We’ve known Kristin and Derek Hillyer for years since Derek has worked with us for a long time. So, there’s a lot of trust between us, but also a high set of expectations. We didn’t want to let them down. After purchasing this historic home, Derek had surgery and his recovering took place during the time we started working on their home – the perfect time for us to turn around and do something nice for him since he’s always been so helpful to us.

The house the Hillyers purchased is a one-of-a-kind craftsman home that was built in 1901. It’s located in an amazing spot in beautiful downtown Rogers. There’s a lot of history here. Downtown Rogers has gone through a series of updates to its historical architecture and is filled with antique shops, art galleries, a museum and fun restaurants.

Like the town, the Hillyer’s house already had character. We just needed to bring its beauty to the forefront. That meant fixing up every single part of the house inside and out. Working on these forgotten historic homes to bring them back to something that is true to the era with a bit of a modern twist is one of our favorite things to do.

BEFORE

The plan here was to bring the house back to its original glory with curb appeal that would be charming and historic. We got rid of the three front doors that were there, and put in a show-stopping front door. Since doors are Derek’s specialty, he and Dave worked on this one together, and it turned out beautifully. Our friend who restores antique hardware helped us pick out the perfect hardware for the front door, including an amazing vintage doorbell. 

We also added new roof shingles and new windows to the house, and when we removed the vinyl siding, we had a pleasant surprise. Not only was the original siding in good condition, but the house also had its original shake hidden underneath. Kristen said she was open to some color, so we chose a nice, muted green for the exterior paint. The color goes perfectly with the vintage-inspired lighting and the vintage brick pathway to play up the house’s historic charm while adding some fun. 

AFTER

SOURCES

Outdoor Lights | Kichler

Front Light | Amazon

Flag | Allegiance Flag Supply

Landscaping | Cristy Lamers Blossom Landscape & Design

Exterior Paint Colors | Farrow and Ball Lime White (Trim), Farrow and Ball Lichen (Siding), Farrow and Ball Card Room Green (Shake)

BEFORE

The Hillyers didn’t ask for much out of this room, but one thing Kristin really wanted was a mantle that she could hang some Christmas stockings on. Dave was able to create one from scratch after my antique find turned out to be a bit of a fail. Dave’s creation turned out great! 

We also opened up the wall to create an open concept layout from the living room to the kitchen, and we installed light white oak flooring here and throughout the first floor. 

AFTER

SOURCES

Furniture, Rug & Art | Howse

Hardwood Floors | Penny Hardwoods

Wall Color | Benjamin Moore White Dove

BEFORE

Originally, the kitchen had been at the back of the house. The Hillyers had the idea to move it to the front, just beyond the living space. Kristin wanted white oak cabinetry and neutrals in her kitchen and was open to a little pop of color on the island. We were able to fit a large island into their kitchen that can also serve as a dining table. The beautiful quartz top has intricate veins in its design and a fun green tile at the base of the island. 

Every square inch of the kitchen (and the rest of the house) was utilized. We were able to fit a large pantry into the kitchen and faux beams onto the ceiling. The beams coordinate perfectly with the doors that Dave stripped down to the original wood finish. This might not have come across on the show, but we moved an original stained-glass window that was at the front of the house to the kitchen. Together with the handmade lights, the whole kitchen/living room space came out looking timeless and warm.

AFTER

SOURCES

Countertop | Granite Planet 

Runner Rug | Turkish Trunk

Island Pendants | Lucent Light Shop 

Hardwood Floors | Penny Hardwoods LLC

Kitchen Faucet | Gerber

Kitchen Latches | House of Antique

Kitchen Knobs | House of Antique

Kitchen Tile | Daltile

Pot Filler | Gerber

We like to salvage as much as we can and were able to repurpose leftover scraps of wood to create a dramatic feature wall in this room. Painted green, it adds architectural detail and depth to the space. It turned out to be a large bedroom, complete with a nice little sitting space on the opposite wall of the bed. Derek seemed pretty happy about the new bathroom. We had him in mind when we chose the sleek black shower tile and the modern glass shower door. The sleek shower contrasts nicely with the antique feel of the soaker tub. 

Bathroom Sink | Gerber

Bathroom Faucet | Gerber

Shower Head | Gerber

Hand Shower | Gerber

Tub Faucet | Gerber

Toilet | Gerber

Bathroom Sconce | Amazon

Bathroom Cabinet Pulls | Rejuvenation

Bedroom Chandelier | West Elm 

Shower Glass | Natural State Glass and Mirror

Shower Tile | Tile Bar

Bathroom Floor Tile | Lowes

Rug | Turkish Trunk

Feature Wall and Trim Paint Color | Farrow and Ball Treron

Bedroom and Bathroom Walls and Ceiling Paint Color | Benjamin Moore White Dove

Because we added a staircase to what used to be the attic, we were left with an alcove that was the perfect size for a powder room. The green bead board we added goes nicely with the green tile that’s under the island. Derek is always open to surprising and eclectic designs, so I knew he would love the monkey wallpaper I chose in here. It adds a fun and unexpected modern twist for a historic home and a powder bath is the perfect spot for it. 

AFTER

SOURCES

Wallpaper | Spoonflower

Bathroom Sconce | CB2

Plumbing Fictures | Gerber

This attic reminded me so much of our attic space when we renovated our own home and gave our kids bedrooms in the attic. The high pitch of the roof allowed enough space to create a whole second floor up there. We put in a new staircase and added dormers for more natural light and additional space. In the end, we created two bedrooms and a loft play area for Derek and Kristin’s four-year-old boy and two-year-old girl. The quirky angles up here add so much character – I love it!

Wall Decals | Etsy 

Rug | Turkish Trunk

Kristin and Derek chose to make the old sunroom into a little grownup space, and Dave and I had fun fixing up this little room. We managed to get our hands on old ticket stubs from concerts the couple had been to in the past. After making copies of the tickets, we created a very cool and unique wallpaper. Dave handmade cabinets and shelves, and we added a wine fridge to give them a nice bar area. They loved it! They use the space now to play records that they can listen to from the kitchen.  

Bar Flush Mount | West Elm 

Walls, Trim, and Ceiling Paint Color | Farrow and Ball Plummet

Cabinet Paint Color | Farrow and Ball Downpipe

Dave and the crew tore down the old deck that was behind the house and built a new, larger one. Within the deck, we also added a hidden hot tub. The Hillyer’s will be able to enjoy soaking in it and, when it’s not in use, they can tuck it away under the lid that is flush with the patio floor. You can’t even tell it’s there and it doubles the space where the kids can play on the deck.