History Meets Contemporary Design in Colonial Williamsburg

Designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas brings new life to the historic Nelson-Galt House, the oldest residential building in the community dating back to 1695. As the second Colonial Williamsburg's "Designer in Residence," Heather has been tasked with re-imagining the interior of the 300-year-old home, once owned by Thomas Nelson Jr., Virginia governor and signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Nelson-Galt House in Colonial Williamsburg

Preserving the Past While Giving New Life

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A Virginia native, Hillegas grew up in a Williamsburg-style home not far from the living-history museum. So, when invited for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, she knew it was meant to be. But reviving a 300-year-old historic house has its own challenges and stipulations. For example, no nails in the woodwork, anything applied to the plaster walls had to be installed by a curator, and no changes to the original structure of the home in order to preserve and protect the original history of the residence.

Interior by Heather Chadduck Hillegas for the Colonial Williamsburg's Designer in Residence Program at the Nelson-Galt House.

Photography by David Hillegas

“Being invited, and trusted, to reimagine and decorate one of the nation’s oldest frame homes is truly the coolest project I’ve ever been part of, especially because it’s been a family affair.“

- Heather Chadduck Hillegas

A charming, scullery kitchen

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The designer created a beautiful homage to the old and classic, giving the house a new life with interiors that feel lived-in but still have an air of historical appropriateness. And no other room translates this sentiment more than the kitchen.

The tiny but functional kitchen feels like a charming scullery with native Virginia soapstone and custom-made walnut butcher's block. The brass details add warmth and allure to the original cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore's Palace Pearl from the Williamsburg Collection.

Photography Annie Schlechter. Image courtesy of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Shop Washington Collection

Hillegas uses our Washington Bail Pull and Knob from Sarah Bartholomew's collection for Modern Matter to bestow the kitchen with an early American ambiance, perfectly balancing classic character and modern design. For instance, the paneled dishwasher is adorned with a set of Washington Bail Pull to keep the modern commodities concealed. While the Burnished Brass finish used throughout the cabinetry hardware, lighting, and bridge faucet infuses the interiors with a touch of classic sophistication.

Photography Annie Schlechter. Image courtesy of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation