Jennifer Holmes, the blogger behind Dear Lillie, moved into this Williamsburg, Virginia, townhouse along with her loved ones nearly four decades ago when an opportunity arose for her husband to coach at William and Mary College. In her signature style, Holmes transformed the simple home into a stylish home that matches the traditional appearance of historic Williamsburg. “We invest a great deal of time in Colonial Williamsburg. It has been a fantastic place to raise a family,” she says.
Who lives here: Jennifer and Jon Holmes and both brothers
Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
Size: 1,800 square feet
That’s interesting: Colonial Williamsburg includes 88 original 18-century structures.
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The house was built in 2008, and Holmes of course wanted to personalize the new area; she has chronicled her home decorating projects on her blog. However, the palette was retained neutral. “It seems peaceful even in the middle of chaos,” Holmes says.
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She describes her style as “Traditional with a twist. I like to mix antiques with more comfortable current pieces.” Her classic spinning wheel is at home alongside her new wingback chairs and animal-print storage ottoman, which is perfect for hiding her brothers’ toys.
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The family room and kitchen are open to each other, giving the house a spacious feel. “Initially I was not a lover of this floor plan,” Holmes says. “I prefer older homes with small romantic rooms. However, with two little ones it’s proven to be fantastic.”
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Holmes lately added a chalkboard panel into the kitchen island for her girls to scribble on.
Wood pedestal and dome: Pottery Barn; stools: JCPenney
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Simple storage places an often overlooked area to good use.
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The arched door highlights the perspective from the dining area into the living area.
Holmes likes to store at a Williamsburg store called Savvy in Williamsburg, but also buys her house products at Target, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware and Ballard Designs.
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Kitchen cupboard paint: Ballet White, Benjamin Moore
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The dining area is one of the family’s favorite rooms in the house. It is where they discuss meals and entertain.
Sideboard: Antique Mall in South Carolina; chandelier: Savvy; mirror: Restoration Hardware; mini glass domes: Pottery Barn; wall paint: Ashley Gray, Benjamin Moore
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Holmes enjoys her house to have a natural and organic feel. She brings in the outside with greenery, branches, moss and fresh flowers.
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A faux mantel adds personality to a blank wall in her living area, while the mirrored chest adds a little glam.
When Holmes visits her hometown of Wilton, New Hampshire, she likes to search for smaller accessories at White Home Collections.
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Holmes created the slipcover for the ottoman.
Couch: Lee Industries; lamp: Aiden Gray; mirrored torso: Haynes Furniture; mirror: Restoration Hardware; stenciled pail: White Home Collections; pillows: Dear Lillie; basket: Savvy
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The nursery is just another favorite area, filled with personal touches Holmes has generated.
Wall paint: Alexandria Beige, Benjamin Moore; lamp colour: produced by Holmes; bedding and pillows: Dear Lillie
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From the master bedroom, Holmes couldn’t find curtains she adored, so she painted stripes on some plain panels.
Bedding: Target, JC Penney, and Kohl’s; headboard: Hayneedle; side table: Pier 1; wall paint: Kendall Charcoal, Benjamin Moore
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The back porch adds to the house’s livable space. Outfitted with a daybed and a dining set, it is used as an outside area in warm weather.
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On the porch, Homes mixes branches and greenery with antiques and locates out of Target.
Daybed: produced from 2 classic headboards; pillows: Dear Lillie; tablecloth, pitcher, blue plates: Goal; white plates: Pier 1; seats: Antique Mall; armoire: Penelope’s
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