As the second ever WILLIAMSBURG Designer in Residence, interior designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas was tasked with transforming the interiors of the historic Nelson-Galt House (1695), the oldest residential dwelling in Colonial Williamsburg. Tag along to Virginia for a behind the scenes visit with Heather to see how she infused new life into this historic home.
A native of Virginia, Heather frequented visited Colonial Williamsburg on many occasions with her family, offering a lifelong source of inspiration. Her role as WILLIAMSBURG Designer in Residence was a dream full-circle moment!
Working with many of the WILLIAMSBURG products, from colors in the Williamsburg Paint Color Collection by Benjamin Moore, such as the glamorous Apollo Blue below in the study, to Schumacher fabrics, Paul Montgomery wall coverings, Spicher floor cloths, Adelphi Paper Hangings and many more, Heather has brilliantly shown how products inspired by the 18th century can feel fresh, appealing and comfortable for 21st century living.
Working with such a historic house came with its challenges and Heather found many inventive solutions to work around the historic easements, such as the brass picture rails in the living room to hang artwork.
But she also incorporated dramatic decorative elements to the rooms such as the canopied daybed in the study, shown several photos above, or the blue bedroom, below, where the entire room is swathed in a new Schumacher pattern, Lafayette Botanical, with grosgrain trim outlining the eaves and angles.
Not only did Heather create a beautiful livable home but the project was completed entirely during COVID – a feat not to be minimized. It is a testament to Heather’s design skills and her lifelong love of Williamsburg that the Nelson Galt house both honors its heritage and is such a fresh interpretation of history for modern living today.
And a big thank you to video sponsors Spicher and Company, their stylish floorcloth in the kitchen, above, and Paul Montgomery/The Mural Source, whose murals in the living, below, and dining rooms added so much beauty and authenticity.
All photos by Stacey Bewkes for Quintesence
