A historic cottage in Charlotte has been transformed into a warm and character-filled family home. Interior stylist Ashley Hotham Cox restored the property while preserving its original charm and architectural details.
The home first caught the family’s attention because of a rare feature. One room was fully paneled in wormy chestnut, a now-extinct wood. This detail convinced Cox and her husband to make the house their home.
Restoring the Historic Home
The house dates to around the 1940s. Cox and her mother worked together on the renovation. The project included raising the roofline, adding dormers and replacing the windows.
The floors and stairs were also replaced. The layout was reworked to bring more light into the home. The changes were planned to keep the original character intact.
Cox used antiques and vintage pieces throughout the interiors. She says older furniture adds texture and patina to a room. The dining room combines vintage finds, inherited plates, Murano glass and bamboo curtain rods.
A Colorful Dining Room
The dining room uses a rich peacock teal across the walls. The bold color creates a jewel-box effect and adds a sense of drama.
A floating banquette replaces a traditional dining set. Vintage and inherited plates decorate the walls. Custom silk drapery adds another layer of pattern and texture.
The Great Room
The great room remains one of the home’s most distinctive spaces. Its vaulted ceiling and wormy chestnut walls give the room a strong historic identity.
Cox once whitewashed the chestnut paneling. Eight years later, she decided to restore its original appearance. Painters sanded the surface back and revealed the pickled wood underneath.
The room now combines the home’s historic character with updated furnishings and lighting.
Family Room Adds Warmth
The family room features glowing Creamsicle orange walls. A strié paint technique adds texture to the surface.
Vintage chairs, a patterned sofa and collected artwork give the room a relaxed feel. The space is designed for everyday family time.
Design Details Across the Home
The staircase features a growing gallery wall. Cox combines works by established and emerging artists with artwork created by her children.
The kitchen takes a modern direction. Black cabinetry, a marble island and copper cookware create contrast. A triangular tile backsplash adds a graphic detail.
In the powder room, a maze-like Kelly Wearstler wallpaper creates movement. An antique mirror adds texture and patina.
The primary bedroom uses neutral grasscloth wallcovering for a softer look. Antique furniture and decorative plates add personality.
The children’s rooms also feature bold design choices. The girls’ room uses the same Pierre Frey pattern on the walls, ceiling and windows. The nursery combines yellow wallpaper with a modern lucite crib and vintage accessories.
A Home Shaped Over Nine Years
Cox says the interiors developed gradually as her own style evolved. After nine years of changes, the home now reflects a mix of historic details, antiques, bold colors and personal collections.
Fast Facts
- Designer: Ashley Hotham Cox
- Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
- Home: Four-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom residence
- Size: Approximately 3,000 square feet
- Style: Historic details, antiques, vintage furniture and bold color
