Polished & Poised

A Kimo Minton painting from TEW Galleries hangs above an authentic Duncan Phyfe card table in the music room of designer Caroline Willis’ personal home. Above the sofa, a painting by Sally King Benedict presides over a white French chair, originally belonging to Willis’ grandmother.

To align better with the architecture, Willis replaced the travertine floor in the foyer with black and white marble tiles to create a more formal and classical aesthetic.

An English Regency writing desk is framed by formal draperies and offers a peaceful view to the garden. Willis was inspired by renowned designer Dan Carithers to collect creamware—decorating the desk with pieces from Garry Atkins.

The living room is a study in old and new. Anchored by an Oushak rug from Keivan Woven Arts, the space features tufted chairs from Willis’ grandmother that are upholstered in Highland Court fabric. A contemporary painting by Kimo Minton counters the chinoiserie-inspired table from Rose Tarlow through Jerry Pair.

Willis purchased the breakfast table from the former owners who had it custom-designed for the space. The bell glass chandelier is crafted by Vaughan Designs through Ainsworth-Noah; the chairs are by Lee Industries.

Willis and her husband couldn’t turn down a photograph by fellow UVA alumnus Landon Nordeman that they found at Spalding Nix Gallery. The disappearing subject provides an infusion of yellow into the otherwise serene white space.

When Willis discovered that the dining room chandelier was almost exactly like the one in her old house, and that her dining room furniture would fit perfectly, she knew this was the right home. The antique gilt mirrors, dining table and sideboard combine with klismos chairs and a chest to create a timeless tableau ideal for entertaining.

When Willis discovered that the dining room chandelier was almost exactly like the one in her old house, and that her dining room furniture would fit perfectly, she knew this was the right home. The antique gilt mirrors, dining table and sideboard combine with klismos chairs and a chest to create a timeless tableau ideal for entertaining.

Period American Classical chairs surround the table in the family room where a painting of the Eastern Shore of Maryland by Robert Vick establishes a peaceful corner.

Walls of windows create an airy reprieve in the family room. A pair of chairs from Lee Industries covered in Cowtan & Tout fabric mixes with pieces from Bungalow Classic.

Delicate tones and antique furniture create an elegant ambiance in a bedroom. “Dan Carithers always told me that queen beds are so much prettier than king beds, so that’s what we’ve always had,” says Willis, a former protégé of the renowned designer.

The white marble master bathroom feels timeless and classic.

Willis’ daughters each have a room that includes a bit of family history, yet they are rooms the girls can continue to grow into as teenagers. The white iron bed was Willis’ when she was a child while the ceiling fixture from Serena & Lily adds a touch of modern flair.

Willis’ upstairs office is drenched with sunlight. Draperies crafted from Schumacher fabric frame both the views and a painting by Michele James.

Willis’ husband plays the piano, guitar and drums. His Les Paul guitar sits near the signed Beatles album that was given to him by his in-laws. Brunschwig & Fils fabric on the chair and pillows gives a pop to his moody charcoal office.

Rarely do life changes segue seamlessly, but when designer Caroline Willis decided to move during the pandemic, the process was a study in serendipity. The stately 1930s home that she and her family had occupied for more than a decade was in need of a significant renovation in the kitchen and bathrooms. Facing the disruption of overhauling her home, Willis decided to look at options on the market. 

When she went to preview a new listing near her house, she was certain her family could get the space they needed while remaining in their existing neighborhood. “From the moment we walked in, we knew it was the perfect home for our family,” says Willis. 

As she toured the house, something familiar struck a chord. “I recognized many of the upholstery pieces, and soon realized that the owner is a furniture representative I know,” says Willis. The new breakfast room table and family room sofa worked so beautifully in the house, as well as with Willis’ existing pieces, that she purchased those with the home. 

The kitchen, bathrooms and hardwood floors were in pristine condition, and the gracious room sizes and well-proportioned architectural details provided the ideal backdrop for Willis’ collection of fine art and furniture. Mike Hammersmith worked quickly to accommodate changing the existing limestone foyer floor to black and white marble so that the home feels timeless and classic from the moment one enters.

Willis curated furniture spanning centuries and continents so that every piece is appropriate for its place. From a stunning American Duncan Phyfe console table, to a sprinkling of English and French antiques, to contemporary upholstery, the house feels refined and elegant, yet approachable and comfortable for the young family. Works by noted contemporary artists including Sally King Benedict, Kimo Minton and Edy Gosselin offer a cultivated edge that balances the traditional furniture. 

The house has multiple living areas, but the blue music room is a family favorite. Willis’ husband is an accomplished pianist who’s frequently found playing classical pieces on the grand piano. However, when he retreats to his office, he might pick up his Les Paul guitar or play a rock ’n’ roll set on his new drums—another purchase from the former owners. 

“Not only was it incredible to find this gorgeous home during the pandemic, but it’s amazing that all of our furniture, draperies and rugs fit so beautifully—it really is the perfect home for us,” says Willis. Finding perfection during the pandemic has been difficult, but this family found their flawless forever home—just around the corner.

INTERIOR DESIGN Caroline Willis, Caroline Willis Interiors, (404) 861-1239; carolinewillisinteriors.com