Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachelle Dutton.
Hi Rachelle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
“So, how did Dutton + Co. Design begin?”
Honestly, it started long before I ever realized it. Growing up, I watched my mom — who was a designer for a local furniture store — transform ordinary rooms into beautiful, welcoming spaces that just felt like home. I was her little sidekick, tagging along to paint and wallpaper stores, tile shops, and furniture showrooms, soaking up every color and texture. I used to spend hours flipping through Better Homes & Gardens magazines, sketching floor plans, and dreaming about the homes I’d design one day.
But life took me on a few different paths before I got here. I spent years in ministry — leading teams, serving families, and helping create spaces that made people feel seen, safe, and cared for. Looking back, I realize those years shaped how I see design today. It’s never just about how a space looks; it’s about how it feels and how it connects people.
Over time — really, over the last twenty years — I started helping friends stage and sell their homes, and one project led to another. I also had the chance to work on some really fun commercial projects — coffee shops, daycare centers, churches, and even a few office spaces. My best friend had been telling me for years that I needed to do design full-time, but I kept running from it.
Then one day, the stars aligned. I had the chance to jump in on some incredible staging projects with her, and something in me just lit up. I knew this was what I was meant to do. From that moment on, I never looked back.
Now, Dutton + Co. Design is this beautiful blend of everything I’ve always loved — creativity, connection, and purpose. Every project feels like a little piece of my mom’s legacy and my own story coming together — helping people create spaces that feel like home, bringing beauty, joy, and calm into their everyday lives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not exactly! Like most creative journeys, it’s had its share of challenges and learning curves. There have been seasons of growth, plenty of trial and error, and moments where I had to remind myself why I started in the first place.
When I transitioned from ministry into design full-time, it was both exciting and intimidating. I had to learn the business side of things — how to price my work, set boundaries, and manage projects while balancing family life. There were times I said yes to too much or tried to do everything on my own, but each challenge taught me something valuable.
Looking back, those early struggles helped shape the business into what it is today. They taught me resilience, creativity under pressure, and the importance of building a brand rooted in purpose. Dutton + Co. Design isn’t just about creating beautiful spaces — it’s about creating environments that feel peaceful, intentional, and uniquely you.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Dutton + Co. Design, I specialize in creating spaces that feel both elevated and lived in — where beauty meets comfort, and every detail has purpose. My work blends interior design and home staging, which allows me to help clients in all seasons — whether they’re preparing to sell a home, remodeling a space, or simply wanting to fall in love with their home again.
I’ve had the opportunity to be part of some incredible projects over the years — including staging one of the most expensive homes in Kent County. And just recently, we staged a historic home with a real-life speakeasy from the Prohibition era. That’s one of the things I love most about this work — you never know what story or space you’ll step into next.
What truly sets Dutton + Co. Design apart is heart and intentionality. I take time to really listen — to understand how clients live, what they love, and how they want their home to feel. Every project is a collaboration, and my goal is always to create spaces that feel peaceful, meaningful, and uniquely theirs.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I love beauty in all its forms — the kind that shows up in everyday moments. Fresh bread in a basket, sunshine spilling across the kitchen, and music floating through the house while I dance with my kids. I love hearing children laugh, sitting by a fire with family and friends, and teaching my daughters how to bake. Those are the sounds and moments that fill our home — warmth, laughter, and love.
I love capturing life as it happens — taking videos and pictures and sharing my journey with people. There’s something sacred about freezing a small, ordinary moment and realizing it’s actually extraordinary.
I love nature — the stillness of the lake, the sound of the wind, the feel of the earth beneath my feet. If you know me, you know I’m a little quirky. I’d rather be barefoot than wear shoes, even in the middle of winter. I don’t mind feeling the snow under my feet. Being outside grounds me and reminds me how simple and good life really is.
I love a home that tells a story. Ours is filled with beach hats by the door, old furniture from family and friends, and little trinkets from our travels — each one a reminder of where we’ve been and who we’ve loved along the way. I even collect rocks from adventures around the country; they remind me that the world is full of wonder if you just slow down enough to see it.
I love design — not as a job, but as a way of life. I see beauty in a stone, in driftwood washed up on the beach, in the colors of the sky. To me, design is about creating spaces that hold warmth, laughter, and connection — homes that feel like a deep breath.
That’s what I love most: finding beauty in the everyday and helping others see it too. 🌿
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.duttonandcodesign.com
- Instagram: duttonandcodesign
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560573952671
