A Big Announcement: Our Next Chapter
If you missed it, we recently shared some big news: after living in Bend, Oregon these past eight years, we’re officially making the move to Tennessee. It feels surreal to even write that. Oregon has been home in every sense of the word for our entire lives. It’s where both Derrick and I grew up, started a family, built our business, and poured love into projects like the Tumalo Ranch. But sometimes, growth means taking risks, and this next step feels like the leap we’ve been craving.
A Move Driven by Both Business and Heart
This move is so much more than a change of scenery… it’s a strategic and personal decision rolled into one. For Clouz Houz, Tennessee opens doors Bend simply can’t right now. The real estate market in Bend has become tricky for flipping and investing, and we’ve been itching to take on new kinds of projects that challenge us creatively. Franklin and the middle Tennessee area, with its mix of historic charm, vibrant neighborhoods, and investment-friendly market, feels like the perfect place to stretch ourselves.
Dreaming in Southern Charm
On a personal level, I’ve always been endlessly inspired by Southern architecture and design—the personality-packed porches, timeless moldings, and warm, layered spaces.
It’s funny, I attended a workshop with Boxwood Avenue and Chateau Sonoma a couple years ago and it was so inspiring! (If you are creative and looking to build a life you dream of I would highly recommend attending — they are hosting another one this October.) It was all about dreaming of the life and business you want to create. I remember one question during a break out session: “It’s simple … if you could build your life and business anywhere where would it be?” It really stopped me in my tracks to think about it that way! What was stopping us from living out our dreams. And, especially at this point in our lives, I realized it was now or never. If we don’t try, how will we know??
Instead of telling yourself “what if this isn’t what we imagined?” Instead, ask yourself “what if this is better than we ever could have imagined?”
I can already feel the wheels turning for future projects. I’ve been pinning ideas like crazy, and daydreaming about breathing new life into a traditional Southern home while weaving in a fresh, modern perspective. I feel like this is so authentically us and I can’t wait to share what we have in mind!
A New Season of Life
Beyond the business, this move is deeply tied to where we are in life right now. With our middle just graduated from college, Derrick and I are stepping into this “empty nester” chapter with open arms. We wanted something different … a slower pace, rolling hills, but yet a spot where community is like what we are used to here in Bend. Middle Tennessee feels close to our roots while also offering us something entirely new to experience.
How We Narrowed It Down: Columbia vs. Franklin
When we first started looking at Tennessee, we were really torn between Columbia and Franklin. On paper, they both checked a lot of boxes, but in different ways.
Columbia has a quieter, more laid-back vibe. It feels slower and a little more tucked away. Honestly, it’s not really on the map like Franklin. The homes there are generally more affordable, which can make it attractive if you’re looking for larger properties or want more space for your budget. But, with that comes a slightly slower market—houses don’t always move as quickly, which can make flipping and reselling a little less predictable.
Franklin, on the other hand, feels like it’s becoming the new hotspot. It’s still charming and full of Southern character, but there’s more energy—new restaurants, younger crowds, a bit of a “hipster” edge, and neighborhoods that are really starting to buzz. The market there is more competitive, which usually means higher purchase prices, but it also tends to make reselling after a renovation quicker and easier. From an investment standpoint, that turnover potential was a big factor for us.
In the end, we had to weigh lifestyle, investment potential, and the type of projects we want to take on next. Both towns have their own unique charm, but Franklin’s momentum lined up better with where we see Clouz Houz heading for investment project. However, Columbia or nearby could become home for us since we could invest in that home on a longer term (and not move every two/three years).
What’s Next for Clouz Houz
We have much to share with you in the coming weeks. This move to Tennessee isn’t just a change of scenery — it’s the start of a whole new chapter for us, and we want to take you along for every step of the ride.
We’ll be pulling back the curtain on everything: YouTube videos documenting the process, tips for spotting and evaluating investment properties, and honest conversations about the good, the bad, and the downright messy sides of this designer & renovator lifestyle. Whether it’s unexpected challenges or the creative highs of turning an overlooked property into something beautiful, we want to show it all. We know a lot of you think of doing something like this — buying, renovating, investing — but might not know where to start. That’s where we come in. Our goal is to be your resource, sharing the knowledge we’ve built over the years so you feel empowered to take on your own projects.
And, let’s not forget all the fun we have in store to show some really beautiful client projects in the works. We will continue to take you along for those transformations too. We know how much you love seeing them and we love sharing it all.
This next phase is equal parts exciting and terrifying, but we know it’s going to shape the future of Clouz Houz in ways we can’t even imagine yet. We’re ready — and we’re so grateful you’re here to follow along 🤍
Need a little more direction?
Are you struggling to define your style or figure out how to pull your space together? That’s exactly why we created our Clouz Houz Design Guides. They’ll help you design a space that feels cohesive, elevated, and personal … without hiring a designer.
Click here to explore the five curated styles, complete with inspiration boards, designer tips, and product links that make sourcing simple.
Not sure which one’s for you? Take our free quiz to discover which aesthetic best suits your space.
We’re here to help you move forward with confidence, and create a home that truly feels like yours.
P.S. Are you new to Clouz Houz? If you’d like to be in the know on all things home and lifestyle, subscribe now so you don’t miss a post! As a bonus, you’ll receive our exclusive 42-page ‘Paint Guide,’ which will help you select the perfect shades for your home. And, you’ll also receive our weekly newsletter, including special finds that are not on the blog — they’re only for subscribers. 
Life is short. Make it beautiful!
