Welcome to “Living by Design,” a series of insightful interviews with interior designers inviting us to delve into their journeys, styles, and inspirations. Through intimate questions, these visionaries share their insights, challenges, and triumphs, offering readers a glimpse into the artistry and thoughtfulness that shapes their work.

Join us as we discover the musings that define the essence of living by design.

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Jenna Maenhout is the CEO, principal designer, and visionary behind Styled Out West, a boutique residential design studio based in the Seattle/Tacoma area, offering a full range of interior design services, from remodels to new builds, complete furnishing, and true-to-you styling. 

With a background in fashion as a former associate buyer for Nordstrom, Jenna’s journey from lifestyle blogger to interior designer was a natural evolution sparked by her own home renovation. Since founding Styled Out West in 2017, she has built a thriving community around parenting, wellness, and helping busy families and individuals create harmony at home.

1. How would you describe your design style in three words or less?

Bright, airy, inviting

2. Where is home for you? What do you love most about it?

I grew up in Northern California but my grandparents lived in San Diego so I spent a lot of time there — it’s where my love for the beach comes from. When I was 10, we moved to the Pacific Northwest and grew up in a small coastal town called Gig Harbor. We reside in Seattle now, but we are actually moving back home in 2025, which feels surreal since I always imagined raising my kids there. 

3. What past experiences have shaped your style?

I used to work for Nordstrom as an assistant buyer for years before I decided to become an interior designer. My love for style and fashion started at a young age, and I think when you have an eye for style that can translate into so many things. Especially your home.

4. What led you on the path of starting your own business?

I had my first daughter in 2016 and decided not to return to the corporate world. I had already been blogging and decide to take my blog to the next level and share my journey as a first-time mom. I was so inspired by the idea of being my own boss and setting my own schedule.

5. When it comes to your work, what brings you the most contentment and fulfillment?

Connecting with my clients in real-life is my favorite part. The connection we make and the journey we take together (I get to know them and their families on such a personal level) is my absolute favorite part of the job.

6. Could you share your top 3 sources for inspiration?

Pinterest is #1. Instagram (I love to follow like accounts and scroll the explore page), Magazines/catalogs, yes I still look at those! LOL.

7. What elements do you believe every thoughtfully designed home must possess?

Natural elements to bring in texture and an organic element.
Natural light because nothing can replace natural light.
Warm and inviting colors and spaces (this is done with careful furniture planning and good styling).
Good storage! We help mostly families, and you can’t maintain a beautiful design without adequate storage. We always source functional furniture pieces or recommend custom built-ins.

8. What’s the best interior design advice you’ve ever received?

You’re not just selling furniture, you’re selling a lifestyle. This always stuck with me. When we work with our clients, we are doing so much more than just designing — we are improving their everyday lives and they way they live.

9. And the best business advice you’ve ever received?

You can’t run a business without processes. We learned this the hard way at first when I just started saying yes to everyone. After carefully reviewing our processes and service menu with a professional, our business took off. We now pride ourselves in our organization and how we treat each project with a thorough 6-part process that involves more steps than you’d like to know!

10. What’s one thing you wish clients knew about you or your process before starting a project?

That we truly take care of everything. A lot of times they just see the $$ on the proposal but don’t realize or appreciate how much actually goes into each and every one of our services. It usually isn’t until they start working with us that they realize how valuable this service is and how we pride ourselves in taking care of every single detail so they can sit back and enjoy a comfortable and fun process.

11. Name some Instagram accounts that you find enjoyable to follow.

@studiomcgee, yours!, @tatianasoash (she is so inspiring), @workyourcloset

12. If you had to choose, what’s your favourite colour scheme/palette to work with?

I like neutrals, but I also love different shades of blue (anything reminiscent of the ocean, which is our biggest inspiration), muted greens, mauves/rust, etc.

13. What are you working on at the moment?

At the moment, my biggest project is the new home we are building! We just bought 1.5 acres in our hometown of Gig Harbor, WA, and we are building a new home for our family. Having lived in the city since 2008, we have longed for more space for our two small kids for a while, so this is a dream come true!

14. What do you do outside of work to design a life you’re proud of? What brings you the most joy?

I am very dedicated to my wellness and self-care. I go to the gym 4-5 times a week (and always do the sauna after my workouts — I am obsessed), I take time everyday to journal and read at least a few pages of a self discovery book. I dedicate time in my schedule to spend quality time with my family and we try to travel at least 3 times a year (Seattle can be very depressing during Winter/Spring when it’s gray and gloomy so we try to travel to sunny destinations as much as we can).

Take Ten Fast Favourites

Design Book:

Pacific Natural by Jenni Kayne

Travel Destination:

The Amalfi Coast has been my favorite place I’ve traveled to so far

Signature Scent:

COCO MADEMOISELLE Eau de Parfum

Family Tradition:

We go to an amazing lake that is about 3 hours from our house called Lake Chelan every Summer. Our kids love it and so do we. It’s beautiful there!

Quote/Motto:

Live your dream.

Pattern or Solid:

Both! But a pattern should always be accompanied by a solid.

Design Trend You Think Will Last:

Organic Modern – it’s timeless

Shop:

Lulu & Georgia is my all time fave

Room In Your Home:

Living Room – it’s the first room you see and where we gather the most

Wardrobe Staple:

A layer. Denim jacket, leather jacket, cardigan. In Seattle, we have to layer because the weather is bi-polar 😉

Latest Purchase You’re Loving:

My Chloe Woody Tote bag. It’s my work bag and fits so much and it’s a classic style.

Explore Jenna’s work on her website and Instagram. 
All photos by Shelly Borga of Dakota & Co.