Ever wonder what it’s like to step inside a truly lived-in, thoughtfully designed family home? Today, we’re peeling back the curtain on the charming Richmond abode of Lori and Greg, along with their delightful son, Owen, and their newest addition, baby Ellie. From the moment we laid eyes on their picturesque exterior, we knew this was going to be a special tour. That whimsical little tin roof above the front door immediately captivated us – a touch of quaint character that speaks volumes about the home’s personality. And the front steps, tiered on three sides rather than being conventionally enclosed, offer an open, inviting aesthetic that just screams DIY potential for anyone looking to add unique curb appeal. We were absolutely thrilled when Lori and Greg extended an invitation to crash their home, eager to soak in every detail of their evolving style.
This isn’t our first rodeo with Lori and Greg; they’re seasoned veterans of our “House Crashing” adventures. We had the pleasure of exploring their first home way back in 2010. It feels like a lifetime ago, especially considering both Lori and I were pregnant at the time, sharing the excitement of impending motherhood. We cherished the memories of that lovely light-filled space, and the anticipation of seeing their new residence, especially after a decade of growth and change, was almost palpable. We were particularly excited to discover how their style had matured and how they’d adapted their living space to accommodate their beautiful, expanding family.
A lot has happened since our last visit. Not only have they welcomed Owen, a few months after my Clara was born, but they were also on the delightful cusp of having their daughter, Ellie, during our recent tour! Ellie has since made her grand entrance, but Lori was still beautifully pregnant when we stopped by. It seems to be a running joke that our visits always coincide with her expecting a child, adding an extra layer of warmth and new beginnings to each home tour. The connections run even deeper: in a truly serendipitous twist of fate, Owen and Clara are now preschool classmates! Imagine our surprise and joy on the very first day of school when we spotted each other. It was a genuine “no way! how are you?!” moment, a testament to the wonderfully small world we live in.
Seizing the opportunity while our kids were happily at school one morning, Lori graciously invited us over to explore their new “room-for-two-kiddos” home. We were keen to capture the essence of their space before the arrival of a newborn added another dimension of beautiful chaos. Our first stop was their elegant formal living room situated at the front of the house. This room immediately impressed us with its soaring ceilings and meticulously thick, detailed molding, elements that speak to the home’s classic architecture. What truly makes Lori’s design philosophy shine is her knack for furnishing; nearly all her pieces are cherished secondhand finds, lovingly sourced from online marketplaces like Craigslist and various thrift stores. This approach not only results in a wonderfully layered, incredibly unique aesthetic but also proves to be a fantastic budget-friendly method for achieving high style without the hefty price tag. For those finishing touches, Lori masterfully integrates accessories from popular home decor retailers such as HomeGoods and savvy flash sale sites. The captivating starburst mirror, for instance, was a deeply discounted gem discovered on One King’s Lane, perfectly exemplifying how smart shopping can elevate a space. This room beautifully balances formality with approachability, making it an inviting space for both entertaining and quiet family moments.
Venturing further into the home, we discovered what quickly became my absolute favorite spot: the more casual family room, located at the back of the house, seamlessly flowing from the kitchen. The stars of this space are undoubtedly the custom-built ins. Lori and Greg, with brilliant foresight, hired a skilled local handyman to construct these units specifically to fit snugly between two existing windows. The result is an incredible amount of kid-friendly storage, a true lifesaver for any busy family. You wouldn’t believe the sheer volume of toys, games, movies, and other everyday essentials that are so cleverly and tidily tucked away within those drawers and cabinets. It’s a masterclass in discreet organization! I was particularly drawn to their choice of doors, which are perfectly flush with the frame, contributing to an exceptionally clean and streamlined aesthetic. For anyone considering similar custom work, Lori shared a valuable tip: she found her handyman through her realtor’s recommendation, a method that clearly yielded outstanding results for them.
The beauty of custom solutions like these built-ins extends far beyond just grand TV cabinets. Even if you’re not planning a massive DIY project, hiring a local professional for custom furniture or built-ins offers immense input and flexibility. You get to dictate the exact dimensions of cubbies, select the style of doors, choose the perfect hardware, pick the ideal paint color, and determine the precise placement – ensuring the final piece is perfectly tailored to your home’s needs and aesthetic. This level of involvement often results in something incredibly functional and uniquely fitted, something you just can’t get off the shelf. What’s more, it can frequently be more cost-effective than purchasing a similar item from larger companies like KraftMaid, or even buying a bulky unit from Pottery Barn and incurring hefty shipping fees. Speaking of smart finds, notice that stunning coffee table? Lori scored it at The Dump, a local furniture outlet we’ve frequented ourselves (it’s where we found our dining room table!). The amusing irony is that now, high-end stores like West Elm are featuring tables with similar designs, yet Lori secured hers ages ago from a discount furniture purveyor. It’s a testament to her keen eye for style and value, a design approach we truly admire.
The kitchen itself is wonderfully open, flowing seamlessly into the casual living room. Imagine us taking this shot with our backs to those fantastic built-ins from the previous photo. We were delighted to see rich wood cabinets here, a welcome departure from the prevalence of white kitchens that many of you often ask us to share beyond. (Rest assured, we feature whatever amazing homes we’re invited to crash!). This choice of wood cabinetry adds a warmth and depth that instantly makes the space feel inviting and grounded, moving away from ultra-modern sterility towards a more classic and cozy aesthetic.
Lori and Greg thoughtfully paired their beautiful wood cabinets with elegant dark granite countertops and complementary dark hardware, creating a cohesive and sophisticated look. The pièce de résistance in this kitchen, however, is undoubtedly the colossal window positioned directly over the sink. While this photo doesn’t quite capture its full glory, the view it offers is simply spectacular. Their home backs onto a gorgeous wooded lot, providing Lori with a serene, almost fairy-tale backdrop. She can literally watch birds flit and deer graze while tackling the dishes, transforming a mundane chore into a moment of tranquil escape – perhaps even pretending she’s Snow White herself! This connection to nature brings an invaluable sense of peace and openness to the heart of their home, making the kitchen not just a functional space, but a vibrant, living area.
Tucked away in the kitchen, just to the left of the crisp white table, we discovered one of my absolute favorite “moments” in the entire house. It’s a small nook that perfectly encapsulates Lori’s artistic flair and her appreciation for local talent. The focal point is a gorgeous painting, a vibrant piece by a local artist that Lori and Greg acquired a few months prior at the “READ Art Show,” an annual event held at the New Community School in Richmond. The bright, captivating colors of the artwork, framed with a slender, elegant border, instantly draw the eye and infuse the space with dynamic energy. In person, its beauty is amplified a hundredfold – truly breathtaking.
Flanking this striking artwork are two wonderfully unique, skinny cork lamps. These lamps are not just stylish; they’re unusual and undeniably cool, adding a distinctive texture and character to the nook. They rest atop a beautiful mid-century cabinet, another fantastic find Lori unearthed on Craigslist. Demonstrating her smart design updates, she refreshed the cabinet with new knobs, breathing fresh life into the vintage piece. The combination of local art, distinctive lighting, and a revamped vintage cabinet creates a truly memorable and personal corner, highlighting how thoughtful curation can transform a simple space into a captivating vignette. For those intrigued by the cork lamps, they are treasures from The Decorating Outlet, another fantastic local furniture and decor store in Richmond where we’ve also found many of the lights in our own home, including the sleek pendants in our kitchen and the enchanting capiz chandelier in Clara’s nursery. It’s a goldmine for unique and stylish lighting solutions.
Taking a few steps to the left from the previous kitchen nook photo, you find yourself in the inviting hallway that serves as a graceful transition from the front door to the kitchen. This passage, often overlooked in many homes, is anything but utilitarian here; it’s brimming with personality and carefully curated details. Our eyes were immediately drawn to an old industrial stool, a fantastic Craigslist discovery that adds a touch of raw, urban charm. Equally striking is the enormous cow painting, a bold and captivating piece sourced from The Wild Orchid, a wonderful local shop. The sheer scale of the artwork creates an unexpected focal point, infusing the hallway with character and a sense of playful grandeur. And how could one miss that striking black door frame in the background? It’s a subtle yet powerful design choice that anchors the space, providing a crisp, modern contrast to the more rustic and artistic elements surrounding it. This hallway truly exemplifies how transitional spaces can be transformed into captivating displays of personal style and local artistry.
Stepping further into this artfully arranged hallway, you encounter a welcoming little entryway table paired with a casual, yet chic, striped rug. This rug, another clever find from a flash sale site like One King’s Lane, perfectly complements the subtle elegance of the space. Lori’s genius lies in her strategic use of dark accents, which are gracefully woven throughout this area. The black of the door, the understated letter on the wall, and the crisp stripes in the rug all contribute to a design that feels both pretty and effortlessly understated. What truly sets Lori’s decorating apart is her ability to create a look that almost whispers, “Oh, I just tossed this together,” especially in person. It exudes an incredibly awesome, not-too-fussy vibe, a quality that is both admirable and highly practical. After all, this is a bustling home where two children under the age of two and a half actively play and grow, so every design choice must prioritize functionality and comfort to truly work for the family. It’s a testament to creating a stylish yet entirely livable environment.
Continuing our tour upstairs, we arrive at their master bedroom, where the “not-too-fussy” theme continues to reign, creating a sanctuary of calm and comfort. Every element, from the delicate sunburst mirror – another brilliant secondhand score – to the cool, dark sconces illuminating the bedside, and that inviting splash of an orange pillow, works in harmony. The result is a space that feels wonderfully warm and inviting, utterly devoid of any excessive frills or over-the-top decor. This bedroom, much like the rest of their home, radiates an authentic “we actually live here” vibe, which is incredibly appealing and deeply comforting. It’s a testament to creating a personal retreat that truly feels like a haven without sacrificing style. Those stylish sconces, perfectly complementing the room’s aesthetic, also hail from The Decorating Outlet right here in Richmond, further showcasing Lori’s talent for discovering unique and quality pieces from local sources.
On the opposite side of their master bedroom stands a beautiful side chair, another fantastic secondhand score that Lori skillfully transformed. With a keen eye for detail, she recovered the seat with fresh, vibrant fabric sourced from U-Fab, a local fabric outlet. This personal touch instantly revitalized the piece, making it feel perfectly at home in the room. What I particularly love about her fabric choice is how the ikat-ish stripes elegantly pick up on and echo the darker elements present throughout the room. Observe how these patterns relate to the dark frames adorning the walls, the sophisticated dark sconces positioned above the bed, and the rich tones of the dresser. Much like in her hallway, Lori possesses an innate talent for strategically employing pops of dark colors. Her approach is masterful; these dark accents never make a space feel heavy or brooding. Instead, they inject a sense of crispness and intriguing depth, adding sophistication and visual interest without ever overwhelming the serene atmosphere of the room. It’s a refined way to use contrast to create impact.
Next, we stepped into their master bathroom, a space that presented a unique design challenge but ultimately became a testament to Lori’s resourcefulness and practical approach. They inherited a freestanding tub, somewhat unusually placed on a diagonal in the middle of the room. Instead of fighting this existing feature, Lori made the brilliant decision to embrace it and maximize its functionality. She commissioned the same skilled handyman who crafted the exceptional media cabinet in her family room to build custom cabinets directly beneath the two windows on the back wall. These white cabinets now serve a dual purpose: providing comfortable seating and offering an abundance of storage for her and Greg’s essentials. To further enhance storage and aesthetic appeal, she introduced a beautiful dresser topped with a mirror, another thoughtful piece that adds both charm and utility. This dresser, a thrifty find from an antique shop, cleverly serves as a dedicated space for kid-bath-stuff, making bath time a breeze for Owen and Ellie.
This thoughtfully designed bathroom is actually where Lori bathes her children, making the strategic placement of that dark-drawered dresser (another fantastic antique shop find) absolutely ideal for stowing away all their bath-time necessities. Meanwhile, the pristine white cabinets tucked under the windows offer versatile seating and ample additional storage for Lori and Greg’s personal items. Reverting to Lori’s signature technique of incorporating strategic dark accents, observe how she meticulously selected a dark-framed mirror and that striking dark-fronted cabinet. These deliberate choices perfectly balance the dark vanities situated on the opposite side of the room, creating a harmonious and sophisticated visual equilibrium. It’s this intelligent play with color and contrast that elevates the space, demonstrating how functional elements can also be key contributors to a cohesive and stylish interior design. This bathroom isn’t just practical; it’s a beautifully balanced space that caters to the entire family’s needs with effortless grace.
Ellie’s nursery is an absolute dream, a testament to thoughtful design and the magic of smart sourcing. The image you see captures it in its perfectly “floofed” state, poised and ready for the camera before her arrival (of course, the pillows and stuffed animals have since been moved out of the crib for safety now that she’s here!). And that beautiful crib? It’s a Pottery Barn gem, but here’s the best part: Lori snagged it on Craigslist! This incredible find not only saved her a significant amount but also came in the perfect color, eliminating the need for any painting. It’s an exemplary case of how high-end style can be achieved on a budget through savvy secondhand shopping, making luxury accessible and sustainable. The nursery truly blends classic charm with playful elements, creating a serene yet stimulating environment for a growing little one.
Above Ellie’s crib, the adorable bunny art is a treasure Lori discovered at Strawberry Fields, a charming local store. But here’s the truly delightful twist: it’s actually by a talented local artist whom John and I had the pleasure of meeting at the craft fair last year. It truly is a small world, isn’t it? We absolutely adore her work; in fact, Clara has the very same bunny print gracing our own hallway. Adding to the nursery’s whimsical charm is the incredibly cute felt mobile, a sweet and handcrafted find from Etsy. These personalized details, blending local artistry with handcrafted online discoveries, create a unique and heartwarming atmosphere, making Ellie’s room a truly special and inspiring space for her to grow and dream.
Lori’s discerning eye for unique touches extends further into Ellie’s room with these utterly charming bookshelves, also sourced from Etsy. Their vibrant hot pink color adds a playful burst of energy and perfectly complements the side table that Lori herself artfully painted with a matching hot pink top. This clever coordination creates a cohesive and joyful corner, showcasing how bold color choices can truly invigorate a child’s space. And beneath these colorful shelves, providing a cozy spot for reading and snuggles, is a plush rocker, another fantastic and comfortable find from Craigslist. Every element in this nursery speaks to a blend of creative flair, thoughtful sourcing, and a deep understanding of what makes a child’s room both stimulating and serene, proving that personalized decor doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.
Owen’s room is equally awesome, brimming with personality and a wonderful sense of creativity. One of the most striking features that immediately captivated us was the giant piece of art displayed prominently over his crib. This wasn’t a traditional painting or print, but rather a brilliant DIY project: Lori took a large piece of captivating fabric, stretched it tautly over a canvas, and secured it around the back with staples. The result is truly astonishing; it absolutely looks like a massive, professionally produced painting, adding an impressive focal point to the room. For those who are as enamored with this fabric as we are, it’s a distinctive Marimekko print. While the specific “Karkuteilla Green” pattern might currently be out of stock, knowing the designer and pattern name (which you can find via this link) might just help you track it down on platforms like eBay or through other fabric wholesalers if you’re eager to recreate this stunning look. It’s a fantastic example of how textile art can transform a space, making it vibrant and uniquely personal.
Throughout the house, Lori and Greg have incorporated sets of beautiful pocket doors in several key locations, a design choice that is both aesthetically pleasing and incredibly functional. These doors are a brilliant space-saving solution, sliding seamlessly into the wall cavity rather than swinging open into a room, thus maximizing usable floor space and maintaining an uncluttered aesthetic. One such example is the pocket door that gracefully opens into the inviting guest room. This thoughtful architectural detail not only enhances the flow of the home but also adds a touch of classic charm, proving that practical elements can also contribute significantly to a home’s overall design elegance. The use of pocket doors is a subtle yet effective way to optimize layout and create a more open, versatile living environment.
Taking a closer look at the guest room, its charm is immediately apparent, thanks to a beautiful blend of sentimental pieces and thoughtful placement. My eye was drawn to the classic old metal bed, positioned perfectly under the window, flanked by the room’s unique peaked ceilings. There’s something inherently cozy and inviting about this arrangement. What makes this bed truly special isn’t just its aesthetic appeal, but its rich history: it was Lori’s very own bed from her childhood! Imagine, she’s had it for nearly 30 years. This piece carries decades of memories and stories, contributing an unparalleled sense of warmth and personal history to the guest space. It’s a wonderful reminder that well-loved heirlooms can transcend trends and become timeless focal points in a home, offering guests a unique and comforting experience that mass-produced furniture simply cannot replicate. The room feels effortlessly welcoming, a true home away from home.
The same wonderful story of heritage and timelessness applies to the dresser in the guest room; it also hails from Lori’s childhood bedroom. What’s truly remarkable is that neither the dresser nor the bed have been painted or refinished – they stand in their original, glorious 30-year-old state. This untouched authenticity lends a casual, cottage-like feeling to the room that is utterly endearing and inviting. It proves that sometimes the most beautiful pieces are those that have simply been lived with and loved over time, carrying their history gracefully. And of course, I found myself awkwardly obsessed with that distinctive glass-based lamp resting on the dresser, another fantastic secondhand find that perfectly encapsulates Lori’s talent for spotting unique treasures. This room is a masterclass in creating a serene and inviting retreat by embracing the beauty of vintage pieces and personal history, making it feel incredibly authentic and comforting for any visitor.
Peering through the other side of those clever pocket doors, you discover another versatile and dynamic space within Lori and Greg’s home: a wonderfully chill little office, playroom, and sitting room all rolled into one. This multi-functional area perfectly embodies the adaptability required for modern family living, seamlessly transitioning between different uses throughout the day. It’s a testament to smart design that maximizes every square foot, providing designated zones for work, play, and relaxation without feeling cramped or cluttered. This adaptability ensures the home truly works for the family’s evolving needs, offering both quiet corners for focus and vibrant areas for creative engagement. It’s a prime example of how thoughtful layout and flexible furnishing can create a truly livable and engaging environment for everyone.
In this versatile room, Lori’s creative design choices truly shine. I particularly loved the cool blue cube tables she expertly paired together, sourced from Home Decorators. These vibrant, modular pieces add a touch of modern flair and flexibility, easily reconfigured to suit different activities. But the real showstopper on the back wall is her ingenious DIY art project: a National Geographic map, meticulously cut into nine individual parts and then framed to create a large-scale, striking mosaic. This not only serves as a fantastic visual anchor for the room but also sparks curiosity and a love for geography, perfectly blending education with interior design. It’s a brilliant, budget-friendly way to create impactful art that’s both personal and engaging. This room beautifully demonstrates how combining smart commercial finds with highly creative, personal touches can result in a space that is both stylish and incredibly functional for the whole family.
And there you have it – a captivating tour through the truly awesome Richmond home of Lori, Greg, Owen, and Ellie. We are immensely grateful that they opened their doors and invited us to capture these moments to share with all of you. We sincerely hope you’ve enjoyed virtually stepping inside their vibrant, family-friendly abode from the comfort of your own chair or sofa, gathering inspiration for your own living spaces. Their home is a beautiful testament to thoughtful design, smart sourcing, and creating a comfortable, lived-in feel that truly embraces family life. Now, for our favorite part of every house crash: playing the “favorite part” game! For me, the highlights were undoubtedly the clever pocket doors that enhance flow and save space, the burst of colorful, locally sourced art in the kitchen nook, and those incredibly functional and stylish custom-built ins in the family room. John, on the other hand, was particularly impressed by the ingenious fabric-made-into-art piece above Owen’s crib, the fact that such a vast majority of their furnishings were treasured secondhand finds, demonstrating sustainable and budget-conscious decorating, and he also enthusiastically called out those magnificent living room built-ins right along with me. Now it’s your turn – what was your favorite detail, idea, or space in Lori and Greg’s inspiring Richmond home?
Psst- Let’s keep snooping! Click hereto virtually walk around over 45 other incredible homes that we’ve crashed, each filled with unique design ideas and real-life inspiration for your next home project!