We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jennifer Rhode. Check out our conversation below.
Jennifer, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: When have you felt most loved—and did you believe you deserved it?
For as long as I can remember, my father has said, “I love you higher than the sky is high and deeper than the ocean is deep” when he was putting me to bed, when he was saying good-bye, or sometimes just because he was passing by. His love for me was so immense and foundational that I felt like I moved through the world in my own special cocoon.
I lost my wonderful father this summer, but I still feel wrapped up in his words and his deep love. I am not sure I ever considered whether I “deserved it,” it was just always there. I think it was an incredible gift and one that I try every day to give to my own children.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I have an interior design business that I recently relaunched in Berkeley, California, where I grew up. Previously, I was located in Boulder, Colorado. I work on both residential and commercial projects. For me, the inspiration for every project starts with the people who are going to be living or working there. I collaborate with my clients to design warm, personal spaces that reflect their loves and interests. I want to showcase their heritage pieces, their children’s art, their family photos, whatever is important to them. Ultimately, I want the home to tell the stories and be representative of the family who occupies it. At the same time, I try to create highly edited, modern spaces that are calm and give the eye places to rest. One of my favorite takeaways from my time living in the Netherlands is the concept of “gezellig,” the Dutch word for coziness. When we returned to the states, I wanted to create my own “modern gezellig” in my family home and now in the homes of my clients.
In addition to my design business I have a lifestyle blog: https://www.jenniferrhode.com/blog. My posts toggle between interviews with artists, product round-ups, design stories about my projects or stories about my children and my adorable dog, Hank.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
For me, the most important aspect of any relationship, whether it is personal or professional, is trust. Trust that the other person will show up, fulfill a promise, take accountability, operate with integrity, interact with respect and kindness and communicate openly. When that foundational trust is broken, restoration occurs only after repeated positive interactions, conversations and experiences rebuild it, brick by brick.
Trust is imperative in my work. Helping someone transform their living space is highly personal and the best outcomes arise from a collaborative relationship where there is good communication and understanding.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
When I was young, my thinking was pretty binary… “right or wrong,” “A or B,” “correct or incorrect.” There is an efficiency to that approach, decisions may be easier or quicker and for me, it is always satisfying to check something off my list. I like to feel organized and productive. But as I have aged, I have realized that often the best solution is actually in the gray area. When I am able to release the comfort of the “either or” way of considering a problem, I frequently find more positive, creative possibilities. So I would tell my younger self to be open to the “gray.” There can be a lot of joy and inspiration in the gray, if you are brave enough to step outside of your safety box.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
In my core, I believe that approaching situations and people with a full heart and kindness is always a solid start. Maybe your ideas or offers will not be well-received or reciprocated, but you will still feel good about your end of it. There is so much wisdom in the adage, “You cannot control what happens to you, but you can choose how you respond.” I think that also applies to how you initiate an interaction. Knowing that you have behaved with generosity and integrity matters more to me than how the experience ultimately unfolds.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When have you had to bet the company?
In the summer of 2024, I moved my family and my design business from Boulder, Colorado back to my hometown of Berkeley, California. The reasons were entirely personal… I wanted to be closer to my parents as they aged and my heart had always been in California. I am definitely an “ocean” person so I felt a little landlocked in Colorado. I was so excited to get home that I didn’t allow myself to really consider what it would mean for my business. I just leaped (or drove, actually.) Of course, that was a little naive and I am still working hard to reestablish my business in the Bay Area. So I am not sure I “bet the company” but I did risk the company. And I am still so happy about that decision!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jenniferrhode.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferrhode/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferrhodedesign
- Other: houzz: https://www.houzz.com/pro/jennifer2341/jennifer-rhode-design
blog: https://www.jenniferrhode.com/blog
Image Credits
Heather Burns, HBK Photography
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