In the world of interior design, few projects can rival the allure and historical significance of reimagining one of Colonial Williamsburg's oldest homes. For designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas, this was the opportunity of a lifetime, and she embraced it with a passion that is both infectious and deeply personal. Her journey with the Nelson-Galt House is a testament to her creativity, respect for history, and unique perspective on design.
Personally, I think that Hillegas' story is truly captivating. Growing up in a 1830s house, she has an innate connection to the past, and her family's involvement in Colonial Williamsburg adds a layer of emotional depth to her work. What makes this particularly fascinating is how she seamlessly blends her personal history with the house's rich heritage, creating a design that feels both timeless and fresh.
The Nelson-Galt House, a simple white frame beauty with a gabled roof and classic dormers, is believed to be the oldest residential dwelling in Colonial Williamsburg and belonged to one family for some 200 years. One of its owners was Thomas Nelson Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Not much has been updated, so I was working with a blank slate, more or less, with lots of stipulations given the historic easements. For instance, no nails in the walls unless a curator places them, no changes to the original structure and woodwork. The gorgeous paneling couldn't be caulked or modified in any way, only painted.
One thing that immediately stands out is the sheer craftsmanship of the house. I often encourage clients to splurge on one or two rim locks, and this house has them on every door! It's a testament to the skill and attention to detail that went into its construction. What many people don't realize is that the house's original owners, like Thomas Nelson Jr., would have had access to the finest craftsmanship of their time, and Hillegas is paying homage to that legacy.
The design process was a delicate balance between honoring the house's history and adding a modern touch. Hillegas focused on the details, using black and white stripes to bring graphic energy to the living room coffee table's chinoiserie patterning. She reupholstered classic seating in less-than-conventional ways, like the sunroom's Chippendale sofa with a roll arm, and designed a tight slipcover with the stripe railroaded horizontally, making it appear more modern than it is.
In the dining room, she wanted a moody, primitive feel, so she painted the ceiling blue and commissioned a crosshatch texture below the chair rail that brings the room to life. The joy of decorating older homes, according to Hillegas, is that the history and patina narrate the story. Whenever she got stuck or wasn't sure how to handle something, she'd just look around at neighboring buildings, and the answer was there, the color stories were there.
The kitchen, for instance, was transformed into a handsome, masculine scullery to complement the rustic dining room. She painted classic Shaker cabinets blue-gray and added local Virginia soapstone countertops and brass hardware, creating a space that felt both functional and elegant. What this really suggests is that design is a bit like Hillegas with this project. We've both come full circle back to Virginia, back to Williamsburg.
The personal touches are what make this project truly special. Hillegas incorporated pieces from her family home, like her great-grandmother's corner cupboard made from Shenandoah Valley pine and the 1820 case clock in the hall. Her sister was the seamstress for several draperies, and her brother made the kitchen's walnut butcher block. It's a family affair that adds a layer of warmth and familiarity to the design.
The result is a home that feels both beautifully familiar and compellingly fresh. It's a perfect blend of old and new, history and modernity, and it's a testament to Hillegas' skill and passion as a designer. From my perspective, this project is a shining example of how interior design can be both a creative endeavor and a respectful tribute to the past.
