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Year-At-A-Glance: High Desert Tumalo Ranch Update

Enjoy the BTS of all our progress over at the ranch

Hey y’all! Welcome to the awaited Tumalo project update – a year-long whirlwind of renovation revelations! Can you believe how far we’ve come? From brainstorming innovative solutions to discovering quirky materials, we’ve been on a mission to transform this space into our dream farmhouse. As we gear up to embrace the new year, we’re thrilled about the prospect of moving in soon and infusing those last magical touches that will truly make this space ours. 

Okay, let’s spill the tea on what’s been brewing behind the scenes! Right now, it might seem like things are at a bit of a standstill visually. But hey, it’s all part of the grand plan. We’ve been knee-deep in the not-so-glamorous world of plumbing and electrical work. Trust us though, the excitement is building beneath the surface. Coordinating all these nitty-gritty details has been a puzzle worth solving, paving the way for the real fun to begin: diving into the delightful world of design elements. So hang tight, because once we’ve nailed down these crucial foundations, we’re diving headfirst into the exhilarating realm of bringing this space to life!

Interior Update

Let’s start with the heart of the home: the kitchen! There has been a lot of editing and adaptations, as is par for the course in any remodel. One tweak we made was to the original design, specifically the shelf behind the range. Initially, we had this vision of a fabulous shelf. But, after some trial and error, we discovered that it was causing a bit of a hitch with the exhaust in the hood. Turns out, it was just too deep and would’ve played the role of a hood-blocker!

So, as the saying goes, ‘out with the old’ – we’ve bid adieu to the shelf behind the range. But fear not, the marble shelf is still reigning supreme, we are still wrapping it around the rest of the kitchen. This way, it keeps the focus on the evolution of the design, ensuring functionality without compromising on our vision for the space. 

Exciting news! Derrick worked his magic and the tile is in — talk about game-changer 😉 We’re head over heels for it. It adds an incredible texture to the kitchen, giving it that ‘wow’ factor. What’s even better is how it defines the kitchen space, creating this beautiful distinction from the hardwoods in the rest of the house. It’s like the kitchen has its own personality now, and we’re obsessed with the vibe it brings to the entire area.

We are so happy that he kitchen is really starting to take shape! The cabinets are in, and let’s just say, we’re beyond thrilled with how they’ve transformed the space. We opted for these sleep, slim shaker cabinets – talk about a contemporary twist on a classic shaker style. They bring a modern vibe that’s totally rocking the kitchen scene. And now, we are beginning to pick out hardware to compliment these beauties. This update is like putting the final cherry on top and we can’t wait to see the whole look come together! 

 

Evolution of the Shower Space

In the realm of the master bathroom, the spotlight is in our shower transformation. For this update, we’ve taken a bit of a detour from our initial design, mainly due to budget considerations. Originally, we had these grand plans for the shower: a sprawling expanse adorned with pebble flooring and walls. But, in a quest for practicality without compromising style, we opted for a more budget-friendly approach. Say hello to the stunning marble 12×24 tiles that now grace half the shower walls. 

And here’s the kicker: the top half? We’re teaming up with a local artisan who specializes in plaster finishes! This unique collaboration promises to infuse an artistic edge into the space, and we’re itching to unveil the final masterpiece. Stay tuned as we share our journey!

Clouz Houz tip: Save on shower coasts with waterproof finishes. Consider these finishes as an alternative to full tiling! While tiles are a classic choice, we explored a more cost-effective route by combining the two looks. There are many great options for waterproof finishes.

Rumpus Room Revamp: A Cozy Haven in the Making!

Big news for the rumpus room – our flooring dreams have come true! The herringbone hardwood flooring has made its grand entrance, and oh boy is it stunning. The texture it brings to the space is simply divine. The herringbone pattern isn’t just flooring; it’s an aesthetic masterpiece that’s bound to elevate the entire feel of this room. We are getting ready for some serious fun and cozy times ahead because this space is shaping up to be the heart of comfort and joy in our home!

We’ve settled on this rich, deep brown hue for the walls of this room, a choice that’s going to bring a whole new moody vibe to the space. Plus, a fabulous surprise awaits! We’re keeping it under wraps, but let’s just say, a stellar sofa is in the making by one of our beloved furniture vendors. Trust us, it’s going to be a showstopper — it’s set to steal the spotlight in this room.

Right after the New Year, the wet bar cabinets are swooping in. With these cabinets getting installed, the space will truly start to take on its full personality. Once the cabinets settle in, we’re diving headfirst into installing the backsplash tile, adding that final touch of pizzazz to the bar area. It’s gearing up to be the ultimate hub of entertainment and relaxation. 

 

 

Exterior Elegance

Let’s kick off our exterior update journey with a spotlight on the windows. These have been in place for a few months now, and what a difference they’ve made! They’re the unsung heroes transforming the entire feel of our spaces. More light streaming in, rooms feeling bigger, and that seamless transition to the backyard with its breathtaking views. They really do a great job of making our home feel like a haven that effortlessly connects the indoors with the beauty of the outdoors. 

Another crucial update on the horizon for our exterior: the chosen stain! We’re all set with the perfect hue to grace the outer walls of our home. However, here’s the catch: painting will have to wait until the spring rolls in. Winter’s chill has put a temporary pause on this step – it’s just too cold to get that paint job done. But as soon as the weather warms up, we’ll be getting right into this phase to give the exterior the finishing touch it deserves. Sneak a peek at some of the door hardware we’ve ordered – it’s the little details that truly make a house a home. Scroll down for links to our trusted sources for these gems!

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Phew! That’s the whole scoop on our latest update for now. We hope you’ve enjoyed this behind-the-scenes peek into our progress. These photos aren’t just snapshots, they’re glimpses into our vision for a modern rustic farmhouse that we are head over heels in love with.

Every nail hammered, every tile placed, and every design decision made has brought us closer to crafting a space that feels like home. We’re thrilled to share this journey with you guys! As we inch closer to the final masterpiece that’s a testament to hard work, creativity, and a whole lot of heart.

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When life gives you lemons… you make lemonade. 🍋
But for us, it wasn’t just a saying.
For over 20 years, I had been designing our homes… but when Derrick lost his job, everything shifted. What felt like everything falling apart was actually the beginning of something new.
After years of being a stay-at-home mom — the role that meant everything to me — I stepped into something completely unknown and started my design business. I was terrified.
Somewhere along the way, Derrick and I found our rhythm, and what started as helping each other turned into building something side by side… Clouz Houz.
And then… we did it again.
We left everything familiar and moved to Tennessee, starting over in a place where no one knew us. No reputation. No safety net. Just a dream… and a lot of faith. And if I’m being honest, it’s taken more grit and determination than I ever imagined. Because starting over midlife hits differently — when so many around you are slowing down, you’re asking yourself to dig deeper, push harder, and believe bigger.
There have been moments I’ve questioned everything. Moments that felt heavy, lonely, uncertain.
But also moments that feel like… this is it. This is the life we fought for.
“Life is Short. Make it Beautiful.” came from one of those turning points — when we realized life wasn’t going to wait for us to feel ready. So we chose to begin. 
Again.
And in this season of rebuilding, I’ve found myself being pulled toward something new… a different way of sharing what I’ve learned, what I see, and what I love.  It’s stretched me in new ways — and in some ways, it’s been unexpectedly therapeutic.
I can’t wait to share more soon. 🤍✨
Office reveal… but also a little life update.
We’ve been working from this space behind the scenes, and it finally feels ready to share. This is where client projects come to life…where we’re sourcing, planning, and building what’s next for both our Oregon projects and the ones we’re beginning here in Tennessee.
Oregon will always be home for our work. Our roots are there and very much staying, but we’re excited to now be creating in Tennessee as well, while continuing to serve clients nationwide.
We have three project openings this summer and are currently taking on new clients in both locations.
If you’ve been thinking about starting a project, you can inquire through our website…we’d love to work together. 🤍
What started as a “simple” fireplace update quickly turned into one of those classic renovation plot twists.😅 
Here’s how it actually unfolded:
1. Planned to install tile over the existing fireplace tile — that was the original vision.
2. Began demo and discovered some serious structural damage to chimney. Immediate pivot.
3. Tore in further and uncovered the original brick hiding underneath.
4. Brought in the mason to re-mortar and clean everything up.
5. The brick went from dusty and rustic to bright red and very classic — and yes... I freaked out a little.
6. Lived with it for a bit to see if I could make peace with the new look.
7. Ultimately we applied a watered down lime grout (what was used by mason) to give it that old-world imperfect feel again.
8. Polished/stained the original stone hearth to refresh it without replacing it.
9. Stripped down the fussy details from the wood mantle and surround.
10. Painted the mantle and reinstalled it — and finally, it all felt right.
Renovations rarely go exactly as planned, but sometimes uncovering what’s underneath leads to something better than you imagined in the first place.
Omg this kitchen is so close I can feel it😭
The brick floors are in, the character is there, and the countdown to actually cooking in here (aka retiring the air fryer + constant takeout era) is officially on.
This one detail alone is making everything feel real and lived-in already... And I can’t wait to see it all come together.
If you’re into kitchens with soul + old-house energy, save this for later!