Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Jennifer Hutton of Durham

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jennifer Hutton. Check out our conversation below.

Jennifer, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
Great question. I think there’s a lot of misconceptions about the difference between a ‘designer’ and a ‘decorator’. They are very different, but both very important. Think of a designer as more technical, formally educated, perhaps certifications or formal affiliations. A decorator may be a stylist, a tastemaker, and likely isn’t providing technical drawings, though he or she may have some level of relevant education.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Currently, I am a one-woman show operating Grau Design Studio, a full service interior design studio in Durham, NC. We have an affiliation with Grau Building Company, though we work separately and independently. My early roots are in kitchen and bath design, though I spent several years working as a project manager on large scale residential construction projects (while also designing them!). This has given me a unique perspective on a project and allows me to more holistically recommend smart solutions, provide timely execution and be conscious of budgets.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I equate power to autonomy and control, and while it may not be THE earliest of memories, my first experiences with self guided decisions included the constant rearranging and redecorating of my childhood bedroom, even from a young age. I had the power to spatially plan the room, select paint colors, decorate as I saw fit with the items at my disposal etc. On some level, I think these exercises helped reinforce my career choice.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Keep redesigning those rooms! It’ll fuel your confidence.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
While I am wearing my ‘professional’ hat, I am more aware, critical and in-tune with spaces around me. When I’m wearing my ‘personal’ hat, there are things I often (purposefully) overlook. For example, if I am in a client’s home I pay much more attention to details like how level the floors are, if the moldings and casings are the same throughout the house etc because it’s my job to be aware of how they can impact a design. If I’m at a friends house, I wouldn’t think twice about whether or not all of the doors are the same or if the flooring changes direction in a funky spot. I’m off duty!

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Working on our house! While our plan is to be in our current home for the foreseeable future, we’re always fixing things and upgrading them to give us the highest resale value when the time comes to sell. It’s a labor of love for sure.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.graudesign.studio/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grau_design_studio/

Image Credits
Sarah Martin