What a 1920s Mansion Taught Us About Custom Interiors Today
Lessons from the Julian Price House

Every now and then, a home stops you in your tracks. It whispers its story through timeworn moldings, vintage fixtures, and wallpapered ceilings that somehow feel both nostalgic and current. The Julian Price House, a 1920s estate in Greensboro, North Carolina, is one of those rare homes, meticulously restored and brimming with character.

We had the chance to tour it during this fall’s High Point Market, thanks to a private event hosted by our friends at Thibaut and our wonderful rep, Joy. As designers who spend our days helping clients blend old and new, it felt like stepping into a living masterclass. Every detail was intentional. Every room felt layered, lived-in, and loved.

It reminded us exactly why we do what we do and how thoughtful, custom design can bring that same sense of magic into any home, whether it’s a 100-year-old charmer or a brand-new build full of personality.

Here’s what we learned and how we bring it to life for our clients every day.

Moldings, Millwork, and the Magic of Original Details

Let’s start with the bones. The Julian Price House is full of them: stunning crown moldings, arched radiators, vintage fixtures, and millwork that tells a story at every turn. What made this home shine was how those features weren’t hidden. They were highlighted.

At Rowan Hall Interiors, we live for this balance. Whether we’re working in a historic Knoxville neighborhood like Sequoyah Hills or on a custom build that needs a sense of soul, we believe character doesn’t have to be sacrificed for comfort. In fact, it’s what makes your home feel like you.

And when a home already has something special like original trimwork, antique lighting, quirky nooks, or a back staircase (like the Julian Price House’s charming staff stairwell-turned-guest wing), our job is to design around those details, not over them. That’s where custom furnishings come in. We’ll design a sofa that complements your curved archways, or a built-in that feels original to the home, because it was crafted just for that spot.

That’s exactly what we did in our Fourth & Gill project, where the home’s original details were woven seamlessly into our design plan with carefully scaled furnishings and layered finishes. Every piece worked with the home’s history, not against it.

The Power of Custom: When Furniture Belongs

One of the most striking things about the Julian Price House was how perfectly everything fit. A small bar area that felt like it was meant to be there. Bedrooms that felt gracious, not generic. A scullery so charming, Alfie may have tried to move in.

This is the difference custom makes.

At Rowan Hall, we’re not just picking from a catalog. We’re designing pieces that respond to the architecture, reflect your personality, and elevate the function of your home. Whether you have historic millwork, asymmetrical walls, or a newer home full of personality and bold taste, custom design ensures that what you bring into your space feels curated, not cookie-cutter.

We consider everything: the pitch of a chair back, the depth of a banquette, the profile of a leg, the way a fabric repeat flows across a frame. This is what turns furniture into heirloom pieces and rooms into destinations.

We’ve done it for Fourth & Gill. We’ve done it for Rocky Hill cottages and West Knoxville new builds. And we can do it for you.

Small Spaces, Big Impact

The Julian Price House had no shortage of wow-worthy moments, but one of the most talked-about was a small-but-mighty bedroom wrapped in Thibaut wallpaper from top to bottom. Paired with custom bedding, oversized art, and layers of color and pattern, it proved just how much personality a small space can hold.

At Rowan Hall Interiors, we love helping our clients take design risks, especially in the spots where they might least expect it. Powder rooms, sculleries, upstairs landings, home bars… these are the places where bold design makes a lasting impression.

Don’t know where to start? We do. From concept to install, we guide you through the process and ensure your bold ideas are rooted in beauty, balance, and function.

Wallpapered Ceilings & Metallic Magic

The ceilings at the Julian Price House were having a moment. One hallway featured a soft metallic finish that caught the light in the most enchanting way. Another staircase hall showcased an elegant wallpapered ceiling, framed by intricate molding.

These design moments don’t happen by accident; they’re the result of intentional, layered thinking.

In our process, we take the time to explore those details with you. During your design presentation, we’ll walk you through mood boards, elevations, and material samples that consider not just your walls and floors, but the spaces above and in between. Because the fifth wall deserves attention, too.

Historic Soul, Modern Comfort

Every room at the Julian Price House was a lesson in balance: vintage plumbing fixtures (we’re looking at you, blush pink and seafoam green) paired with modern shower fittings for real-life function, original radiators restored and framed by newly painted trim, antique sconces glowing beside fresh, colorful wallcoverings.

It’s the same philosophy we bring to every Rowan Hall project. We help you honor what you love, while making it livable for today. Whether that means repurposing a family heirloom into your entryway design or choosing light fixtures that nod to history without feeling heavy, our design blends intention and story with elegance and comfort.

Ready to Tell Your Home’s Story?

The Julian Price House may be a rare gem, but homes with character are everywhere. Maybe you’re in a historic neighborhood with original charm. Maybe you just bought a new build with beautiful bones and an eclectic vision. Or maybe your home is somewhere in between, with layers of your life just waiting to be expressed through design.

No matter your home’s age or style, Rowan Hall Interiors is here to help you bring out its full potential.

From consultation and concept to installation and reveal, we take care of every detail. Our custom furnishings, trusted vendor relationships, climate-controlled staging, and thoughtful project management ensure your home isn’t just pretty. It’s personal. It’s professional. And it’s a joy to live in.

Let’s start with a conversation. Schedule a discovery call or initial consultation today, and let us bring your story to life through design.