Welcome to an exclusive house crash tour, revealing the exquisite home of our dear friends, Carey and Jordan. Their residence, nestled in the vibrant city of Richmond, Virginia, has captivated our audience, particularly their glorious back porch, which we’ve proudly showcased on Instagram multiple times. The sheer volume of positive feedback on just that glimpse alone prompted us to delve deeper, offering you a comprehensive tour of their beautifully transformed home.
Beyond the aesthetic appeal, Carey and Jordan offer invaluable insights into practical living, sharing their wisdom on materials and design choices that stand the test of time against the daily wear and tear of a bustling family life with three children and beloved pets. They candidly discuss what has proven exceptionally durable and, importantly, what they might approach differently in future renovations. Their practical advice comes at a perfect time for us, as we are currently in the midst of planning our own bathroom renovations. So, without further ado, let’s step inside and begin this inspiring journey!
Similar Storm Door / Similar Black Sconces / String Lights
A Journey of Transformation: From Neighbors to Renovation Inspiration
Carey and Jordan were once our immediate neighbors, with Carey being one of the first to extend a warm welcome to our family with a plate of homemade cookies (which we promptly devoured while laying hardwood floors upstairs!). Recently, their family of five outgrew their previous home, leading them to embark on a new adventure in another charming house within our same Richmond neighborhood. This move provided the perfect canvas for Jordan, who owns and operates a highly respected renovation company in Richmond, Spruce RVA. Given his expertise, it comes as no surprise that their new home underwent a truly remarkable metamorphosis.
To truly appreciate the scope of their work, let’s take a moment to reflect on the “before.” Here’s a glimpse of that very same back porch area when they first acquired the property. Now, scroll back up to see the breathtaking “after” – it’s a transformation that speaks volumes about vision and craftsmanship.
The difference is nothing short of astounding! The formerly uninspired space has been reimagined into an inviting haven. These photographs were captured in the early fall, just before the leaves began their descent, adding a warm, golden glow to the scene. One of the most significant structural changes was the conversion of the old garage, visible in the “before” picture, into a spacious downstairs master bedroom. This thoughtful addition provides ample accommodation for their parents, who frequently visit. Their willingness to repurpose the garage was made easy by Jordan’s expertise; he and his team were able to design and construct a new, detached garage nearby, complete with a second-floor office for his business, Spruce RVA.
Elevating Curb Appeal: Thoughtful Exterior Enhancements
From an initial glance, the home’s exterior, aside from the newly constructed detached garage, might not appear dramatically different from its original state. However, a closer inspection reveals the meticulous attention to detail that Carey and Jordan invested in amplifying its inherent charm and character.
They thoughtfully enhanced the front facade by building out the existing columns, giving them a more substantial and welcoming presence. A stunning dentil molding was added along the roofline, an architectural detail that instantly elevates the home’s classic appeal and craftsmanship. Furthermore, they replaced the original double doors with a single, elegant door flanked by sidelights. This not only enhances the visual aesthetics but also serves a practical purpose: it floods the foyer with natural light, a brilliant solution for common complaints about dark entryways. The subtle hint of pumpkins on the porch confirms these photos were taken in October, lending a festive touch to the already inviting entrance. And one cannot overlook the serene blue ceiling or the elegant bluestone pathway that guides visitors to the front door – details that truly make this entrance special.
Similar Black Planters / Door Knocker / Similar Lantern Sconces
The inviting porch ceiling is painted in Crystal Springs by Benjamin Moore, a hue known for its calming effect and traditional Southern charm. The vibrant front door, a striking Poppy by Benjamin Moore, adds a welcoming pop of color. The crisp white siding, Hardiplank’s Arctic White, provides a clean and durable backdrop, ensuring lasting beauty with minimal maintenance.
Outdoor Living & Functional Entryways: Patio to Mudroom
The newly constructed detached garage gracefully serves as a natural anchor for their expansive outdoor patio area. This beautifully designed space becomes the focal point when viewed from the inviting back door, the very one that often graces our Instagram feed. Both Carey and Jordan’s professional backgrounds – Jordan as a trained landscape architect and Carey in urban planning – shine through in the thoughtful design of their outdoor living spaces. We particularly admire their ingenuity in integrating pockets of lush greenery within the paver patio, softening the hardscape and creating a harmonious connection with nature.
String Lights / Similar Black Sconce / Similar Lantern Sconces
Given its frequent use by the family, the back door opens directly into a remarkably spacious and highly functional mudroom. This thoughtfully designed area features individual nooks for each of their three elementary-aged children, providing designated spots for coats, backpacks, and shoes. Imagine this space during the colder months, bustling with boots and scarves, though given Richmond’s unseasonably warm recent weather, it likely often maintains this tidy appearance.
Rug / Round Baskets / Hooks / Rectangle Baskets
The Heart of the Home: A Kitchen Remodel for Modern Family Life
From the mudroom, one seamlessly transitions into the open-concept kitchen and family room. The striking red door, also painted in Poppy by Benjamin Moore, echoes the vibrant welcome of the front entrance. While the previous owners had already added the family room extension, Carey and Jordan’s primary objective for this central space was to modernize and enhance the kitchen’s functionality, ensuring it perfectly suited the dynamic needs of their growing family.
Stools/ Rug /Faucet / Pendants / Dishwasher / Sink
One of the most remarkable aspects of their kitchen renovation was their commitment to sustainability and preserving the home’s history. They envisioned reusing as much of the original cabinetry as possible, while subtly reconfiguring the layout for improved efficiency. In an extraordinary stroke of luck, they discovered the contact information for the original cabinet maker within one of the drawers! They promptly hired him to craft new pieces that perfectly matched the decades-old originals, resulting in a cohesive and timeless look where it’s virtually impossible to distinguish between the new and the existing elements.
Carey generously shared some “before” and “in progress” photos, illustrating their initial challenges. While generally content with the overall footprint, their main goal was to optimize the stove and island areas for a more seamless and intuitive workflow.
To enhance seating and improve traffic flow towards the refrigerator, they intelligently relocated the island overhang to its far side. The original dark counters were replaced with a lighter, highly durable, and cost-effective granite, reminiscent of the material we used in our own first kitchen. This choice instantly brightened the space. Further contributing to the airy feel, the dated black appliances were upgraded to sleek stainless steel. Jordan, mindful of reducing waste, made a concerted effort to sell or donate many of the removed items, including old appliances and windows, ensuring they found new homes rather than ending up in a landfill.
Stools / Pendants / Mixer / Flour & Sugar Jars
A true testament to their design sensibility is the exquisite herringbone-patterned tile laid above the stove, creating a beautiful focal point and accent. And, in another nod to craftsmanship, the brilliant original cabinet maker custom-built the stunning hood, featuring thick, impressive corbels that add substantial character and warmth to the space.
Stove / Kettle / Mixer / Knives / Cabinet Knobs
Dining in Style: Eclectic Charm Meets Family Functionality
Adjacent to the bright and cheerful kitchen lies the dining room, a space that effortlessly blends formality with family-friendly practicality. The upper walls are painted in Rookwood Sash by Sherwin Williams, a sophisticated, moody green-teal that provides a striking contrast above the classic wainscoting. A unique, secondhand hutch, sourced from a local Richmond gem called Epoch, adds a touch of vintage character and serves as a beautiful display piece.
Similar China Cabinet / Rug / Cabinet Pulls / Cabinet Knobs / Microwave
Carey has masterfully curated an eclectic mix of furniture within the dining room, achieving a sophisticated yet approachable ambiance that perfectly accommodates their three young children. When queried about the durability of the wool rug against the inevitable spills and foot traffic of a busy family, Carey enthusiastically confirmed its resilience. Its faded, weathered aesthetic inherently disguises minor imperfections, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas.
Rug / Table / End Chairs / White Chairs / Similar Gourd Lamps / Similar Chandelier / Gold Mirror / Sideboard
A particularly delightful detail is how the bamboo frame of the mirror above the sideboard harmoniously connects with the lattice design on the corner chair, showcasing Carey’s keen eye for subtle coordination. The room is a testament to savvy sourcing, featuring a thoughtful blend of cherished secondhand finds and accessible pieces from popular retailers like Pottery Barn, Target, and even PB Teen. This approach ensures that the overall look is cohesive and stylish, without feeling overly matched or contrived.
Rug / End Chair / Similar Corner Chair / Acrylic Table /Similar Gourd Lamp/ Gold Mirror
The “White Rabbit” Living Room: A Masterclass in Resourceful Decor
Beyond the dining room awaits a more formal living space, affectionately dubbed Carey’s “White Rabbit” room. This moniker perfectly captures the seemingly magical transformation she orchestrated. Imagine the scene shortly after they moved in: the room was essentially an empty canvas, save for a scattering of LEGOs on the floor (a common sight for any family with young children!). Yet, upon my next visit a short while later, the room had sprung to life, looking precisely as it does now.
Acrylic Console / Gold Lamp / Gold Mirror / Rug / Similar Pink Chair/ Stick Accent Table / Gold Frames
The secret to this “almost free makeover” is truly inspiring. Carey revealed that she purchased only one new item for the room – the woven ottoman tucked beneath the elegant acrylic console. Every other piece of furniture and decor was either repurposed from their attic, borrowed from other rooms that could spare them, or cleverly rearranged. Her approach involved simply gathering what she had, experimenting with different placements, and allowing the room to evolve naturally. This ingenuity underscores the power of working with existing resources and a keen design eye, proving that beautiful spaces don’t always require a hefty budget.
As part of her “make-it-work” philosophy, Carey beautifully repainted an old dresser, which now harmonizes exquisitely with the various gold accents thoughtfully distributed throughout the room. While she couldn’t recall the exact paint color, September Skies by Sherwin Williams offers a very similar aesthetic. Her unwavering commitment to minimizing expenditure while maximizing style and utilizing her existing possessions is truly commendable and a source of great admiration.
Similar Dresser / Similar Hardware /Gold Mirror
Throughout their home, one cannot help but notice the abundance of thriving live plants, a clear indication of Carey’s exceptional “plant whisperer” abilities. Her knack for nurturing greenery fills us with a healthy dose of envy! We often laugh when she excitedly shares stories of discovering new favorite plants at the local greenhouse – a passion we understand, though ours tends to lean towards paint brushes. The beautifully constructed built-ins, gradually being filled with a growing collection of books, are another highlight, creating a cozy and intellectual atmosphere. The brass pulls on the cabinetry elegantly tie into the small wooden table, cleverly repurposed as a plant stand, demonstrating a cohesive design approach even in the smallest details.
Plant Stand Table /Brass Knobs / Similar Frames
Daring to Design: Wallpaper in Bathrooms & Material Choices
Carey and Jordan demonstrate a refreshing fearlessness in their design choices, particularly in their bathrooms. Rather than opting for the more conventional route of paint, they embraced the playful charm of wallpaper, transforming these utilitarian spaces into delightful design statements. Bathrooms, especially powder rooms, are often considered ideal candidates for experimenting with bold patterns and colors, as they are smaller areas that allow for a significant impact without a prohibitive cost, unlike a large bedroom or living room. Their downstairs powder room, conveniently located off the main foyer, perfectly exemplifies this approach.
Wallpaper / Toilet / Buffalo Print / Similar Foyer Rug
Venturing upstairs, the hall bathroom, shared by two of their children, features a fun yet sophisticated graphic chevron wallpaper. This choice strikes an excellent balance between a formal aesthetic and a playful vibe, perfect for a kids’ bathroom. We specifically inquired about the durability of wallpaper in high-humidity areas like bathrooms. Carey confirmed that it has held up impeccably, showing no signs of peeling from hot showers or damage from spills or scratches by the children. Her only “issue,” she lightheartedly noted, is her reluctance to hang pictures, fearing permanent holes! However, the wallpaper’s strong visual presence means it truly shines on its own. She also shared a practical tip: the dark granite counter in this bathroom, acquired as a cost-saving remnant, has proven to be incredibly resilient and forgiving with kids, resisting stains and daily wear beautifully.
Wallpaper / Floor Tile / Hardware / Mirror
A Word of Caution on Marble and a Smart Quartz Solution
Carey offered a particularly valuable piece of advice for anyone contemplating home renovations, especially concerning bathroom flooring. Despite being cautioned about marble’s susceptibility to staining and high maintenance requirements, she initially believed it wouldn’t be a significant issue for a bathroom floor, reasoning that shoes are rarely worn in such a space. However, her experience has taught her otherwise. Toothpaste spills, water splashes, and other liquids can quickly soak into the porous surface, leaving stubborn stains or noticeable marks that she finds less than ideal. If given the opportunity to redo it, she would undoubtedly choose a different material for the floor. This candid feedback is incredibly helpful for homeowners weighing their options.
In contrast, the ensuite bathroom connected to their oldest daughter’s room, which was originally the home’s master bedroom, showcases different and highly successful material choices. For this cheerful space, they selected a delightful cherry-patterned wallpaper. The countertop here is a Cambria quartz remnant, a decision that has proven exceptionally durable. Unlike the marble floor, this quartz surface exhibits superior resistance to staining and daily wear. By sourcing it as a remnant from a local stone yard, Carey also achieved significant cost savings without compromising on quality or aesthetics, a smart move for any budget-conscious renovator.
Wallpaper / Similar Hardware /Faucet / Similar Mirror /
The Ultimate Sanctuary: A Master Suite Born from a Garage
Perhaps the most remarkable transformation, and arguably our favorite room in the entire house, is their new master bathroom. This luxurious retreat occupies the very footprint where the old garage once stood. With incredible vision, Carey and Jordan were able to carve out this serene space, featuring a beautiful nook dedicated to a generously sized soaker tub. To the right, a bright and inviting walk-in shower completes this spa-like sanctuary. And let’s not forget to highlight the exquisite basketweave accent tile – a truly stunning detail that adds texture and sophistication to the design.
Cast Iron Soaker Tub / Basketweave Accent Tile/ Main Floor Tile / Similar Vanity / Tub Faucet
Interestingly, this master bathroom became a point of personal reflection for us. My husband, John, was recently discussing with Jordan the practicality of a bathtub in a master suite, seeking reassurance that perhaps it wasn’t an essential feature (podcast listeners will know we’ve been grappling with the “tub or no-tub” dilemma for our own master bathroom renovation). John, hoping for a reinforcing answer, asked, “So, do you guys actually use that very much?” Jordan’s immediate and resounding reply – “Oh yeah! Carey uses it just about every day!” – settled the debate for me instantly. It appears I’m firmly back on the “I-want-a-tub” train!
A Home of Inspiration and Friendship
And so concludes our extensive tour through the many rooms, inviting nooks, and charming crannies of Carey and Jordan’s truly remarkable home. Their journey of transformation offers profound inspiration for anyone embarking on a renovation project, showcasing how thoughtful design, strategic material choices, and a commitment to family functionality can create a home that is both stunning and eminently livable. As incredibly inspiring renovators and truly wonderful friends and neighbors, we are immensely grateful they allowed us to capture these moments and share their story.
While we were busily photographing their beautiful spaces, our kids were having an epic time running amok in the backyard, leaving behind some truly impressive chalk drawings – a testament to how long we happily lingered! Their home is not just a showcase of design, but a vibrant hub of family life and hospitality.
If you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into a beautifully transformed home and wish to explore more of our “House Crashing” adventures, you can find our entire collection of tours here, offering a wealth of inspiration for your own home design endeavors.
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