We are thrilled to bring you on a captivating home tour that revisits familiar faces, Lesley and Jeff. You may recall their vibrant style from a previous house feature over four and a half years ago. A lot has changed since then; their family has grown to include two delightful young boys, prompting a move to a new abode perfectly suited for their expanding needs. Their current residence is a charming mid-century split-level house nestled in a picturesque, woodsy neighborhood right here in Richmond. As expected, Lesley and Jeff have masterfully infused it with their unique personality and signature design flair, transforming it into a truly inspiring family home.
A Nostalgic Look Back: Their First Home
Before we dive into the details of their current dwelling, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. For those whose recollections might need a refresh, here’s a glimpse of their first house – the one we had the pleasure of exploring together all the way back in 2008! It’s fascinating to see how their style has evolved while maintaining that distinctive touch of warmth and originality.
Transforming Dated Features into Design Assets
Now, let’s turn our attention back to their spectacular new residence. Regular followers might remember Lesley as a true genius at transforming seemingly “ugly” or dated features into stunning design assets. A prime example of this philosophy can be found right on their front porch. Faced with outdated iron columns adorned with swirly, zig-zag patterns, Lesley and Jeff opted for an ingenious, cost-effective solution instead of a costly demolition. They patiently trained lush, vibrant vines to grow around and gracefully cover these unwanted elements. The result? A charming, verdant entryway that completely conceals the once-dated iron, offering a welcoming, natural aesthetic. It’s a testament to their creativity and a much more budget-friendly approach than tearing them out, though they remain open to that possibility further down the line.
An Entryway Filled with Meaning and Character
One of the most captivating aspects of Lesley’s design style is her innate ability to blend diverse elements, not just any items, but truly meaningful ones. As you step into their entryway, your eye is immediately drawn to a striking red chandelier reflected in a mirror. This isn’t just any light fixture; it’s a piece steeped in personal history. Lesley spray-painted it red years ago for her wedding, and she and Jeff shared their first dance beneath its glow in their reception tent. Today, it beautifully graces their hallway, adding a romantic and personal touch to their home. This philosophy extends throughout their furnishings, with many pieces being cherished secondhand finds. It’s a wonderful nod to sustainable living and a celebration of well-loved, solid wood furniture that tells a story.
Another inviting corner of their entryway reveals further evidence of Lesley’s thoughtful curation. Here, you’ll find a decorative pillow adorned with a significant number, hinting at another personal anecdote. Beside it sits an old chair, given a new lease on life with fresh upholstery fabric carefully chosen by Lesley, transforming a “seen-better-days” piece into a stylish and comfortable accent. These subtle yet powerful details create an inviting atmosphere right from the moment you walk through the door, setting the tone for the rest of their unique and personalized home.
Embracing the Paneling: A Cozy & Retro Family Room
The family room immediately stood out as one of the most delightful spaces in the house, largely due to a feature many might shy away from: authentic wood paneling! Instead of fighting against it, Lesley and Jeff made the bold and brilliant decision to embrace its inherent character. This wasn’t flimsy, faux paneling; it was thick, solid wood, which Lesley charmingly referred to as “embracing her inner Golden Girl.” Her humorous approach is truly infectious! Rather than embarking on the laborious task of drywalling over it or even painting it, they skillfully integrated other retro touches that complement the paneling’s warmth. Take, for instance, that fantastic old laundry sign Lesley acquired from a local cleaners going out of business – she simply asked for it, and they generously gave it to her! Lesley truly shines in her ability to effortlessly mix and match textiles, evident in the layered patterns of the pillows, the area rug, and the ottomans, all contributing to an incredibly cozy and welcoming ambiance. This room is undeniably a magnetic gathering spot, drawing everyone in. And those striking wing chairs? Lesley snagged them for an incredible $50 each on Craigslist, and remarkably, they didn’t even need recovering, having been protected by plastic covers for decades since their original purchase! This room perfectly encapsulates their blend of thriftiness, personality, and design savvy, making it a true highlight of their mid-century modern home.
Adding to the room’s eclectic charm is a captivating framed piece of secondhand art, which Lesley ingeniously scored on sale for just $50. It’s a testament to how art doesn’t have to break the bank to make a significant impact. And draped casually over the sofa is a beautiful throw from her friend’s Etsy store, further emphasizing their support for small businesses and personalized touches. These elements collectively transform the family room into a vibrant tapestry of stories and cherished finds, making it both stylish and deeply personal. It’s a masterclass in creating a cohesive look from diverse, meaningful sources.
John, in particular, was absolutely captivated by this impressive map. Lesley found this unique piece on eBay, and its bright teal color truly pops against the rich wood paneling, creating a dynamic visual contrast. The chic gold lamp strategically placed nearby adds another layer of sophistication, highlighting the map and enhancing the room’s warm glow. This unexpected pairing of a vibrant, modern map with the classic paneling perfectly embodies Lesley’s talent for blending different eras and styles seamlessly, resulting in a space that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary.
A Stylish & Functional Kitchen Transformation
The kitchen is a testament to thoughtful design and DIY ingenuity. It features durable, dark stone floors laid in an elegant herringbone pattern – a simple yet effective upgrade Lesley employed using standard tile store materials. The backsplash is another impressive DIY project, crafted from dark painted beadboard by Lesley and Jeff themselves for under $40, providing a rustic yet refined texture. These darker elements are beautifully balanced by creamy white cabinets, which lend a bright and airy feel, while dark hardware thoughtfully ties into the dark floors and counters, creating a cohesive and sophisticated palette. This blend of high-impact, low-cost solutions with a keen eye for detail makes their kitchen both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Beyond the functional aspects, the kitchen also houses heartwarming personalized details. A dedicated wall serves as a family growth chart, tracking the children’s milestones. Adorning this wall are bright, cheerful silhouettes of each child, adding a vibrant and personal touch that celebrates their family’s journey. These bespoke elements are exactly the kind of thoughtful touches we adore, making a house truly feel like a home brimming with cherished memories and individual character.
Lesley’s creativity extends to the smallest details, such as the cheerful and bright fabric curtain she crafted, complete with playful fringe along the bottom. To the left of the curtain, a delightful crane figure serves as a charming and unexpected perch for her dishtowel – a quirky detail that immediately captured our hearts. And let’s not forget the striking aqua foo dogs, which add another layer of unique personality and vibrant color to the space. These small, artful touches demonstrate Lesley’s ability to infuse joy and individuality into every corner of her home, transforming everyday objects into delightful points of interest.
From Sunroom to Vibrant Playroom
Off the back of the house lies an incredible sunroom, which Lesley and Jeff ingeniously converted into a vibrant and highly functional playroom. This transformation involved several thoughtful additions: practical toy baskets to keep clutter at bay, a large train table for endless imaginative play, and a rich, inviting color palette applied to the existing brick (Woodcliff Lake by Benjamin Moore) and the door (Goldsmith by Benjamin Moore). To complete the look, they installed beautiful and architectural custom window shutters, adding both privacy and aesthetic appeal. As you might imagine, their daughter Clara made an immediate beeline for this room upon entering and was absolutely enthralled, demonstrating just how successful this conversion was in creating a dedicated and inspiring space for their children. It’s a perfect example of adapting a home to fit a family’s evolving needs.
Upstairs Retreats: Master Bedroom & Guest Room
Ascending to the upstairs bedroom, a harmonious blend of patterned fabric and warm wood accents creates a serene and inviting sanctuary. A standout feature here is the arrangement of framed blueprints, originally from West Elm, which Lesley has hung in a delightfully fun and offset manner. This unconventional display adds a touch of modern artistry and visual interest, demonstrating her knack for unique styling. The careful interplay of textures and the thoughtful placement of decor contribute to a space that feels both sophisticated and deeply personal, offering a peaceful retreat at the end of the day.
The guest room offers a refreshing and bold aesthetic, featuring dusty grey-blue walls that provide a calming backdrop for the vibrant orange patterned bedding sourced from Pottery Barn. Dominating the space above the bed is a magnificent, giant thrift store sailfish, a truly unique and playful focal point. The sculptural side tables, a stylish find from PB Teen, and the textured white table lamps from HomeGoods further elevate the room’s design. Lesley’s brilliance truly shines in her ability to temper these bold colors and accents with crisp whites or rich woods, preventing the room from feeling chaotic, even with a large, eye-catching fish on the wall. It’s a masterclass in balancing daring design choices with thoughtful moderation, creating a guest space that is both memorable and comfortable.
The Unexpected Charm of the Pink Tiled Bathroom
One of the most inspiring aspects of Lesley’s design philosophy is her unwavering “work-with-what-you’ve-got” spirit. This is nowhere more evident than in her pink tiled bathroom, a feature that many might rush to remodel. Instead, Lesley fully embraced it, transforming it into a space that feels entirely her own – sophisticated, fun, and utterly charming. The ornate thrift store mirror adds a touch of vintage elegance, beautifully contrasted by the bright green rug from Target, which injects a lively pop of color. The blue-gray wall color (Metro Gray by Benjamin Moore) provides a calming counterpoint, while the ruffled curtain, an Anthropologie piece cleverly found on Craigslist, adds texture and whimsy. The combination is wonderfully cohesive without being overtly “matchy-matchy” or “over-designed.” It feels effortless and inviting, proving that even a potentially challenging feature like pink tiles can be celebrated and elevated. We were absolutely delighted to share this picture, especially for anyone else out there grappling with the perceived dilemma of a pink bathroom – Lesley shows it can be an asset!
A Personalized Haven: The Boys’ Shared Room
Lesley and Jeff’s sons joyfully share a room, and the design beautifully reflects their individual personalities while maintaining a sense of unity. We particularly admired how their beds, found affordably on Craigslist, shared the same color and style, yet their bedding was thoughtfully differentiated. Above each bed hung unique secondhand finds: a local flag over one, and a vintage bus scroll from eBay over the other. This approach creates a personalized corner for each boy, ensuring that their spaces aren’t merely cloned but still harmonize exceptionally well. It’s a brilliant example of how to make a shared room feel special for each occupant, blending individuality with a cohesive design aesthetic. This clever personalization makes the room not just a sleeping space, but a true reflection of the boys’ interests and the family’s resourceful spirit.
Lesley’s Basement Office: Effortless Chic & Functionality
Down in the basement, Lesley’s office is a testament to functional design infused with effortless chic. We were captivated by every detail, from the sleek black storage boxes and stylish table lamps – HomeGoods finds at a remarkable $30 each – to the artful, casual stacks of books arranged in various directions. Even with a cozy blanket draped over the chair and fresh flowers gracing a vase, the space never felt overtly “styled.” This natural, lived-in vibe is enhanced by the seemingly random ribbons on the shelves and the vibrant, colorful stacks of books simply “shoved in” amongst them. There’s an undeniable ease and elegance to Lesley’s home, particularly in this office. It speaks volumes of a designer who isn’t trying too hard, yet achieves a look that is simultaneously awesome, incredibly cozy, and profoundly personal. It’s a perfect illustration of how a space can be both highly organized and wonderfully relaxed, truly reflecting its owner’s character and providing inspiration for anyone looking to create a functional yet inviting home office.
Inspired Living: Key Takeaways from Lesley & Jeff’s Home
We extend our sincerest gratitude to Lesley, Jeff, and their two wonderful boys for opening their home and allowing us to share these inspiring photos with all of you! We hope you’ve gleaned valuable insights and creative ideas from elements like their beautifully embraced pink tiled bathroom, the charming paneled family room, and the numerous budget-friendly transformations found throughout their mid-century split-level home. It’s a true showcase of personalized interior design and resourceful home decor.
Now, let’s engage in our favorite game: “What’s Your Favorite Part?” For us, the standout inspirations include the clever vine trick on the porch, ingeniously hiding those dated columns, and the boys’ room, with its perfectly balanced “matching but not too-matchy” Craigslist beds. And, as expected, John was particularly enamored with the framed blueprints and that striking teal map – no surprises there, as those pieces truly capture Lesley’s unique blend of aesthetic and meaning.
Lesley and Jeff’s home is a testament to living meaningfully, decorating with intention, and creating spaces that evolve with a family. Their blend of secondhand finds, DIY projects, and personal touches offers a wealth of ideas for anyone looking to inject personality and warmth into their own living spaces without breaking the bank. From vintage treasures to clever hacks, every corner of their Richmond home tells a story and inspires thoughtful design.
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