Step back into history as you tour Anne and Clay Walker’s home, a replica of Chowning’s Tavern, Williamsburg, Virginia. Builder Brendan O’Neill in the 1980’s built an entire neighborhood of Williamsburg reproductions recalling the timeless charm of our colonial period. In this traditional setting and against a backdrop of exquisite paint colors from the Donald Kaufman Color Collection, decorator Anne Walker blends a creative mix of inherited antiques and strikingly modern pieces.

Numerous antiques throughout the Walker home reflect intimate family stories. In 1930’s a patient who was low on funds gifted to Clay’s physician grandfather their handsome living room sofa, which had been made by the cabinet maker to Nicholas II, Czar of Russia. In addition, the drop-leaf table was purchased at the 1926 Philadelphia World’s Fair by Anne’s newly wed grandparents. Blending into the eclectic living room mix, Anne features a contemporary Italian coffee table and a transitional French console table.

The kitchen reflects Anne’s preference for clean lines, featuring flat-front Neff cabinets and crisp Silestone countertops. Against this unpretentious background, Anne adds a black-splash of hand-made, glazed tiles from Waterworks to add warmth and texture to the room. A hand-hewn cherry dining table made by Vermont furniture designer, Charles Shackelton forms the focal point for this room.

In the dining room an English mahogany table restored by renowned antique conservator Nick Greer harmoniously combines with French chairs covered in fabrics by Manuel Canovas and Pierre Frey. An Art Deco sideboard contrasts with a 1920s American wine cellaret giving tour goers a view of genial elegance with country charm.

If you need new ideas for renovating a bathroom, Anne has attractively redone three bathrooms in her clean elegant style using European ceramic tiles, marble trim, and cabinetry of her own design. Evoking a spa-like serenity, the master bath features a door-less double shower, a” bamboo” tile floor, and a color palette of sand and sea glass. Another bath features an Ice Stone countertop composed of recycled glass paired with an expresso-colored lavatory cabinet. Playful is the best description of a spiral color ceiling pendant by Schonbek, which cascades a rainbow of color on the ceiling and floor of a third bath.

The back staircase leads to a delightful children’s playroom accented with a brick floor possibly the summer kitchen for the tavern. Adjoining is the family room, where a Ligne Roset sofa and coordinating barrel chairs by Roche Bobois are paired with a hand-carved walnut table that once belonged to Anne’s great-great-grandparents.

Its abundant colonial architectural details, including five fireplaces and original yellow pine floors, and pleasing blend of modern and traditional elements make the Walker home warm and casually elegant. With her flare for color selection and her knack for mixing classic heirlooms with fine Italian and French furniture, Anne Walker is an artist who rightfully switched from law to decorating.

The floral arrangements for this house have been graciously provided by The Florist at Behnkes.