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The Kelley Howley home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, blends the character of a historic colonial with comfortable, personal touches. Built in 1915, the three-story house is in Heritage Hill, a large urban historic district. Kelley and her husband, Troy, bought it in spring 2011, shortly before their wedding; some guests even stayed there before the celebration.
Because the home is in a historic district, its exterior features must be preserved. Inside, the couple has been able to shape the rooms around their own style. Their approach combines modern comforts with distinctive vintage furniture, including a hanging chair, a credenza, and a dining table. Art is another important part of the decor: found pieces sit alongside framed prints, including works inspired by Impressionist artists.
Mid-century design also informs the rooms, but Kelley mixes those pieces with newer or reupholstered furniture to keep the look from feeling overly themed. White walls let special objects stand out, from a vintage locker-basket shelving unit used for dishes to a painting purchased during a trip to the Dominican Republic. In the living room, gold-and-white peony wallpaper adds a bold feature wall. Practical decorating tip: a mostly neutral backdrop can help vintage finds, artwork, and patterned wallpaper each make an impression without competing for attention.
Kelley’s favorite room is the sunroom, a long, narrow space at the back of the house. Its simple arrangement of a few seats and plants makes it feel calm and restful. Keeping a relaxation area uncluttered can help a small or narrow room feel more inviting.
The house had undergone renovations in the 1990s that the couple wanted to update. They kept its wood floors and Frank Lloyd Wright-style stained-glass windows, while taking on projects such as repainting and rebuilding the fireplace area, tiling backsplashes, and stripping and painting cabinets. They completed much of the work themselves, with help from family. At the time of the home profile, bedrooms and bathrooms were still being renovated.
The renovation and furnishing process took longer than expected, in part because the couple had a limited budget but ambitious design plans. Their experience offers a useful reminder for anyone updating an older home: prioritize essential repairs, plan projects in manageable stages, and preserve original details that contribute to the house’s character.
Kelley sometimes moves furniture between the home and the couple’s vintage decor shop, choosing a setting where each piece feels most at home. One painting spent time in the shop before being placed beside the living room’s built-in bookcase, where it felt just right. This flexible approach makes it possible to experiment with a layout before deciding where a piece belongs permanently.
The couple wanted their home to be a comfortable gathering place for family, friends, neighbors, and pets. They share it with their dog, Harper, and often host weekend visitors, longer-term guests, and dogs belonging to friends. The living room, sunroom, and renovated attic are among the spaces they use most, helping the house accommodate both small get-togethers and larger groups.
The home also serves as a place to work, relax, and spend time together. That welcoming, lived-in feeling is central to the Kelley Howley home: historic details and collected decor provide character, while flexible rooms make everyday life and hospitality easier. For homeowners planning a similar space, choosing durable, comfortable seating and leaving room for different uses can help a home adapt to both daily routines and guests.
Photography by Jill DeVries.
