Who’s up for a little house snoop? When Lori and her husband Greg invited us—along with their sweet son Owen—over to tour their charming Richmond home, we couldn’t say no. That tiny tin roof over the door is a great detail, and I love that the front steps are tiered on three sides instead of being boxed in. That’s a neat DIY possibility for anyone looking to tweak their entry.
Lori and Greg aren’t new to this—back in 2010 they hosted us in their first home, when both Lori and I were pregnant. We adored that house, so we were excited to see what they’d done with this one, especially since they’ve expanded their family: Owen arrived a few months after I had Clara, and not long after that they welcomed Ellie.
By coincidence Owen and Clara ended up in the same preschool class a few years later—those small world moments are the best. We popped in while the kids were at school to see their roomy home that now comfortably fits two little ones. The formal living room up front is pretty and polished, with tall ceilings and detailed molding that feel classic. Most of Lori’s furniture is secondhand—Craigslist and thrift-store finds layered together for a collected, budget-friendly look. She finishes pieces with accessories from places like HomeGoods and flash-sale sites; the starburst mirror, for example, came from a sale on One King’s Lane.
My favorite spot was the casual family room at the back of the house, right off the kitchen. The built-ins between the windows were custom-built by a local handyman to provide tons of kid-friendly storage—drawers and cabinets that hide toys, games and media. Lori chose doors that sit flush with the frame for a clean look. She found the handyman through her realtor, which is a reminder that local recommendations can be really useful.
Hiring a local builder lets you customize sizes, door styles, hardware, paint color and placement, often for less than buying a big, pre-made unit or ordering expensive custom cabinetry. Also worth noting: the coffee table came from a local furniture outlet (a bargain spot Lori calls The Dump), and similar styles later showed up in higher-end stores—proof that thrifting pays off.
The kitchen opens to the family room and features warm wood cabinets instead of the ubiquitous white. Dark granite countertops and dark hardware tie the look together, and a large window over the sink frames a wooded backyard where Lori can watch birds and deer while doing dishes.
A little nook to the side of the kitchen caught my eye: a bright painting from a local artist that Lori and Greg picked up at an annual art show at a nearby school. The painting’s colors and a thin frame add a vibrant, lived-in touch. Two skinny cork lamps sit on a mid-century cabinet Lori found on Craigslist and updated with new knobs—detail touches that make the room feel curated and personal.
The hallway from the front door to the kitchen has great character: an industrial stool found on Craigslist, a striking cow painting from a local shop, and bold black trim on a doorframe. Further down, an entry table and a casual striped rug keep things approachable and practical. Lori’s decorating style reads as effortless and unpretentious—perfect for a household with two young children.
The upstairs bedroom continues that comfortable, lived-in feel. A small sunburst mirror, dark sconces, and an orange pillow combine to make a warm, inviting space that’s not fussy. A side chair recovered with fabric from a local outlet picks up the darker accents in the room, creating a cohesive, balanced look.
The bathroom posed a layout challenge with a tub set diagonally in the middle of the room, but Lori embraced it and added function. The same handyman built cabinets under the windows for storage and a seat, while a dark-drawered dresser houses kid bath supplies. Thoughtful placement of dark-framed mirrors and cabinets balances the room’s color palette.
Ellie’s nursery was styled and ready for photos before she arrived. The crib was a Craigslist find that just happened to be the same finish Lori wanted, so no painting required. Above the crib hangs bunny artwork by a local artist Lori discovered at a craft fair, and a felt mobile from Etsy completes the sweet, personal look.
Lori added bright pink bookshelves from Etsy and painted a side table with a coordinating hot-pink top, while a plush rocker from Craigslist provides a comfortable nursing spot. Owen’s room features a dramatic piece of fabric stretched over canvas to mimic a large painting—a smart, economical alternative to original art that makes a bold statement above his crib.
Pocket doors appear in several spots, including the guest room where an old metal bed and peak-ceiling placement give a cottage-like charm. Both the bed and the dresser are pieces Lori has had since childhood, and they lend a nostalgic, cozy feeling to the space.
On the other side of the pocket doors, a relaxed office/playroom offers flexible function. Lori paired blue cube tables and a framed map cut into sections to create a playful but grown-up vibe that works for kids and adults alike.
That’s the warm, welcoming home Lori, Greg, Owen and Ellie share. We appreciated the invitation to photograph it and share the tour. Some favorite details: the pocket doors, the colorful kitchen art, and the smart family-room built-ins. John especially liked the fabric-turned-art over Owen’s crib and the prevalence of secondhand furnishings. What would you pick as your favorite?