A Cozy 1915 Craftsman in Roanoke Has Great Built-Ins and Vintage Knick-Knacks to Fill Them

Name: Kelley James, husband, Brady, and a dog and cat
Location: Roanoke, Virginia
Type of home: Craftsman built in 1915
Size: 2,880 square feet
Years lived in: 6 months, owned

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I have always dreamed of living in an older home and immediately fell in love with this historic Craftsman. My husband woke up at 3 a.m. to drive to Roanoke to tour the home and put an offer on it. We immediately knew this was the place for us. It’s on a quiet, tree-lined street and has a massive front porch. This home has been well cared for over the years, and we knew we wanted to honor the historic charm while also putting our own touch on it. We see ourselves as the new, proud caretakers of this 107-year-old home.

I love spaces that feel warm and inviting. The walls were originally various shades of yellow and green, and I knew I wanted to lighten it up to highlight the wood throughout the house. I selected lighter walls for our main level (“Alabaster” by Sherwin Williams) to help contrast the dark trim. I am drawn to natural, warm colors and textures. Our home has a mix of old and new pieces, which brings balance. There’s something special about antiquing for furniture and art, but I also enjoy selecting new items that I know will be just right.

What is your favorite room and why? The front living room is my favorite. It’s a TV-free zone and where we listen to records, have a glass of wine or read. It gets great natural light and is the perfect spot for morning coffee. I love collecting art and knick-knacks, which are perfect for our built-ins. Much of the pottery in our living room was made by my Uncle Martin in the 1950s. The quality is unbelievable, and I love the personal touch it brings to the room.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Cozy, natural, historic, and comfortable

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? The black fireplace tool set. My sister and I found it at Black Dog Salvage, which is an amazing shop in Roanoke. It’s also where our dining table is from!

Any advice for creating a home you love? I try to design each space so that when I walk in the room, I feel lighter and happy. On a more practical note, take your time and keep a running list of items you’re looking for (and the measurements). You never know when you’ll stumble across the perfect fit.

This submission’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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