When I first stepped into the Nelson-Galt House, it felt like destiny. This simple yet elegant white-framed home, with its gabled roof and classic dormers, has a rich history dating back to 1695. As the Williamsburg Designer in Residence, I was honored to be entrusted with the task of bringing new life to one of Colonial Williamsburg's oldest treasures.
What makes this project truly special is the deep personal connection I have to the region. Growing up in Martinsville, Virginia, not far from Williamsburg, I was immersed in a world of historic homes and early American craftsmanship. My father, an apprentice at Williamsburg before college, even built me a dollhouse inspired by these iconic homes, complete with cedar shake and Chippendale railings. My mother's needlepointed rugs added a touch of homely charm.
The Nelson-Galt House, owned by the same family for over 200 years, including Thomas Nelson Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence, presented a unique challenge. With strict historic easements in place, I had to work within certain boundaries while breathing new life into the space. No nails in the walls, no changes to the original structure, and the gorgeous paneling could only be painted - a true decorator's dream and nightmare rolled into one.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this project was the opportunity to work with Benjamin Moore's Williamsburg Paint Color Collection. Inspired by artifacts from throughout the city, this collection offered a rich palette of 144 colors, each with its own story. From the subtle chinoiserie design on the parlor's mural wallcovering to the Dandridge Damask fabric inspired by Martha Dandridge Custis Washington's silk gown, every detail had a historical connection.
My family played a significant role in this project. My father, always generous with his antiques, loaned me precious pieces like my great-grandmother's corner cupboard and an 1820 case clock with a Civil War-era story. My sister's sewing skills were put to good use, creating draperies, and my brother crafted a walnut butcher block for the kitchen. It was a true family affair, bringing together generations of craftsmanship and love.
The challenge was to create a fresh and compelling space while respecting the home's historic charm. I focused on details, adding graphic energy with black and white stripes on the living room coffee table and ikat slipcovers. I reupholstered classic seating in unexpected ways, giving a modern twist to traditional pieces. In the dining room, I aimed for a moody, primitive feel, painting the ceiling blue and adding a crosshatch texture below the chair rail.
What I love about decorating older homes is the way the history and patina tell a story. Here, the neighboring buildings provided inspiration and guidance. The color stories and design elements were all around, waiting to be discovered and brought to life.
I wanted the kitchen to feel like a handsome, masculine scullery, complementing the rustic dining room. Classic Shaker cabinets were painted blue-gray, and local Virginia soapstone countertops added a touch of elegance. The brass hardware, a nod to early American design, tied the space together.
This project taught me so much about the evolution of design. Many of the details and trends we see in modern decorating can be traced back to Williamsburg - the way we dress beds, the popularity of patterned wallpapers and upholstery, and the resurgence of wall murals. It's a full-circle moment for me, returning to my roots in Virginia and contributing to the rich design heritage of Williamsburg.
In the end, it's the details that make a house a home. And in the Nelson-Galt House, every detail tells a story, connecting the past with the present in a beautiful, harmonious way.
