Years ago, when Erin Sullivan went running, her route took her down a street that she loved, a street where she wanted to someday raise her family. Today, after living in four other houses, Erin and her husband, Dustin, have found their home on this very street. And it is in this historic Wilmington NC home where they raise their two boys (Liam, 6, and Colin, 4) with love and energy.

The Sullivans’ home is a balanced blend of history and new life. The home, which has a historic designation and appropriate marker, was built in 1937 by the Swart family, who moved to Wilmington from Holland. This family owned a tulip farm and theirs was the first home in Wilmington to be air-conditioned.

So while the home radiates with a storied past, Erin has put her family’s touches on the home so that it works perfectly for the new memories they are creating.

“I want to feel relaxed in my own home,” Erin shared of her style. “And I want my kids to feel the same way. Our style is comfortable and relaxed, kind of playful, and always changing.”

Beautifully Decorated Hardwoods

In the living room, practical slipcovers drape the couches and repurposed mahogany antiques adorn the room. Built-in bookcases hold mementos from family travels as well as books and toys. The hardwood floors are great for sliding on in socks (kid tested) and the dining room is perfectly designed around a large 300-year-old table that was Erin’s great-grandmother’s. Over the table is a gorgeous light fixture (which Erin purchased from Coastal Lighting on Market Street), and one wall she handpainted in a sparkling damask pattern.

“Having a home is about functionality,” Erin said, “but it also needs to tell a story, your story.”

When Erin and Dustin moved into the home, they spent time renovating critical spaces, such as the kitchen and some of the bathrooms. But they were careful to do it with an eye for classic finishings that would maintain the personality of the historic house.

This attention to detail comes naturally to Erin, who recently started a business staging homes in the area. Working with her business partner, Jenny Phillips, ReVisions of Wilmington has been wildly successful since its official launch in 2018.

A Passion for Decorating

Erin, who is a highly skilled sign language interpreter, never really planned to go into staging. But when the neighbor across the street listed her home for sale, Erin asked if she could stage it. When Erin’s work prompted an offer on the home within the week, word of her talent began to spread through the community. Erin realized she found something she loves to do.

Partnering with Jenny, who Erin says has tremendous business sense and incredible eye for design, has been a dream. The two intend to keep growing ReVisions of Wilmington and working with clients.

The Sullivans’ home occasionally opens to the public also. Two years ago, it was on the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society Home Tour, and in 2020 it will be on the Azalea Festival Garden Tour.

The backyard, which is where Dustin shines, is an enchanted and meticulously planned landscape. While the couple only started planting and designing the lot when they moved in, the foliage looks as old as the house. In the back corner, a reclaimed barn hides a hot tub, and an old wall separates the front of the yard from the back. Again, a pleasant example of old meeting new.

Even the original homeowners’ daughter, who will sometimes come visit, approves of what Erin and Dustin have achieved with the home.

“This home has been perfect. Really, it’s been a gift,” Erin said.

Erin is just one of the amazing people you’ll find in the Wilmington, NC region.  Read about some of our other featured events in the Cape Fear area. We focus on the festivals and events in the Cape Fear area that are great for the whole family.  Have fun exploring, and let us know what you find!