to us... and now it’s on to its next chapter.
I hope the new owners love it as much as we did, and fill it with their own special little moments like we got to.
This reel is just a few memories from our time here— so many sweet ones tucked into every corner.💛
That stuck-in-the-middle feeling? You’re so not alone. We’ve helped so many people through that exact moment-when your space is almost there but still doesn’t feel like you. And the truth is, it’s not about starting over or spending more, it’s about getting clear on your style, so you can trust your gut again. We created this quiz to help you do exactly that. 
Comment ‘HELP’ and we’ll walk you through the first step. You’ve got this and we’re right here with you.🤎