by Paula Peters Chambers | Aug 3, 2026 | Commercial Painting, Decorative Painting, Exterior Painting
Holtz team paints, restores Belle Grove Plantation in King George County
Michelle Darnell’s goal was always to have a home with a history. In 2013, she and her husband, Brett, found just the place: Belle Grove Plantation, the birthplace of President James Madison.
“My grand Southern grandmother taught me three things: entertaining, cooking, and history,” Michelle says. “We knew we wanted history; we just didn’t know we’d get this much history.”
The home, built in 1791, has been fully restored and is filled with period antiques. The Darnells operate a bed and breakfast featuring guest rooms named for former residents. Visitors also come for tours focusing on the property’s history, monthly afternoon teas, and special events.
Painting refresh
The Darnells undertook a renovation in order to maintain and preserve the mansion, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. The H.J. Holtz & Son team assisted by refreshing interior walls with touch-up painting, which in places involved addressing water damage and mold. The team also removed the house’s shutters for off-site repair and painting. Finally, the Holtz team repaired exterior wood and then painted the full exterior.
“The project seems to have gone very well,” Michelle says. “The fresh paint and exterior repairs have truly revitalized the appearance of the house, making it look brand new. We are eagerly anticipating the return of our beautifully restored shutters to complete the transformation.”
Living with the past
An unexpected highlight of the project was one Holtz team member’s interaction with one of Belle Grove’s resident ghosts.
“We are known to be very haunted,” Michelle says. “I love all my ghosts.”
The spirit of Nathaniel, an enslaved person, resides in Belle Grove’s basement. The Holtz team member took a photo of a basement window, to record its initial condition, and upon closer inspection saw a shadowy image of a head behind the glass.
“He was excited,” Michelle says.
The Darnells aim to include a full presentation of the plantation in their tours and don’t shy away from discussing the enslaved persons who lived and worked there. Michelle has found five years of death records pertaining to enslaved persons, which often include the individuals’ medical and family details.
“We want to illuminate all history,” she says.
Looking ahead
Michelle and Brett Darnell were introduced to H.J. Holtz & Son by their property manager, Jan Kovar. Michelle says they have been happy with the company’s work. “I would certainly consider using the Holtz team for future projects,” Michelle says. “They’ve been very nice.”
For more information about Belle Grove Plantation Bed & Breakfast, visit BelleGrovePlantation.com.
by Paula Peters Chambers | Jun 18, 2026 | Client Work, Commercial Painting
Some say the journey is just as important as the destination. That’s especially true when working in an historic home, where history must walk hand-in-hand with modern living and needs. H.J. Holtz & Son is proud to be a partner in the restoration, renovation, and reimagination of 2315 Monument Avenue, one of the seven residences on the boulevard designed by noted architect William Lawrence Bottomley.
Known as the Parrish House, the Mediterranean Revival home was built 1922-1924. Originally intended to depict the Colonial Revival style, Bottomley modified the plan after the owners traveled to Spain and Italy, and wanted their new home to have a European flair. Coincidentally – or not – Bottomley published his book, “Spanish Details,” in 1924.
The home is now owned by Den and Megan Cralle. Den Cralle is president and CEO of Green Front Furniture and has been documenting the changes to the house with online posts, showing progress in real time.
One area that has largely remained the same is the dining room, which features Gracie wallpaper that Holtz hangers had installed previously. That paper has been protected during this work, which includes an expansion on the first floor to enlarge the kitchen and add a sitting room. Upstairs, the second and third floors have been reorganized via wall removal to allow for an expanded primary suite, completely redone bathrooms, and a multipurpose room on the third floor.
Holtz painters have been working in the house for weeks, providing painting and carpentry services as construction moves along. Michael Praught, project manager for general contractor R.A. Praught Construction, says that in a project of this size and scope, it’s important that all parties involved keep in close contact.
“Communication is a huge part of getting the job done correctly,” Praught says. “There are plenty of painters who can do the work. What separates good quality professionals from the not-so-good is the process and the experience getting you from start to finish. For as many people as they have [working at the house], things could get out of hand, but Rick [Holtz, company president] has everything and everyone in place.”
Praught also credits the Holtz team for their painstaking efforts to make sure the job is done correctly from the first step, noting that nothing can take the place of thorough preparation. Without a solid foundation, minor imperfections can loom large later.
“A good finished project is all about the prep work,” he says. “You prep, fill holes, sand, prime, sand again, prime again. That goes a long way to make sure you have a quality finished product. Holtz does that.”
Work at 2315 Monument Avenue is anticipated to be completed in the fall of this year. Follow along on Instagram at monumentbygreenfront.
by Paula Peters Chambers | May 13, 2026 | Client Work, Commercial Painting
Every project is important to H.J. Holtz & Son team members. But some touch the soul more than others. That was the case for Holtz craftspeople participating in the creation of a new chapel on the campus of Saint Gertrude High School in Goochland County.
“A lot of folks who work here are faithful people, and we take working in a church very seriously,” says Kelly Kutchey, Holtz production manager. “A project like this definitely adds a little weight to the work.”
Saint Gertrude relocated from its original home in the city of Richmond to its current campus in 2023. After a period of fundraising, the school turned to finishing its worship space in 2025. Named the Sullivan Chapel in honor of donors, the focal point of the space is the high altar, where hand-applied gold leaf provides a glowing backdrop for the school’s original wood crucifix and flanking angels.
Holtz team members painstakingly applied each piece of 23.5-karat gold leaf in the chapel – covering the front sanctuary wall and edging arches and wall elements. Gold leaf was also applied to the alcoves holding statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph.
Kutchey says the project required 4,228 linear feet of gold leaf, each piece 4.25” wide. Laid side by side, that quantity of gold leaf would span the length of 14 football fields. “[Applying] that amount of gold leafing is not something we do all the time,” he says.
Applying gold leaf is challenging, Kutchey says, because it is so delicate. But even before the work could begin, the Holtz team had to source the material. “We had to find a supplier who could provide the amount we needed,” he says.
The company found SeppLeaf Products in New York City and developed a relationship that went beyond a simple purchase. “Lauren Sepp was extremely helpful,” Kutchey says. “We had experience with gold leaf, but because of the size of the job, we had to train more people. Lauren helped with that.”
Part of the training included how to handle the leaf. “It’s incredibly thin,” Kutchey notes. “A cross breeze through the space would blow it to pieces. You have to handle it with tools, not bare fingers, because it’s so delicate and will tarnish just like solid gold.”
In addition to applying the gold leaf, H.J. Holtz & Son team members installed six murals, painted, and stained a door. The scope of the project meant that Holtz often had half a dozen workers in the space daily for months.
A fall 2025 article in a school magazine notes a goal of the chapel’s design was for it to be beautiful, to reflect the glory of God. That’s a goal that Holtz team members strive for every time, Kutchey says.
“We always try to make everything look beautiful, whether it’s running white trim or adding wallpaper,” he says. “We want crisp, straight lines – clean and beautiful. Whatever we do, we want it to look the best.”
by H. J. Holtz & Son | Jan 29, 2024 | Residential Painting, Commercial Painting, Designer Projects, Wallpaper
The team at H.J. Holtz & Son knows the value of relationships. As a third-generation family-owned company, we enjoy working with designers, contractors, and vendors over and over again, because we know that strong collaboration benefits clients.
As a thank-you to our professional partners and to celebrate those connections, last year we held a Designers and Contractors Appreciation Lunch at Independence Golf Club. The location was fitting, as we’ve worked with Independence over the years to freshen their spaces. The event was so successful – with representatives of 8 paint, wallpaper, and millwork companies showcasing their lines – and more than 60 designers and other business partners in attendance, that we decided to do it again!
This year’s event will also be in February, a time of year when many of us think about what and who we love – thanks to Valentine’s Day and prompting from heart-themed store displays. Many of last year’s representatives will be on hand, as will additional friends eager for conversations with others in the same industry. We are excited to see what new products and ideas are surfacing in the industry and happy to bring together people who share our ethos of customer service and high-quality workmanship.
If you’re in the industry and would like to join us, please give the office a call!
by H. J. Holtz & Son | Dec 27, 2023 | Carpentry Services, Commercial Painting, Residential Painting, Wallpaper
Everyone knows that moving into a new place is a process. Decisions have to be made about how to best use the space, what renovation or construction is essential immediately, and where everything is going to go.
Now imagine that new location isn’t a house for a family, but a building for a fully functioning company, with ongoing projects in need of attention and employees in need of work areas. That’s what H.J. Holtz & Son has been experiencing over the last six months.
“We knew this was a big change, but it doesn’t really hit you until you’re in it,” says Rick Holtz, the Holtz Painting president and third generation owner. “We’ve been going full steam since we moved in, and there’s more to do.”
The company purchased the new location, a former auto repair shop, in May and began work immediately to make it their own. They’ve removed interior walls to create an open space where estimators and project managers can confer and hung new drywall throughout to create a fresh, clean environment. Virtually all of the interior changes are being handled by the Holtz team, except for significant electrical work, which is managed by Jon Calhoun of Cardinal Electrical Services, a regular partner.
The new shop at 2025 Tacony Drive, near the intersection of Hull Street Road and Chippenham Parkway, is nearly double the size of the company’s former location in Scott’s Addition. The added room allows for additional spray booths, greater dedicated space for the carpentry division, and more holding area for projects that are in process.
“We didn’t realize how cramped we were at the old location until we got in here,” Holtz says. “Even though we’ve got more arranging to do, to use this space to its full potential, we’re already able to better manage work flow. And we don’t feel like we’re constantly bumping into one another.”
The company’s shift from Scott’s Addition to Chesterfield County makes no difference when it comes to serving clients.
“We have clients throughout the Richmond metro area,” Holtz says. “With the Chippenham Parkway right here, we have access to expressways that take us wherever we need to go. It’s a great spot.”
As for when the new shop will be fully finished, don’t hold your breath. “It’s like the old saying about the cobbler’s children who go barefoot because everyone gets shoes before they do,” Holtz says. “We’re still putting our clients first. Our shop can be perfect later.”
by H. J. Holtz & Son | Dec 12, 2022 | Commercial Painting
Frank Cava, founder and principal of Cava Companies, a comprehensive real estate and property management firm, knew he needed H.J. Holtz & Son as the finishing touches were being added to his firm’s new headquarters.
“I didn’t want to pay to do it multiple times; I wanted to pay to do it once,” Cava says.
Cava had been introduced to the Holtz team through Avery Sefcik, a local designer and friend who was working with Cava and his wife in their personal home. “Avery had recommended Rick, telling me he’s not the cheapest, but he’s the best,” Cava says.
In the Cava residence, the Holtz team executed a variety of techniques, including paint, decorative finishes and lacquer. After seeing what was possible, Cava decided to hire the company again to create a dramatic office space for him, and to paint doors and trim, which are noticed and take a lot of abuse.
“I’ve been around painters for years,” Cava says. “The thing that caused me to use Holtz more than once is the process. They show up on time; they do an incredibly great job; and they clean up after themselves.
“For me, painting is like making sausage,” he adds. “It’s delicious when it’s finished, but the process is messy. The Holtz process isn’t.”
For his office, Cava selected Sherwin-Williams Bunglehouse Blue, a deep blue with gray undertones. The Holtz team painted every inch of the room, including a wall filled with shelves and cabinets. The effect is exactly what Cava was looking for.
“People come into my office and say ‘Wow,’” Cava says, grinning.
The Holtz team also painted an entryway in a separate Cava Companies building, a space featuring architectural design Cava describes as 1960s Eastern Bloc.
“I wanted [the foyer] to pop without ripping the stairs out, to unlock the hidden beauty of the building,” he says. “Most of what we do is restore and rehab and bring luster to forgotten-about properties. This is where it’s so critical to call someone with Holtz’ quality. They’ve been in business so long, they’ve seen it all and done it all.”
Cava says he appreciates the professionalism that the Holtz team brings to projects.
“Construction is a very complicated process, and the painting usually happens toward the end when you’re out of money and behind schedule,” he notes. “What’s great about Holtz is they’re able to work with you, often in a compromised work space, and give you an incredibly great product while being flexible. They talk to you and communicate when there’s a problem, and there’s always a problem. They give you the power to make decisions on your projects.
“I try to add value to my customers’ experience, to provide them with great service so they can’t not call me,” he adds. “What I notice with Rick [Holtz] is that I can’t not call Rick. He’s going to provide me with a level of service that I know is certain and is the best possible I can get. This is why we’ll continue to use them in the future.”
