Who’s up for a little house snoop? When Lori and her husband Greg—and their sweet son Owen—invited us to visit their charming Richmond home, we happily accepted. That little tin roof over the door is a standout, and I love that the front steps are open on three sides instead of boxed in. It’s the kind of detail that could inspire a DIY project.
Lori and Greg aren’t new to our House Crashing visits—they hosted us in their first home back in 2010 when we were both expecting. We remembered that house fondly and were excited to see where they live now, especially after their family grew.
Since our last visit they’ve welcomed a daughter, Ellie, and watching their family adapt to a home that fits two little ones has been fun. There was a funny little coincidence, too: Owen and our Clara ended up as preschool classmates, so reconnecting felt like fate.
We visited while the kids were at school to get a clear look at the house before a newborn arrived. The formal living room at the front of the house impressed with tall ceilings and thick, detailed molding. Nearly all of Lori’s furniture is secondhand—Craigslist and thrift-store finds layered together for a collected, budget-savvy look. Accessories come from places like HomeGoods and occasional flash-sale sites; the starburst mirror, for example, was a great score.
My favorite room was the casual family room off the kitchen. The built-ins between the windows were custom-built by a local handyman Lori and Greg hired, and they provide a ton of kid-friendly storage—drawers and cabinets hide toys, games, movies and daily clutter. The doors sit flush with the frame for a clean look, and the design choices—cubby sizes, door style, hardware and paint—made the piece both functional and tailored to their space. If you’re considering built-ins, hiring a skilled local carpenter can be more affordable and more personalized than buying a big ready-made unit.
The coffee table in the family room came from a local furniture discounter, and it’s the kind of find that later shows up in big-box stores—proof that secondhand hunting can uncover timeless pieces before they trend.
The kitchen is open to the casual living area, and its wood cabinets were a refreshing change from the many white kitchens readers often request. Dark granite complements the cabinets, and matching dark hardware ties the look together. A large window over the sink frames a wooded lot, letting Lori watch birds and deer while doing dishes—an everyday luxury.
A small kitchen nook to the left of the breakfast table contains one of my favorite moments: a vibrant painting Lori and Greg bought at the READ Art Show, framed simply to let the color sing. Two slim cork lamps and a mid-century cabinet—updated with new knobs—complete the vignette.
Those cork lamps came from a local furniture outlet, and Lori has a knack for finding lights and pieces at places like that to add personality and character without blowing the budget.
Standing a few steps left of that nook you see the hallway that leads from the front door to the kitchen. A vintage industrial stool and a large cow painting add charm, while a black-painted door frame is an unexpectedly bold detail that reads modern and crisp.
Further down the hallway an entry table and striped rug create an understated welcome. Small black accents—the door, a letter on the wall and stripes in the rug—bring cohesion without feeling heavy. Lori’s decorating style feels effortlessly put-together, which is practical for a home with two young kids.
The upstairs bedroom continues the easy, lived-in vibe. A small sunburst mirror, dark sconces and a bright orange pillow create a warm, inviting mix that avoids being fussy. The home reads as genuinely lived in, and that authenticity is part of its appeal.
A secondhand side chair recovered with new ikat-like fabric ties together darker elements in the room—the frames, the sconces and the dresser—for a cohesive, fresh look that still feels cozy.
The bathroom layout included an inherited tub set on the diagonal, and Lori embraced the layout while adding functionality. The same handyman who built the living room built-ins made cabinetry under the two back windows, and a dresser with a mirror provides extra storage. Because this is where she bathes the kids, having drawers and cabinets dedicated to kid-bath-stuff is practical and smart. Dark-framed mirrors and dark-fronted cabinets balance the darker vanities elsewhere in the room, showing how small touches of dark color can ground a space.
Ellie’s nursery was styled before she arrived—pillows and stuffed animals were arranged for the photos—but it’s clearly a cozy, practical space. The crib came from Pottery Barn but was purchased secondhand, saving money while keeping quality. A sweet bunny print by a local artist and a felt mobile add personality without clutter.
Lori added hot-pink bookshelves and a painted side table for pops of color, while a plush Craigslist rocker completes the nursing corner—practical, bright and playful.
Owen’s room features a bold focal piece that’s actually fabric stretched over a canvas—it reads like art but was an affordable, creative solution that makes a big impact. The result feels custom and energizing without excessive cost.
Several pocket doors appear throughout the house, including one that opens to a guest room. That guest room includes an old metal bed and dresser that Lori kept from her childhood—a charming, cottage-like touch that carries personal history into the home’s decor.
Beyond the pocket doors a relaxed office/playroom blends seating, storage and display. Blue cube tables and a framed map divided into nine panels create playful scale and texture without feeling cluttered—perfect for a family-focused home.
We loved touring Lori and Greg’s thoughtfully lived-in Richmond home—full of secondhand treasures, smart storage solutions, colorful art and family-friendly details. Favorite moments? The pocket doors, the family room built-ins and the colorful kitchen art were at the top of my list, while John admired the fabric-turned-art over Owen’s crib and how much of the home’s furnishings came from thrifted finds. What would be your favorite part?
Psst—let’s keep snooping! Browse our house crash archives for more home tours and decorating inspiration.