Welcome back to another captivating home invasion – a friendly takeover, if you will – where we peel back the layers of local living to uncover design brilliance. This time, our exciting journey takes us into the beautifully curated world of Lesley and Jeff, residents of Richmond and proprietors of a true Carytown gem. Lesley, the visionary behind Clementine, a supremely stylish consignment shop nestled in the vibrant heart of Carytown (a bustling street renowned for its unique boutiques, charming cafes, and diverse eateries), graciously opened her doors alongside her husband, Jeff. They generously allowed us to explore their personal sanctuary, capturing the essence of their distinct style to share with you, our cherished readers. Prepare to be inspired as we unveil the charm and character of their extraordinary home.
Our arrival was met with an immediate visual delight: a cheerful yellow front door, adorned with meticulously hand-painted house numbers. This welcoming splash of color instantly set the tone for the imaginative interiors within. Lesley shared her simple yet effective DIY technique, which involved merely printing out their house numbers, transferring them onto the door using a pencil rubbing and tracing method, and then carefully painting them with a fine brush. The result? A personalized, artistic touch that transforms a functional detail into a captivating statement, demonstrating how thoughtful details can elevate curb appeal and leave a lasting first impression.
Stepping across the threshold of their charming 1940s abode, one is instantly enveloped by an atmosphere rich in character and history. This house effortlessly blends its inherent architectural charm with the thoughtful, eclectic decor choices meticulously added by Lesley and Jeff. The living room, a serene haven painted in a calming shade of blue, immediately captivates the eye. This tranquil backdrop is beautifully punctuated by unexpected pops of vibrant color, reflecting their unique artistic sensibilities. A set of elegant French doors beckons from one side, offering a glimpse into a sweet, inviting screened-in sun porch – a delightful space we’ll explore in more detail later, but one that already hints at the home’s relaxed, livable luxury. This space truly epitomizes comfortable living blended with sophisticated design, perfect for relaxation and entertaining.
An elegant staircase gracefully ascends from the living room, leading to an extraordinary transformation: the attic. What was once a rudimentary storage space has been ingeniously converted by Lesley and Jeff themselves into an impressive and highly functional office, complete with a cozy lounge area and a fully appointed bathroom. This DIY attic conversion stands as a testament to their vision and skill, maximizing every inch of their 1940s home. A standout feature is the decision by Jeff to intentionally leave the dark wooden beams exposed throughout the space, adding an architectural raw edge that perfectly complements their eclectic style. The upstairs bathroom exudes serenity with its simple yet elegant design, a harmonious extension of the overall aesthetic. Adorning the walls is their quirky and thoughtfully curated art collection, a true highlight of the home. One of the most admirable aspects of Lesley’s design philosophy is her innate ability to seamlessly integrate vintage art pieces – often discovered at thrift stores, estate sales, or antique markets – and display them in unexpected nooks and crannies, like a quiet corner of the attic, without ever making the space feel cluttered or overwhelming. This approach creates layers of interest and personality, making every glance reveal something new and delightful.
This delightful blend of vintage charm and quirky accessories flows effortlessly downstairs into the heart of the home: the kitchen. Here, the original tile countertop stands as a testament to enduring quality, remarkably still in excellent condition and adding an authentic touch of the home’s history. We were particularly captivated by the charm of the wall-mounted faucet, a detail that perfectly encapsulates a classic, functional aesthetic. Adding a playful yet serene presence, a Buddha head thoughtfully oversees the dishwashing area, infusing a sense of calm into daily chores. This kitchen is a perfect example of how to honor a home’s original features while layering in personal, eclectic touches that make it truly unique. It’s a space where functionality meets whimsical design, creating an inviting and inspiring environment for culinary creativity.
Lesley and Jeff masterfully demonstrate that even modest bathrooms can radiate an incredible sense of light and airiness, proving that size is no barrier to style and comfort. Their first-floor bathroom, pictured below on the left, is a prime example, boasting original floor and wall tiles. The classic subway tile pattern, a timeless design choice, is a clear win, lending an authentic vintage appeal that resonated deeply with our own design preferences. This space bore an uncanny resemblance to our own bathroom, though we must confess our severe lack in the whimsical white deer head department – a delightful and unexpected accent that adds a touch of playful sophistication. Meanwhile, the newly added bathroom in the attic, depicted below on the right, is every bit as charming as its vintage counterpart downstairs. It features crisp white wainscoting and warm, inviting wood floors that extend seamlessly into the adjacent office space, creating a cohesive and expansive feel throughout the upper level. While they are still meticulously putting the finishing touches on the upstairs shower – which promises to be both generously sized and unbelievably stunning – we found immediate inspiration in a more readily achievable detail: an open linen closet. This ingenious storage solution has now officially added a new project to our growing home improvement list, a testament to the fresh ideas their home continually sparks. We’re eagerly anticipating the reveal of our own linen closet transformation in the coming weeks, thanks to Lesley and Jeff’s inspiring design choices.
In their private sanctuary, the master bedroom, Lesley and Jeff’s extraordinary color sense and their unparalleled original art collection once again take center stage. We were consistently impressed by their remarkable ability to weave together unexpected and intricate color combinations with an undeniable finesse and distinctive style. Many of us often shy away from embracing such bold and adventurous color schemes, fearing they might overwhelm a space, but Lesley’s design choices unequivocally prove that they can not only work but can create truly captivating and harmonious environments. The bedroom is a vibrant tapestry of hues that somehow feels both energetic and incredibly inviting. Beyond the striking colors, thoughtful details such as the elegantly monogrammed pillows add a personal, luxurious touch, while the sleek, wall-mounted lamps provide both functional lighting and a contemporary edge, ensuring the space feels supremely cozy and utterly welcoming. This bedroom is a masterclass in fearless design, demonstrating how confidence in color and art can transform a simple room into an inspiring retreat.
Beyond the larger statements, Lesley and Jeff’s home is a treasure trove of playful and unique accessories, each piece telling its own story. Consider this ingeniously arranged collection of old serving trays, repurposed and transformed into captivating wall art, displayed above an intriguing estate sale chair in the guest bedroom. It’s a brilliant example of upcycling and creative display, turning everyday objects into extraordinary decor. Their dining room bookcase further exemplifies their eclectic taste, holding a fascinating array of items that span the traditional and the truly unusual. Here, you’ll find classic servingware, beloved books, and elegant candles nestled beside unexpected curiosities, such as a striking skull discovered in the middle of the desert. This curated collection speaks volumes about their adventurous spirit and their appreciation for both beauty and intriguing narratives, making every corner of their home a delightful discovery for anyone exploring its depths.
And now, saving one of the most remarkable features for last, we present the much-anticipated screened-in sun porch. In fact, this particular room, and more specifically its absolutely stunning floor, was the primary catalyst for our visit. Rumors of Lesley’s incredible stenciled concrete floor had reached us, and we simply had to witness its beauty firsthand. The intricate stencils themselves were sourced from Sunny’s Goodtime Paint, a local paint store that is rapidly gaining national acclaim, even earning a mention in a prominent design publication like Domino this very month. Lesley’s choice of a fun, repeating medallion pattern perfectly imbues the space with a lively, yet elegant, rhythm. Her expert eye for design allowed her to space the medallions intuitively, creating a bold punch of pattern that looks nothing short of amazing. This innovative DIY project serves as powerful inspiration, prompting us to consider picking up a stencil of our own and trying our hand at stenciling our own sunroom, eager to replicate even a fraction of the charm Lesley has created.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Lesley and Jeff for their incredible hospitality and for allowing us to wander through their captivating home, camera in hand. We departed not only with a treasure trove of stunning photographs but also with a wealth of fresh inspiration – from the ingenious open linen closet concept to the absolutely mesmerizing stenciled concrete floor. Their home is a testament to personal style, thoughtful design, and the joy of creating a space that truly reflects who you are. Now, we want to hear from you! What were your favorite details from this inspiring home tour? Feel free to share your thoughts and sound off about the elements that resonated most with you. We value your insights and look forward to discussing the unique charm of Lesley and Jeff’s Richmond abode.