One of my bucket list trips is to visit Colonial Williamsburg – so much history and also American design style! One of their relatively recent innovations has been to create the Designer in Residence program (they actually live in these homes for a period) starting in 2019 with Tony Baratta and then in 2022 with Heather Chadduck Hillegas.
Each designer was assigned a home to decorate in their classic American design styles.
American Style: Colonial Williamsburg Palmer House Designer in Residence Anthony Baratta
You can see more images of this classic American style project here and in this video with Susanna Salk from Quintessence.
These images above were inspiration for my Colorful Cape Cod project:
American Style: Colonial Williamsburg Palmer House Designer in Residence Heather Chadduck Hillegas
You can see more images of this classic American style project here and here and in this video with Susanna Salk from Quintessence.
My Georgian dollhouse design was not inspired by Heather’s design above – but there sure are a lot of similarities!
And speaking of dollhouses and American Style – while I am still hip-deep in the building of my dollhouse beach house Summer’s End – I am of course planning for future projects and have decided that American Style with inspirations from Colonial Williamsburg, Anthony Baratta and Heather Chadduck Hillegas.
This is the dollhouse – which was given to me by a friend when I started posting about doing dollhouses. It needs some renovating but is structurally sound. This is a 1:12 scale house (meaning 1IN = 1FT). The Georgian Dollhouse above is 1:24 scale (1/2IN = 1 FT). So while this dollhouse is pretty identical in layout and style to the Georgian Dollhouse it is double the size. Currently it’s being used a storage space – I may need to rent out a storage facility!
To achieve a traditional American style inspired by interior designers Anthony Baratta and Heather Chadduck, and inspired by Colonial Williamsburg, consider these points:
- Classic Architectural Details: Incorporate architectural elements reminiscent of Colonial Williamsburg, such as crown molding, wainscoting, and paneled doors. These features add elegance and historical charm to your space, providing a timeless backdrop for American style.
- Bold Color Choices: Embrace bold color choices inspired by Anthony Baratta’s vibrant and eclectic style. Consider incorporating rich hues like cobalt blue, emerald green, and crimson red to infuse your space with personality and sophistication. Balance these bold colors with neutral accents to create a harmonious yet striking aesthetic.
- Mix of Patterns and Textures: Experiment with a mix of patterns and textures to add visual interest and dimension to your interiors, much like Heather Chadduck’s layered and eclectic approach. Combine floral prints, stripes, plaids, and geometric patterns in complementary colors to create a dynamic and inviting space. Incorporate luxurious textures such as velvet, silk, and embroidered fabrics for added depth and richness.
- Antique and Vintage Finds: Integrate antique and vintage furnishings and accessories to evoke the historic charm of Colonial Williamsburg. Look for pieces with intricate detailing, such as ornate mirrors, Chippendale chairs, and Queen Anne tables, to add character and sophistication to your space. Mix these timeless treasures with modern accents for a curated and eclectic look.
- Attention to Detail: Pay attention to the details to achieve a polished and upscale aesthetic. Invest in high-quality materials and finishes for furnishings, fixtures, and accessories. Opt for fine craftsmanship, such as hand-carved woodwork and hand-painted finishes, to elevate the overall look of your interior design. Incorporate luxurious accents like crystal chandeliers, brass hardware, and gilded mirrors to add a touch of glamour and refinement to your space.
By combining these elements, you can create and American style that pays homage to the history of Colonial Williamsburg while incorporating the bold and eclectic influences of designers like Anthony Baratta and Heather Chadduck.
If you like this you may also like:
Nathaniel Winsor Jr. House – Duxbury MA
Beauport – The Sleeper McCann House
The Colonial Williamsburg Designers in Residence program sounds like an incredible opportunity for both designers and enthusiasts alike to explore and celebrate our rich design heritage. Thank you for sharing this fascinating glimpse into the world of historical design
What a fun post – I had no idea of such a program. And the Quintessence video tours are always great too. I’m excited for your next American style dollhouse project…it’s going to be fabulous!
What an extraordinary program!! And I’m so glad you had your eye on it and were able to participate…these photos are breathtaking!
Linda – this was a fun post to read and I can’t wait to see your next dollhouse that you decorate in this style.
Thanks for surfacing all the great images that helped us see this classic, historic American style.