Inside Lesley & Jeff’s Mid‑Century Split‑Level Home in Richmond
We’re excited to share this house tour — you may remember how Lesley and Jeff lived more than four years ago, before their family grew with two little boys and they moved into a new home better suited to their needs. Their current place is a mid‑century split‑level tucked in a lovely, wooded Richmond neighborhood, and it’s been transformed into a warm, personal family home.
Before we dive into the new house, here’s a quick reminder of their first home — the one we toured back in 2008 — to show how their style has evolved while staying true to thrifted finds and sentimental pieces.
One clever, budget‑friendly update on the front porch: Lesley didn’t love the ornate iron columns, so instead of replacing them she trained vines to grow around the posts until the metal disappeared beneath greenery. It’s charming, low‑cost, and exactly the kind of creative solution that suits their home.
Lesley’s eye for mixing meaningful, reused items is one of the strongest threads through this house. Take the red chandelier reflected in the entry mirror: she spray‑painted it years ago for her wedding, they danced beneath it at their reception, and now it hangs in the hallway. Much of their furniture is secondhand — solid, worn‑in pieces that feel lived‑in and loved.
Another corner of the entry showcases a pillow with a meaningful number and reupholstered fabric chosen to refresh an older chair, demonstrating how small updates can make thrifted furniture feel intentional and modern.
The family room is a favorite for its unapologetic embrace of original wood paneling. Rather than hiding it, Lesley leaned into the retro vibe — calling it “embracing her inner Golden Girl” — and added other vintage touches like a laundry sign she salvaged from a closing cleaners. Layered textiles, patterned pillows, and simple, solid wood furniture create a cozy space that naturally becomes a gathering spot. Those wing chairs? Found for $50 each on Craigslist and kept in surprisingly good condition under protective plastic for decades.
A framed piece of secondhand art and a handmade throw add personality to the sofa — the kind of affordable accents that make a living space feel curated without being precious.
John was especially taken with a bright teal map Lesley found on eBay. Its bold color plays perfectly against the wood paneling and a chic gold lamp, showing how a single colorful piece can lift an entire vignette.
The kitchen blends function and DIY charm: durable dark floor tile laid in a herringbone pattern, painted beadboard backsplash they installed for under $40, creamy white cabinets, and dark hardware that ties everything together. It’s practical and visually cohesive without being overdone.
On one wall they track the kids’ growth and display colorful silhouette profiles, a simple, sentimental touch that personalizes the home and celebrates family life.
Small handmade details, like a cheerful curtain finished with fringe and a decorative crane used as a towel hook, give the kitchen a playful, collected feel — and yes, those aqua foo dogs are a delightful accent.
The sunroom off the back was converted into a vibrant playroom with organized toy storage, a large train table, and bold paint choices on the brick and door. Custom shutters add architectural interest, and the space quickly became a favorite spot for the kids.
Upstairs, the bedroom continues the theme of patterned textiles and warm wood tones. Framed blueprints are hung in a playful offset arrangement that feels deliberate yet relaxed.
The guest room mixes dusty gray‑blue walls with bold orange bedding and a large thrifted sailfish above the bed. Sculptural side tables and textured white lamps balance the strong color choices, proving that bold accents work best when anchored by neutral or natural elements.
Lesley’s pink‑tiled bathroom is a standout example of working with what you have. She layered an ornate thrifted mirror, a bright green rug, a blue‑gray paint on the walls, and a ruffled curtain sourced secondhand to create a playful yet sophisticated space. It’s an encouraging reminder that dated finishes can feel modern with the right touches.
The boys share a room where matching Craigslist beds provide a unified look while slightly different bedding and unique wall hangings personalize each side. It’s a smart approach to making a shared space feel cohesive without being identical.
Down in the basement, Lesley’s office combines practical storage with relaxed styling: black storage boxes, affordable table lamps, casual book stacks, and ribbons on the shelves. The room feels lived‑in and functional, not overly staged, reflecting the easy, approachable aesthetic that runs through the whole house.
Huge thanks to Lesley, Jeff, and their two boys for inviting us in and letting us share these photos. If you’re looking for inspiration, there’s a lot to learn here: embrace existing features, mix thrifted and new pieces, add meaningful accents, and prioritize comfort. What’s your favorite detail? For us, the vine trick on the porch and the boys’ coordinated but not identical beds are highlights — and John still loves the teal map and framed blueprints.
Psst — if you’re curious, there are many more house tours and home‑styling ideas to explore in the house cruising archives.