Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
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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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New project in Bend, Oregon.🤍

We just signed on with the sweetest family, and one of the first things they said was, “We don’t really love our house.” A home can be objectively beautiful and still not feel good to live in.

In this house, the kitchen, dining room and living room are all one big great room. It sounds ideal until you realize the dining table is taking up the exact real estate the living room desperately needs.

Instead of making the kitchen bigger, we’re making it smarter. One move solved several problems at once: more storage, a better dining area, and enough square footage to give the living room the footprint it deserved.

Now we’re moving into one of my favorite phases... layering in materials. This is why I love the conceptual phase. Before a single cabinet is ordered, we’re already changing the way this family will live in their home.

If you’ve been looking around your own home thinking, “I know this could work better, I just don’t know how,” we’d love to help. Whether you’re planning a renovation, reworking your layout, or just need an expert eye before making expensive decisions, that’s exactly what we have to offer!

Check out our services through the link in our bio or send this post to a friend who’s struggling with this exact thing.
While renovations are an investment, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned after years of designing homes is this:
It’s not about how much you spend. It’s about where you spend it.

The homes that feel the most elevated aren’t necessarily the ones with the biggest budgets. They’re the ones where every decision was made with intention.

That’s the philosophy behind everything we do. We help our clients understand where it’s worth investing, where they can save without sacrificing the overall look, and how to create a home that feels layered, timeless, and beautifully functional. Because a thoughtfully planned home will always feel more luxurious than one filled with expensive choices that don’t work together.

Good design isn’t about spending more.
It’s about making every dollar work harder for you-and creating a home you’ll love living in every single day.

If you’re planning a renovation or a furnishing project, we’d love to help. Learn more through the link in our bio.
People often ask why renovations have always been my favorite. The easy answer is that I love watching a transformation. But if I’m honest, I think it’s something much deeper than that.

Years ago, our family walked through a season that forced us to start over. It wasn’t something I would have chosen, but looking back, it changed the way I see everything. Homes. People. Even myself. I stopped looking at what something was and started paying attention to what it could become. Maybe that’s why fixer-uppers have always felt so familiar to me. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re starting over. I know what it’s like to wonder if something beautiful can come from a season that feels uncertain. That’s why I love renovations. They’re hopeful. Every wall that comes down makes room for something new. Every decision is an act of believing that what’s ahead can be better than what was there before.

The funny thing is... I don’t think this is really about houses. I think all of us have something in our lives that feels unfinished, overlooked, or in need of another chance. I’ve learned that the middle of the story rarely looks like the ending. And sometimes the most beautiful things aren’t built from scratch. They’re simply revealed.
For anyone who’s ever had to start over... I’m rooting for you!
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the little things.
After moving across the country, leaving behind everything we’d known, and living in the middle of a major renovation, I’ve realized that joy isn’t waiting for me on the other side of a finished house.

It’s in the fresh flowers on the counter.
The windows open on a summer morning.
A glass of rosé at the end of the day.
Clipping greenery from the yard.
Lighting a candle just because.

These small rituals have become the way I slow down, stay present, and make this house feel like home-even while it’s still a work in progress.

ICYMI, I wrote all about this in my post “A Home That Feels Like Summer.” It’s a collection of the simple rituals, thoughtful edits, and favorite finds that are helping me embrace this season instead of waiting for the next one.

You can read the full story through the link in our bio.🤍
For a long time, I lived with a “one day” mindset.
One day, when the house is finished...
One day, when life slows down...
One day, when there’s something to celebrate.

But moving across the country, leaving behind everything familiar, and renovating a home while living in it has taught me something I never expected.

If I keep waiting for the perfect moment, I’ll miss the life that’s unfolding right now. So now I set the table on an ordinary Tuesday. I buy the flowers. I light the candles. I pour the wine. Not because everything is perfect. Because it isn’t.

It’s because I’ve learned that every season of life is worth enjoying—even the messy, unfinished, uncertain ones.
Ironically, some of my favorite memories have been made in a home covered in dust, with projects half finished and paint samples still on the walls.

Maybe that’s the real purpose of a home. Not to impress people. But to remind us to slow down, gather together, and find beauty in the season we’re living in.