The Skjellum Home

Timeless Downtown Dwelling

Premier Living

By Tory Irmeger / Photography by Jimie Luangrath/Creative Revolver

Featuring an enduring classical façade, the “Milburn House” is a staple of the city center and the nearby arts district.

Built at the turn of the 20th century, the home is colloquially named for its first residents: Charles Milburn, president of the Chattanooga Wagon Company, and his wife Katherine. The Milburns lived at the residence for five years before the home changed hands, and the house has seen a steady evolution over time. Now, over a century later, the Milburn House welcomes a new family into its storied legacy.

Tony and Jennifer Skjellum moved into the Milburn House in 2021. That’s shell-um, Jennifer says, “like shelling peas.” The Milburn House made a charming first impression on the Skjellums, as it does with so many who pass through the city center. “I remember driving by and thinking, that would be a nice place to have a book club,” Jennifer recalls.

When the opportunity arose to purchase the home, the Skjellums also took on several projects to refresh the historic building. One such task included repainting the exterior from a dark, mallard green to a softer hue with contrasting trim in yellow-white tones. Meanwhile, the entryway features original glasswork and trim as well as a purple door, hinting at the playful and creative interiors in store.

Finding the colors and elements to best complement the historic home was a challenge. As Tony describes it, “A house like this has its own ethos.” But the process has been an opportunity to express their creativity, Jennifer adds. “Since we’ve moved in, I’ve enjoyed working with a designer on the house,” she says, “I think it’s fun to imagine what a space can look like.”

Stepping into the home, guests are welcomed by a serene sitting and living area. The living area is on a semi-open plan, partitioned by decorative columns on a pony wall to carry the classical grace throughout. These two entertaining spaces are cohesive, blending the cool grays and beiges of the central room with the breezy blues and jade green of the adjacent sitting room. Several stunning pieces of art invite texture and depth into the space.

One fun feature of the living area is an assortment of three-footed teacups, which dot the room in a rainbow of colors. These unique collectibles playfully reflect the historic character of the home. “That’s the beauty of this house, it’s just timeless,” Jennifer says, whose father was the original collector of the teacups. “He picked them up at different antique shops around the country. I’ve got about 60 three-footed teacups from his collection of 200.”

Moving through the home, one can begin to peel back layers of history – quite literally, in some places. “When we renovated the bathroom, we found a note left by the man who did the trim in 2005,” Jennifer says. In the basement, there are several messages scrawled on an unfinished wall by previous tenants and visitors. Details like this are fun surprises for the Skjellums, who often keep note of the individuals who have connections to the house in some way.

Other callbacks to the past are found in spaces like the kitchen, which showcases the brick of the home’s original hearth behind the modern appliances. This area saw a remodel from previous owners, updating the space while still maintaining a classic feel.

In the primary suite, the Skjellums were looking for a design that differed from the airiness of the main living areas. They opted for moody purples to create a cozier feel in this space. “It’s like our oasis,” Jennifer says. Soft lavender and beige tones offset the dark walls, creating a balanced space that offers contrast while still maintaining cohesion with the rest of the home. The en suite continues this aesthetic, incorporating gold metallic accents and a luxurious soaker tub.

white tile shower with dark purple walls

Rounding out the main level is a bright office space with more dynamic, textural art. Around the corner, a small powder room packs a punch with color, including floral wallpaper and porcelain in retro peach.

Throughout the twists and turns of living in a historic home, the Skjellums have enjoyed learning about the history of the Milburn House and connecting with folks who have connections to the home. “It’s funny how many people in the community recognize the house, even just from driving by,” Jennifer says. “One of my friends actually met his future wife at a party in one of the connected apartments.

Looking to the future, the Skjellums are excited to carry on their own traditions. They love decorating for Christmas and hosting seasonal parties, as well as inviting family from out of state to visit and see the best of what the city has to offer.