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A Victorian Revival in Chevy Chase
Nestled in the tree-lined streets of Chevy Chase Village, Maryland, a 1908 Victorian has been lovingly restored into a forever home for designer Christopher Boutlier’s clients and their three young children. With the help of architect Thomson & Cooke and builder Hilltop, what was once a tired six-bedroom, four-bath house became The Primrose House—a blend of historic charm, preppy Washingtonian style, and timeless comfort.
For the couple, both of whom grew up in the neighborhood, finding a home here was about more than square footage. It was about roots, family, and creating a space that honored the Village’s heritage. When they stumbled upon this old beauty—with its wide front porch and sun-filled windows—they knew, with a little care, it could become the perfect backdrop for their family’s story.
Design: Christopher Boutlier | Architect: Thomson & Cooke
Restoring History, Layering Story
Working closely with architect Thomson & Cooke, the design team leveled floors, restored original fireplaces and windows, and carefully peeled back the layers of past renovations. An outdated 1980s addition was removed and rebuilt to bring the home back into harmony with its Victorian bones.
“We wanted every detail to feel right,” shares designer Christopher Boutlier. The team also underpinned the basement to add square footage and finished the attic into a versatile guest suite, office, and playroom. The result? A house that lives beautifully for a young family while still echoing its 1908 origins.
Heart of the Home
The kitchen is a balance of beauty and function: painted in Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray, it includes a working pantry, a mudroom for daily life with three kids, and even a fireplace—an old-world detail reimagined for modern living. From here, French doors open to the reimagined rear porch, creating seamless indoor-outdoor flow for family gatherings.
Throughout the interiors, Boutlier layered antiques from New Orleans with classic furnishings and wallcoverings from Lee Industries, Holly Hunt, Cheslie House, and Bunny Williams Home. It’s a collected look, full of depth and personal history, yet never fussy.
Gathering & Entertaining
In the dining room, David Iatesta’s Akero chairs, upholstered in Kerry Joyce fabric, surround the table, beneath the glow of his Baarlo chandelier. The living room centers on a Cap D’Antibes coffee table by Dennis & Leen, paired with an O Henry Bridgewater sofa in Great Plains fabric—a refined yet relaxed space for hosting friends.
By the fireplace, a Lee Industries lounge chair in Classic Cloth fabric beckons for quiet evenings, while Visual Comfort’s gourd lamps bring sculptural light to side tables.
Calm & Collected Bedrooms
Upstairs, the bedrooms are a study in timeless design. In the primary suite, the Empire bed from Bunny Williams Home pairs with Chelsea Textile nightstands, creating a serene retreat. The walls are painted in Benjamin Moore Simply White, lending crispness and calm.
For Jeremy’s office, Boutlier leaned into mood with Benjamin Moore Rooftop Garden, a rich green that nods to traditional library hues.
A Forever Home
What began as a historic house in need of repair has become a layered, livable home that balances tradition with modern life. “The couple took incredible time and care to bring this 100-year-old home back to its original state,” says Boutlier. The result is a place that feels rooted in history but designed for the future—a forever home for a family who never wanted to leave the neighborhood they grew up in.
BY: Jasmyne Muir
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