We’re excited to share this house-crashing tour of Lesley and Jeff’s current home. You may remember their previous house from about 4.5 years ago, but since then they’ve welcomed two boys and moved into a mid-century split-level in a lovely, wooded Richmond neighborhood. They’ve made the house distinctly their own, blending thrifted finds, thoughtful DIYs, and sentimental pieces into a warm, lived-in home.
On their front porch, Lesley turned an eyesore into an asset. The ornate iron columns didn’t appeal to her, so instead of removing them she trained vines to grow up and around them. The result is charming and cost-effective, masking the swirly details while keeping the porch intact.
Lesley’s talent for mixing meaningful, secondhand, and repurposed pieces is evident throughout. A red chandelier she spray painted years ago for her wedding now hangs in the entryway — a sentimental focal point that adds color and history. Much of their furniture is secondhand solid wood, worn and loved in a way that adds character to each room.
Another corner of the entry shows Lesley’s eye for details: a pillow featuring a meaningful number, and fabric chosen to reupholster a chair that had seen better days. Small updates like this refresh a thrifted piece and make it feel custom to the home.
The family room is a standout. Rather than stripping the wall paneling, Lesley embraced it — solid wood with real depth — and leaned into a retro vibe. She calls it “embracing her inner Golden Girl.” They layered textiles, patterns, and gathered vintage finds, like an old laundry sign donated by a closing cleaners. Thrifted wing chairs purchased for $50 each (still wrapped in protective plastic) sit comfortably in the room, proving that great pieces can come at a bargain.
Lesley scored framed secondhand art and other unique accents affordably, and she supports friends’ small businesses with handmade textiles. The decor choices feel curated rather than trendy, with each item carrying a bit of story.
John especially loved the bright teal map Lesley found online. It contrasts beautifully with the paneling and pairs well with a chic gold lamp, showing how one bold piece can elevate a whole corner.
The kitchen blends practicality and style: durable dark tile floors laid in a herringbone pattern, DIY-painted beadboard backsplash completed for under $40, creamy white cabinets, and dark hardware that ties everything together. Small choices, like the tile orientation and paint color, make the space feel thoughtfully designed without a huge budget.
The family keeps a growth chart wall where they mark the children’s heights and display colorful silhouettes, a personalized detail that adds warmth and memory to the hallways.
Lesley also fashioned a cheerful curtain from vibrant fabric with fringe on the bottom. Small decorative touches like a crane used as a towel hook and a pair of aqua foo dogs show her playful approach to styling.
A sunroom at the back of the house has been converted into a lively playroom. Lesley and Jeff added practical toy storage, a large train table, painted brick in a rich hue, and a bright door color. Custom window shutters add architectural interest, and the space quickly became a favorite spot for their daughter Clara.
Upstairs, the bedroom continues the layered fabric and wood accents, with framed blueprints hung in an offset arrangement for a modern yet relaxed look.
The guest room features dusty gray-blue walls, orange patterned bedding, and a large thrifted sailfish above the bed. Sculptural side tables and textured white lamps balance the boldness, and Lesley’s mixing of crisp white and warm wood keeps the room cohesive rather than chaotic.
Lesley embraced a pink-tiled bathroom instead of tearing it out. She layered in an ornate thrift-store mirror, a bright green rug, blue-gray wall paint, and a ruffled curtain found secondhand. The mix feels playful and refined, offering a great example for anyone reluctant to work with period tile.
The boys share a room where matching beds found on Craigslist give unity, while slightly different bedding and unique wall hangings personalize each side. It’s a smart approach: coordinated but not identical, with thrifted and vintage items giving each space its own story.
In the basement, Lesley’s office is a comfortable, functional space. Black storage boxes, affordable lamps, casual stacks of books, and humble decorative touches make it feel authentic and productive rather than overstyled. Small practical choices—like inexpensive HomeGoods lamps—help the room stay approachable and useful.
Thanks to Lesley, Jeff, and their boys for welcoming us and letting us share their home. Their talent for combining thrifted finds, DIY projects, and sentimental pieces creates a cozy, personal aesthetic that’s both practical and inspiring. Favorite details include the vine-covered porch columns, the paneling-forward family room, and the boys’ coordinated Craigslist beds. What stands out to you?