Fashion Icon Christian Siriano Transforms a Dilapidated Richmond, Virginia, Mansion Into a Family Sanctuary

True to his Project Runway roots, Christian Siriano, the celebrated fashion designer known for his use of bold hues and elegant silhouettes, loves “a reveal moment.” How lucky then that his most recent interior design project featured not one, but two such occasions. Despite Siriano’s plans to transform a circa-1908 Federal-style home in Richmond, Virginia, into an investment property, his mother, Joye, made a surprise reveal halfway through the renovation process.

“Many of my family members are in Richmond,” Siriano—who launched his namesake interiors business with a furniture collection in 2021—begins. “We found this incredible house with so much history and beauty, despite it being in a very dilapidated state.” All four floors required a complete gut renovation. And as the walls came down, Siriano’s mother, who makes semi-regular appearances on his Instagram sporting his designs and who was looking to relocate to the Southern city, realized the home was meant to be her own. “She was probably the hardest client we’ve ever had,” he laughs.

Balancing his mother’s love for vibrant colors and traditional details with his preference for neutral tones and more masculine shapes was a key challenge. In the kitchen, this compromise meant retaining as much of the original molding as possible and adding what Siriano calls “ladylike” finishes, including the elegant range hood. When juxtaposed with the marble-slab backsplash and waterfall island along with Murano-glass chandeliers, the result is a very happy medium.

Maintaining the home’s historic charm while updating it for modern living was another goal for Siriano. The dining room features original moldings, stripped and refreshed. To strike the right balance between formal and casual while making it possible to host family dinner for 14, the designer sourced a dining table from RH and dining chairs from his own collection.

The front room, a serene beige oasis, is where Siriano’s mother starts her day. “It’s her space to read and relax—no kids allowed,” he says, noting the number of vintage chairs with cream-colored upholstery in the room. “My mom used to make her own clothes and upholstery, so she really appreciates the fabrics and materials we used,” Siriano says.