Jen's Musings | August 2025

A monthly letter from the studio — a thoughtful way to share recent finds, glimpses behind the process, and sources of inspiration.

In the Studio

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how we define joy in the spaces we live in. There has been a lot of talk about “dopamine décor” on social media – the rooms designed to spark happiness through color, contrast, and bold expression.

Around here, we tend to approach that idea a little differently. It’s less about the loudest color in the fan deck and more about the choices that bring life, personality, and delight to a space. What colors, patterns, and prints lift you up emotionally? Home is meant to be a place of both restoration and joy. That’s what dopamine décor is to our team at J. Myers + Associates. We’ll explore this concept more in a future Journal post.

What I’m Loving Right Now

I’ve been paying closer attention to the little details that bring a jolt of joy whether I’m working on a client’s design project or out and about sourcing. These aren’t just pretty additions; they’re the kinds of details that lift a mood or make a space feel more personal.

Here are a few that are making me smile right now:

  • This chartreuse tufted sofa

  • A display of dopamine-inducing carpets

  • Stunning orange lacquer millwork

Inspired By

While design projects and products are always top of mind, summer in the PNW is a time to embrace and love all the beauty of our region –  from nature, adventure, music, food, and much more. Lately, I’ve found inspiration in the palette of a summer sunset. I’m also noticing the way beautifully plated food or a well-styled cocktail can spark design ideas – whether it's the layering, texture, or the thoughtful use of color. And of course, I’m always drawn to art, both discovering new work and revisiting favorites. There’s something about the energy and emotion in a brushstroke that can inspire and bring joy.

One of my favorite recent experiences was attending a showroom event hosted by The Shop at Maison featuring reimagined vintage designer scarves. Think Hermès, Gucci, and Ralph Lauren – all transformed into crossbody bags, pillow shams, and framed art. It was a beautiful reminder that design is not limited to furniture and finishes. It lives in fashion, in storytelling, and in how we preserve and reimagine the things we love.

Another highlight? A breathtaking drone light show choreographed to The Four Seasons by Vivaldi. The orchestration of light, nature, and music was like watching art come alive in the sky, proving that inspiration really is everywhere.

From the Studio to Real Life

Closer to home, I’ve been savoring simple summer flavors like garden-fresh caprese salads. A few years ago, while recovering from breast cancer surgery, my brother and I took on a very important taste test: cow’s milk mozzarella vs. water buffalo. (Spoiler alert: water buffalo wins.) If you can, take an opportunity this summer to do your own testing of the different flavors!  See if you concur.

And on a more personal note, we recently celebrated my mother’s 97th birthday. While I don’t often share private family moments, this milestone is worth celebrating. Watching her find delight in simple pleasures has long reminded me to look for joy in the little things. Whether in design or life, that lesson stays with me.

Out & About

Looking for a few ways to soak up the last of summer and ease into the fall season? Here are a few experiences I’m keeping an eye on:

Until Next Time

Here’s to finding joy in the details – whether it’s a burst of color that lifts your mood, a piece of art that sparks a memory, or a simple summer ritual that brings you back to yourself. The beauty of a home isn’t just in how it looks. It’s in how it feels, and how it reflects the life unfolding inside it.

Jennifer Myers