Jen’s Musings | October 2025

Before diving into this month’s Musings, I’m excited to share that I was recently honored to be featured by Kraft Custom Construction, offering my perspective on a smarter way to approach kitchen redesign. Collaborating with other professionals in our industry and sharing design insights is always a joy, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.

Season-Ready Homes

One of the wonderful feelings that early fall brings is how we start to “nest” inside our homes again. The nights are getting longer (especially up here in the northern part of the country), the leaves are turning, and in our case here in Oregon, the rains have returned. It’s the season when home really becomes our refuge again.

So if we’re reimagining our refuge this fall (and also looking ahead to the holidays), what are some little things we can do to mix it up?

What I’m Loving Right Now

Candles. I’ll admit it: I have been known to buy too many. Every so often, I have to put myself on a “fast” until I’ve burned through some of my inventory! But I love them…the way a scented candle immediately warms up a space. Scents are so personal: spice, citrus, floral, or a mix. The key is finding one (or more) that makes you happy every single time you smell it.

Lampshade swaps. One of my favorite “tricks” is switching out a lamp or lampshade. There are some amazing custom shades now in block prints, pleats, velvets, even trims that can make an ordinary lamp feel new again. It’s such a small change, but it can elevate the whole mood of a room for fall and winter.

Pillows and textiles. Another easy update is pillows, especially in wonderful textures like velvet, boucle, or faux fur. I like to play with shapes (try a rectangle if you usually use squares) and details (a box edge or trim instead of a plain knife edge). Block prints, stripes, and plaids are also a fun way to layer in pattern and a little whimsy for the season.

Warmer shades. Jewel tones and earthy hues like the C&C Milano fabric pictured below are definitely making a comeback, but it’s not just fabrics. Accents in brass, wood, or hand-blown glass feel rich and grounding. I love hunting for unique treasures in resale and vintage shops. A single piece with meaning can tell a better story than several pieces put together.

In the Studio

One of the projects keeping us busy right now is a full great room redesign. It’s the kind of work that really excites me — creating a space that balances function for everyday living with a sense of warmth and style for gathering. From rethinking the layout to selecting finishes, furnishings, and lighting, it’s a reminder of how rewarding it is to see a vision come to life for a family’s most-used space.

Candle Tips & Tricks

Since I mentioned the subject of candles (and because I clearly have a soft spot for them), here are a few little things I’ve learned over the years that make them last longer and burn better:

  • Trim your wicks. Keeping the wick about ¼ inch short helps prevent big smoky flames and makes your candle last longer.

  • The first burn matters. Let your candle burn long enough the first time so the wax melts all the way across the top. Otherwise, it can “tunnel” down and waste all that good wax.

  • Don’t overdo it. Four hours is about the max you should burn a candle at one time. Let it cool before relighting.

  • Keep it clean. Make sure there aren’t bits of wick or matches floating in the wax — they can mess with how evenly your candle burns.

  • Wax matters. Pay attention to what your candle is made of. While they can be more expensive to manufacture, natural soy or beeswax tend to burn cleaner than paraffin, and they’re often better for the air in your home. They also tend to have longer “burn hours,” some boasting 60-80 hours of burn time.

These are simple little things, but I’ve found they make a big difference (and save me from going through my stash quite so quickly).

Inspired By

This time of year, I find inspiration in the way the season itself changes our homes. The afternoon light is softer, the colors outside are shifting, and there’s an anticipation for gatherings ahead. Textures and tones like velvet, wool, and aged brass suddenly feel right again. Even something as simple as lighting a candle and trimming the wick can become a ritual that reminds you: fall is here.

Closing Thought

As we “fall into” fall, let’s remember that a season-ready home doesn’t require a full makeover. Just a few thoughtful touches can turn our homes into the refuge we crave after long days of work, schedules, and life. A candle burning, a new pillow on the sofa, or a fresh shade on a lamp may be all it takes to make your home feel season-ready.

From the Studio to Real Life

Looking for inspiration beyond the house? Here are a few October happenings around town (and a cozy kitchen idea, too):

Jennifer Myers