Jen's Journal: Insights from an Oregon Interior Designer
A monthly letter from the studio
Welcome
Welcome to Jen’s Journal. This space is a natural extension of our work. My hope is that it will be somewhere to share insights, inspirations, and the many layers of what it takes to create a truly custom, beautiful home. Each month, you’ll find design deep dives, short insights, behind-the-scenes peeks, and portfolio spotlights. You’ll also find this monthly letter – Jen’s Musings – where I’ll share a few things that have caught my eye lately, along with reflections from inside the studio and on the job site. So, welcome. Let’s jump in.
In the Studio: Beginnings
I’ve been reflecting on where this all began – both for my design career and for what I hope this Journal can become. It’s funny to think that my very first design project was a playhouse my dad built for me. I remember helping my mom sew the curtains and moving around the child size furniture my dad built until it felt just right. That little space had a dutch door, a walking path with flowers on each side and a window box. I sold it years later to buy a new bike, but it lives on today as a garden shed.
Looking back, I can see how clearly those early days shaped everything that came after. I grew up walking job sites with my dad, who was a general contractor, and I was constantly fascinated by the way a home came together. Everything from framing to finish work captured my attention. That curiosity became a calling. And now, over three decades later, I’ve built a career on the belief that design is deeply personal. That every home should be a reflection of the people who live there.
That’s what this Journal is about. My hope is that it becomes a resource and a source of inspiration, whether you’re dreaming of your next home, updating your current home, or simply curious about how a space takes shape behind the scenes.
We’re starting with a short series on assembling the right team for your custom renovation or new build. We will explore who to bring into your project (and when). I’ll be sharing why interior design should come first, what it looks like to collaborate with architects and builders, and a few things I wish every homeowner knew from the beginning.
But before we get into all of that, here’s a glimpse into what’s been capturing my attention lately.
What I’m Loving Right Now
We recently attended a product showing that sparked all sorts of ideas for upcoming projects. These are a few finds I’m still thinking about:
Custom hardware combining beautiful stone and metal that looks like jewelry and functions as hardware. The kind of piece that elevates a piece of furniture or cabinetry from simple to exquisite..
Sculpted area rugs with metallic threads woven into the pile – subtle but striking. One pattern in particular would be incredible in a moody library or a great room sitting area looking for a subtle detail that is unique and unexpected.
Embroidered trims so intricate and detailed, they feel like jewelry for the home. These are the small details that make a room truly unique and special.
Each piece we bring into a project tells part of a story. These finds have me dreaming of the chapters to come.
A Detail Worth Sharing
We were recently invited to an open house at one of our favorite local fabricators here in the Pacific Northwest. Their specialty? Custom staircases and handcrafted wood doors.
It reminded me so much of my dad’s woodshop. The visual of all the shop equipment, the smell of sawdust and the entire scene gave me nostalgic flashbacks. There’s something deeply grounding about that level of craftsmanship – about knowing that every curve and joint was planned, shaped, and finished with intention.
In a world where so much is automated, those details stand out. They’re what set a custom home apart.
Inspired By
This month, I’ve been inspired not by a particular space or object but by the clients we serve and the process of helping them uncover their personal style.
Not everyone walks into a design consultation knowing exactly what they love. And that’s perfectly okay. In fact, it’s one of the parts of the job I enjoy most: the sleuthing. Listening, observing, and gently guiding until something clicks. My goal is always to design a home that feels like them – not a trend, not a lookbook, but something lasting and layered.
After more than three decades in this field, I’ve seen styles come and go. And come back again. Like fashion, interiors have their cycles. But timelessness? That’s personal. It looks different for each client. And when we get it right, longevity with maybe minimal updates over time helps it never feel dated.
I often reflect that if I hadn’t pursued interior design as a career, I might have needed ten houses just to satisfy my love of home, architecture, construction, and the art of putting a space together. Instead, I get to do it for others. I have the privilege of helping them turn their homes into a reflection of their dreams, their style, and their home. And that inspires me.
Looking Ahead
Next week, we’ll dive into the first post in our series on assembling the right team for your home project. I’ll share why I believe interior design should be your very first step when building a custom home. It’s a topic I’m passionate about because the earlier we’re brought into the process, the more we can help shape something truly meaningful.
Until then, thank you for being here. I’m looking forward to sharing more in the weeks ahead, and I hope you’ll enjoy this new chapter with us.
From the studio,