A 1920s Birmingham Gem: A Home That Travels the World

When architect James Laughlin first laid eyes on this 1920s Philadelphian Georgian in Birmingham’s historic Forest Park, he was smitten. Years later, with the help of interior designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas, he restored the derelict property to its original glory—infusing it with a sense of elegance, history, and wanderlust. Together, they’ve created a house that feels both timeless and transportive, filled with relics of travel and an eye for fine architecture.

Exterior

From the street, this 1920s Philadelphian Georgian in Birmingham’s historic Forest Park has all the charm of its era. Architect James Laughlin carefully restored the period red brick façade and fitted the entry with custom lanterns and solid brass hardware that honor the home’s original spirit. The result is formal yet welcoming, a house that wears its age gracefully while feeling very much alive.
Takeaway: Authentic restoration comes through in the smallest choices—lanterns, door profiles, even hardware—that collectively return a façade to its former elegance.

Dining Room

The design journey began with a single choice: a sepia-toned Gracie wallpaper that wraps the dining room in a sense of travel and history. An antique dining set from Circa rests on an Egyptian rug the owners hand-carried home from a trip abroad, while a chandelier from Jamb glitters above.
Takeaway: One wallcovering can set the tone for an entire house, creating continuity and narrative that flows from room to room.

Kitchen

The kitchen is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Waller Green, a bold yet grounding shade that anchors the cabinetry. Overhead, Ann-Morris pendants add sculptural form, while sleek Design Within Reach barstools keep the palette modern and light. It’s a room that balances historic architecture with contemporary comfort.
Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to use a saturated color in a hardworking room. Paired with refined lighting and seating, it can feel classic instead of trendy.

Living Room

The living room’s elegance lies in its restraint. A mahogany-and-marble fireplace provides structure, while seating from Circa and a Mecox mirror add depth. Large windows flood the space with light, softening the neutral palette and giving prominence to scale and texture rather than ornament.
Takeaway: A quiet color scheme allows texture and proportion to shine, letting architecture take the lead in shaping atmosphere.

Library

Dark wood paneling, an antique Egyptian rug, and sculptural obelisks turn the library into a warm retreat. A globe from Design Supply and a Casamidy coffee table lend character, while the antique brick floor grounds the space in history. Housing some 800 books, it’s a working room that doubles as the architect’s creative engine.
Takeaway: Libraries don’t have to be expansive to feel significant—layered textures, well-traveled objects, and shelves filled with meaning can turn even the smallest room into a destination.

Bedrooms

One bedroom suite was designed with the luxuries of a five-star hotel in mind. Peacock Alley bedding dresses a Hickory Chair four-poster bed, paired with Bungalow Classic lamps. Another guest room layers a Katie Ridder wallcovering over quiet neutrals, with Ralph Lauren for Visual Comfort lamps adding polish.
Takeaway: Guest rooms benefit from restraint. Subtle wallcoverings, tailored lighting, and hotel-level linens create spaces that feel both personal and elevated.

Bathrooms

In the primary bath, an Urban Archaeology vanity topped with custom mahogany anchors the room. An antique Thebes stool lends patina, blending history with utility. State-of-the-art fixtures ensure comfort without stealing focus from the atmosphere.
Takeaway: Bathrooms are opportunities to merge new function with old soul—antique seating, vintage mirrors, or wood accents can soften what is often the hardest-working room in the house.

Closing Thoughts

What makes this 1920s Birmingham house so compelling is the way it balances history with personal storytelling. Architect James Laughlin restored the home’s Georgian bones with reverence, while designer Heather Chadduck Hillegas layered in travel-inspired textures, patina, and quiet luxuries that speak to a life well lived. Every room feels collected rather than staged, a reflection of journeys abroad and memories brought home. It’s a reminder that the most timeless interiors are not about following trends but about weaving architecture, craftsmanship, and personal history into a space that feels uniquely yours.

Credits: Architecture by James Laughlin, interiors by Heather Chadduck Hillegas, photography by David Hillegas for Veranda.