January Journal: Where We’ve Been & Where We’re Going
Where We Started (2017)
Dwelling Place Interiors was founded on the belief that a home should tell a story—the story of the people who live there.
Principal Designer Rochelle Grass began her career in interior design over 20 years ago, earning a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and later a Master’s degree in Communication. Her background in both design and storytelling uniquely shaped her approach: listening closely, understanding how people live, and translating those insights into thoughtful, enduring spaces.
DPI was established to serve clients who value beauty, intention, and clarity—clients who are building, remodeling, or furnishing homes they plan to love for years to come. From the beginning, the studio has focused on high-touch service, clear processes, and deep collaboration with clients, builders, and trades.
As the firm grew, so did its philosophy. DPI does not design from a signature style; instead, each project begins with a concept phase that aligns the team, the client, and the vision. Every plan is carefully developed through detailed layouts, elevations, finish selections, and design maps so clients can move forward with confidence.
Today, Dwelling Place Interiors is a boutique, full-service design studio serving coastal North Carolina, specializing in new construction, remodels, and full-home furnishings. The studio intentionally takes on a limited number of projects at a time to ensure excellence, attention to detail, and meaningful relationships.
At its heart, DPI exists to create homes that feel personal, livable, and lasting—homes that reflect not just good design, but a life well lived.
Where We’ve Been (2025)
This past year has looked a little different from what many might expect. While we haven’t shared as many finished installations recently, that’s because much of our time has been spent in the quiet, behind-the-scenes work of new construction — the kind that requires patience, planning, and a deep commitment to getting things right from the very beginning.
We’ve been walking alongside clients as their homes take shape from the ground up — collaborating with builders, selecting materials, refining layouts, and making countless decisions that won’t fully reveal themselves until the final pieces are in place. These projects are slower by nature, but they’re also some of the most meaningful. They allow us to shape homes with intention from the earliest stages, ensuring that every detail supports the way our clients truly live.
As these homes near completion this spring, we’re so excited to begin sharing the finished stories with you. For now, we’re offering a glimpse behind the scenes — progress photos that reflect the thoughtful, layered process of creating homes that are built to last.
Where We’re Going
As we look ahead, 2026 feels full of momentum, clarity, and growth — the kind that’s steady and sustainable.
One of the most exciting changes ahead is welcoming Laken into a full-time role this May. Many of you already know her from behind the scenes, and we’re thrilled to see her step more fully into her strengths. Laken brings creativity, precision, and a thoughtful eye to every project, and her expanded role will allow us to serve our clients with even greater care and efficiency.
We’re also looking forward to:
- Seeing several long-term projects come to life this spring
- Continuing to refine our process so it feels seamless and supportive
- Deepening relationships with builders, trades, and artisans we love working alongside
- Creating space for more storytelling — not just finished rooms, but the why behind them
This season is less about rushing forward and more about building well, with intention and integrity guiding each step.
Our Team Goals for the Year Ahead
At Dwelling Place Interiors, growth isn’t just measured in projects completed — it’s also about how we work together and how we care for one another along the way.
Here are a few of our shared goals for the year:
- To work with clarity and confidence, honoring each person’s role and strengths
- To protect creativity by building rhythms that allow for focus and rest
- To communicate well, both internally and with our clients
- To continue learning, refining our craft, and growing in excellence
- To create homes that tell meaningful stories, not just beautiful spaces
We believe that when our team is supported and aligned, our work becomes richer — and our clients feel that difference.
Additionally, we had each team member share something they’re thankful for from 2025, and a personal and professional goal they had for 2026:
For Rochelle Grass, our head designer, 2025 was a year she’s deeply thankful for. She had the privilege of working with some wonderful clients on large-scale projects, many of them from the earliest blueprint stages all the way to the final throw pillows. Guiding clients through the building process — from big decisions to small details — is truly her sweet spot, and she’s grateful for the trust our clients place in her and the team. Her professional goal for 2026 is to care well for our employees and keep DPI a fun, supportive, and rewarding place to work. Her personal goal is as her kids grow up and begin stepping into new seasons, to be aware of how precious this time is. This spring, she’ll be teaching a high school drama class at her daughter’s school. Maycee is a sophomore and loves the world of theatre, so sharing this experience together feels like a gift. Years ago, she earned a master’s degree in drama — and if you’re curious, you can click here to watch her one-woman show portraying a Dutch resistance worker during World War II.
Christie Pope, our operations manager, is thankful for her family, health, and the opportunity to grow in my job this past year. Her personal goal in 2026 is to exercise more, and her professional goal is to master our internal processes and take the lead in managing them to ensure seamless day-to-day operations.
Laken Callahan, our junior designer, is thankful for the many blessings, new opportunities, and new beginnings of 2025. She’s incredibly grateful for the doors that were opened and the experiences that helped her learn and grow in meaningful ways. As she looks ahead to 2026, her professional goal is to continue building confidence in my work by expanding my industry knowledge and becoming more well-rounded in my role. On a personal level, her goal is to live more intentionally by exploring new hobbies and making time for activities that support a balanced and fulfilling life.
Carson Grass, our creative production assistant, is grateful for the many new things in his life that started in 2025. He’s grown in many ways during his first college semester, and is embracing this season of his life. His personal goal is to read more books this year, and his professional goal is to continue to develop his resume and portfolio and learn to apply himself in a variety of fields.
In Our Community
As always, we love highlighting the people and places that inspire us. This month, we’re sharing The ArtWorks upcoming show “The Grace of All Living Things”. This local gallery showcases and sells fine art created by local artists. This show features “Artwork inspired by the beauty and spirit of life in every form”, and specifically is showcasing wildlife artists of the Carolinas. The ArtWorks is located at 200 Willard Street, and the Exhibition opens January 18th, and runs through March 8th. For more information, visit The ArtWorks website.
Looking Ahead
As we step into this new year, we’re filled with gratitude — for our clients, our partners, and the trust you place in us. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your story.
Here’s to a year of thoughtful design, meaningful connection, and homes that truly reflect the people who live in them.
With gratitude,
Rochelle & the Dwelling Place Interiors Team
CATEGORY
1/06/2026
COMMENTS