When Danielle and her husband Nick shared a listing for their beautifully restored Church Hill home, we couldn’t resist visiting in person to capture every detail. They purchased the house in 2003 in rough condition and, working with the Better Housing Coalition, spent two years renovating it before moving in in 2005. The property dates back to at least 1855 (it may have been rebuilt after 1865), so it required a thoughtful restoration to preserve its historic character while making it livable for a young family.
The entrance makes a strong first impression. A stately foyer is highlighted by a classic Restoration Hardware light fixture and elegant transom windows above the double doors, letting in soft natural light that sets a welcoming tone for the rest of the home.
Danielle found a stunning mirror on clearance and repaired a small missing mirrored disk, pairing it with a vibrant green cabinet she discovered at a local thrift store. She painted the cabinet Palmetto by Martha Stewart and added an antique glaze for depth. This entry vignette is a smart example of budget-conscious, high-impact interior design.
The living room features cheerful yellow accents that brighten the space. Eye-catching elements include a sale side table and dramatic floor-to-ceiling curtain panels that give the room both warmth and scale.
The kitchen blends Parisian charm with practical family-friendly details: granite counters that look like marble, ornate wooden brackets, a classic subway tile backsplash, and metal stools that are easy to clean. Danielle stitched together two runners with rug tape to create a custom-sized kitchen mat—an inventive, budget-friendly solution.
Her deep double sink and vintage-style faucet complement the kitchen’s aesthetic while remaining practical for busy family life. A large bulletin board displays the boys’ artwork, turning everyday creations into an ever-changing, personal gallery. An industrial pendant light above the sink adds a modern contrast to the classic details.
The playroom, adjacent to the kitchen, showcases wall-to-wall seagrass carpet topped with a patterned area rug for texture and durability. Sleek white bookshelves provide abundant storage for toys, books, and magazines, keeping the room tidy and functional for family life.
In the playroom a grid of vintage plane prints holds special meaning: Danielle’s grandfather was a Navy pilot, and her husband surprised her with this thoughtful collection. Personal touches like these bring emotional depth to the décor and celebrate family history.
Upstairs the house offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus the occasional visit from a friendly family dog. One charming corner displays a cabinet with family keepsakes—ultrasound photos, inked baby footprints, wedding photos and portraits—arranged with black and white frames and a bold black lamp for contrast. This small gallery turns sentimental items into a stylish focal point.
The hall bathroom features floor-to-ceiling subway tile that cleverly conceals wall imperfections uncovered during renovation. The mirror hung in front of the tile creates a layered, unexpected look, and even a non-working fireplace mantel provides an elegant architectural detail uncommon in bathrooms.
In the master bedroom, breezy gray-blue curtains and a printed headboard create a calm, welcoming retreat. Danielle sourced the headboard slipcover and lamps from a mix of sales and online finds, demonstrating how thoughtful sourcing can refine a room’s look without overspending.
The boys’ bedroom includes a denim-and-nailhead headboard and a bright orange patterned rug for playful contrast. A planet mobile and bold Greek-key curtains add graphic interest while keeping the room age-appropriate and fun. A long Ikea dresser provides plenty of storage topped by a beloved driftwood lamp and a small owl ornament placed there by Danielle’s mom—little touches that make a house feel like home.
The guest bedroom is equally inviting, with bold green curtains, scroll artwork, and a compact West Elm desk creating a cozy, stylish corner for visitors. Throughout the house, Danielle and Nick balance vintage charm with contemporary functionality—proof that historic homes can be both beautiful and practical for modern family life.
Nick and Danielle are moving to Bon Air for school reasons now that their boys are older, but their Church Hill home remains a lovingly restored example of historic renovation and thoughtful interior design. We’re grateful they let us photograph their space and share these creative ideas—now tell us: which detail is your favorite? The plane prints, the paired runners in the kitchen, the pops of yellow in the living room, or something else entirely?
