By Colleen Wadeson
Transformation
Pacific blue skies, juniper and sage scented air, seasonal foliage, crystal clear waters, and glowing mountains are tangible expressions of beauty in the natural environment of Central Oregon, inviting locals and visitors alike to BE HERE NOW and embrace the best of life outdoors.
Jessica Merryweather Pollard, visionary founder of Merryweather Home-Gift-Design, continually draws inspiration from the beauty of handcrafted works and the beauty of natural environments. Through her one of a kind boutique in Bend’s historic Box Factory, she offers opportunities to elevate the experiential quality of life indoors. For over 17 years, Jessica has provided exceptional home décor services that have progressively transitioned into artfully curated, onsite design consultations for diverse clientele in the high desert region.
One current client in Bend, Janell Richards, embarked on a new chapter of life in March 2020 and relocated east of the Cascades after a lifetime in the Willamette Valley. Originally intended as an investment rental property, a stark condominium in Northwest Crossing transfigured into a 3D canvas for her reoriented focus toward converting this impersonal place into her home.
When Janell first entered Merryweather several years ago, she was immediately drawn to the bold colors and textures, exquisite fabrics and furnishings, and unique collections; everything seemed so perfectly composed. She was equally impressed with the genuine warmth and care Jessica exemplified as the store owner. Seasons of interactions and indepth conversations unfolded into an extensive two year design project during which Jessica dedicated time and expertise to the revitalization of Janell’s condo.
“Decorating is not about making stage sets… it’s really about creating a quality of life, a beauty that nourishes the soul.”
-Albert Hadley
Early walkthroughs of the condo elicited feelings of utilitarian modernity; the moody gray interior was minimally furnished and punctuated with cold, nondescript fixtures. As a preeminent priority, Jessica recommended brightening things up to maximize a sense of light, enliven the spaces, and evoke feelings of comfort. Through each collaborative phase, Jessica engaged Janell in evaluating what was and what was not working, what was important to retain and what to release. Along with identifying needs and clarifying objectives, these considerations provided a framework for intentional decision making:
| RESPECT OF SPACE | RESPECT OF PROCESS | RESPECT OF FLOW |
| working within limited room sizes, furniture dimensions, functional parameters | restraint in the temptation to start over, replace everything, or fill any area with unnecessary items, customizationin lieu of commercialized trends | preservation of the continuity of spaces, efficiencies, flexibility, and multipurpose uses |
A rich sourcing network of artists and artisans from multifaceted countries and cultures Africa, Europe, Lithuania, Nicaragua, and the United States truly differentiates Jessica’s home décor boutique. Three signature works show cased in Merryweather by nationally recognized mixed media artist, Dolan Geiman, are now central to Janell’s condo transformation. For Janell, each piece resonates deeply with meaning in the complexity of her life story and renaissance in a new place.
CACTUS COUNTRY portrays lightness and cheer within the entryway. An agave in full bloom is encircled by two energetic hummingbirds and an inquisitive jackrabbit; a perception of curiosity rises to a blossoming freedom in this artwork filled with color, texture, and playfulness.
FOOL’S GOLD is a provocative focal point at the top of the staircase, which Jessica and Janell purposefully placed in the second level master suite. This contemporary print features a commanding cowgirl clad in prismatichued western attire and, as Jessica states, “She compels the viewer to stop, look, discover, be inspired.” Within the sombrero, a blue butterfly symbolizes the transformative spirit of the entire project. For both women, Fool’s Gold personifies empowerment and wisdom, a harmonious balance of strength and confidence.
SEPTEMBER EVENING is prominently displayed in the living area. A pair of elk forages amid an aspen grove as golden leaves brilliantly illuminate trees before a mountain moonrise. Janell describes this calm composition as her “happy place;” a reminder of aspens and Western larches magically aglow in autumn along her favorite Shevlin Park trails.
Jessica’s design philosophy is akin to cultivating a personal “topophilia;” she excels in activating a “love of place” and encouraging clients to examine their spaces and love everything in sight. Janell affirms Jessica’s impact in envisioning a personalized and thoughtfully appointed place of repose. With creative tweaks here and there and a few daring additions, an imaginative canvas of materiality has been incorporated throughout. A warm color palette accentuated with interesting patterns and appealing textures now synthesizes all of the spaces into a cohesive whole.
A variety of furniture, textiles, and accessories were provided by Merryweather: a black cabinet grounds the entry and provides necessary extra storage; specialty light fixtures allow for adjustable ambiance; functional and aesthetically pleasing accessories contribute to a dynamic flow of visual unity; a distinctive round dining table with whimsical goat skinned chairs and multipurpose stools offers a perfect place for activities and gatherings.
Art in its essence embodies the power to awaken emotions, inspire ideas, challenge perspectives, and nourish the soul. Through all forms and expressions, art as a medium of storytelling connects us to the depth and breadth of the human experience within ourselves and among each other.
Photography: JD Merryweather, Merryweather Creative
“Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love.”
-Nate Berkus
Piece by piece, layer by layer, Janell Richards embraces her encompassing beauty which symbolically mirrors an inner and outer transformation through a chapter of her living in the “yes”. A rejuvenated interior is not just about furnishings and décor; it’s much more substantial. Beholding all enhancements Jessica was instrumental in shaping, Janell exclaims with gratitude, “It’s like a big hug; I get to live here.” Her home has become a sanctuary reflective of the warmth, energy, color, and life she aspires to embody. The transformation of Janell’s condo is essentially complete and beckons her daily to: GO AND LIVE.
whj PROFILE
