We’ve shared this gorgeous back porch on Instagram twice (during the holidays, shown below, and last summer), and it belongs to our good friends Carey & Jordan. After seeing how many of you loved that view, we decided to do a proper House Crash to show more of their beautiful home. They also shared practical tips about what wears well with kids and dogs — and what they wouldn’t do again — which was helpful since we’re planning bathroom renos. But enough chatter — let’s get on with the tour!
similar storm door / similar black sconces / string lights
Carey & Jordan used to live right behind us — Carey was one of the first neighbors to introduce herself with a giant plate of cookies. They recently moved to a larger house in our neighborhood to accommodate their family of five. Jordan runs a renovation company in Richmond called Spruce RVA, so their house transformation is no surprise. Below is what that back porch looked like when they bought the house — scroll up to see the after.
The change is amazing. That old garage you see was converted into a downstairs master bedroom so they could host both sets of their parents when needed. Because Jordan and his crew could build a new detached garage nearby — with a second-floor office for his business — losing the old garage wasn’t a problem.
At first glance the exterior looks similar to the original, but closer inspection reveals thoughtful details that amplify the home’s charm. They built out chunkier porch columns, added dentil molding along the roofline, and swapped double doors for a single door with sidelights to brighten the foyer. Small changes like these make a big difference.
And yes, the pumpkins are seasonal — these photos were taken in October. Notice the blue porch ceiling and the bluestone path that add character and warmth to the entry.
similar black planters / door knocker / similar lantern sconces
The porch ceiling is painted Crystal Springs by Benjamin Moore and the door color is Poppy by Benjamin Moore. The white siding is the stock Arctic White that comes with Hardiplank. The detached garage anchors the patio area you see from the back door. Jordan is a trained landscape architect and Carey studied urban planning, so they carved out planting pockets within the paver patio to soften the hardscape.
string lights / similar black sconce / similar lantern sconces
The back door is the family’s most used entrance and opens into a roomy mudroom with a cubby nook for each of their three elementary-aged kids. In winter it’s packed with boots and scarves, but these photos were taken during an unseasonably warm spell.
rug / round baskets / hooks / rectangle baskets
The mudroom flows into an open kitchen and family room. The previous owners had already added the family room, so Carey and Jordan focused on making the kitchen more functional for family life. They kept much of the original cabinetry but reconfigured it. Remarkably, they found the original cabinet maker’s contact info inside a drawer and hired him to match new pieces to the old. The result blends seamlessly — much of it is original, but it all looks cohesive.
stools / rug / faucet / pendants / dishwasher / sink
They adjusted the island overhang to improve seating and circulation to the fridge, swapped dark counters for a lighter granite, and replaced black appliances with stainless steel to brighten the space. Jordan prefers to reuse or resell old materials instead of throwing them away, so many replaced items found new homes rather than the landfill.
stools / pendants / mixer / flour & sugar jars
They also created a striking tile accent in a herringbone pattern above the stove and the original cabinet maker crafted a custom hood with substantial corbels that anchor the kitchen’s style. The combination of old and new details brings warmth and character.
stove / kettle / mixer / knives / cabinet knobs
The bright kitchen opens to the dining room, painted a moody greeny-teal above the wainscoting (Rookwood Sash by Sherwin Williams). Carey mixed secondhand finds and accessible pieces from stores like Pottery Barn and Target to create a collected, lived-in look that’s polished but kid-friendly. The wool rug’s faded, weathered appearance helps hide wear and spills.
similar china cabinet / rug / cabinet pulls / cabinet knobs / microwave
Beyond the dining room is a more formal living room Carey affectionately calls the “White Rabbit.” She created the look by pulling together pieces she already owned, moving them in from other rooms and the attic, and repainting select items. The near-free makeover proves impact doesn’t require a large budget.
acrylic console / gold lamp / gold mirror / rug / similar pink chair
Carey is a plant enthusiast and the house is filled with healthy, well-placed greenery. They added built-ins that they’re gradually filling with books, and brass drawer pulls tie into small furniture accents like a converted plant-stand table.
plant stand table / brass knobs / similar frames
Carey and Jordan also experimented with wallpaper in small bathrooms — a smart, lower-cost way to introduce pattern and personality. Their downstairs powder room is bold and fun, and the wallpaper has held up well with kids and showers. The only drawback Carey mentions is hesitancy to hang art because of permanent holes.
wallpaper / toilet / buffalo print / similar foyer rug
Upstairs, a shared hall bath features graphic chevron wallpaper that balances formal and playful. Carey reports it’s held up without peeling or damage, and she used a dark granite remnant for the counter, which performs well with kids and saved money. One tip she offers: although marble looks beautiful, it can stain easily on floors, so she would choose a different material if she could do it again.
wallpaper / floor tile / hardware / mirror
The ensuite off their oldest daughter’s room uses cheerful cherry wallpaper and a Cambria quartz remnant for the counter, which offers durability and avoided high costs. Remnant pieces from local stone yards are a great way they saved money without sacrificing quality.
wallpaper / similar hardware / faucet / similar mirror
My favorite space is their new master bath, carved from the old garage footprint. It includes a cozy nook for a large soaker tub and a bright walk-in shower. The basketweave accent tile is a standout detail that elevates the whole room. Carey uses the tub often, so it’s a well-loved feature.
cast iron soaker tub / basketweave accent tile / main floor tile / similar vanity / tub faucet
That covers the main rooms, nooks, and details of Carey and Jordan’s home. They’re thoughtful renovators and generous friends who let us photograph their space while our kids ran wild in the backyard — and left some epic chalk drawings behind. Their home offers plenty of design inspiration for families who want style and functionality.
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