Who’s up for a little snoop? When Lori, her husband Greg, and their son Owen welcomed us into their charming Richmond home, we couldn’t resist. That tiny tin awning above the door is such a characterful touch, and the front steps—open on three sides—give the entry a welcoming, architectural feel that seems perfectly DIY-able.
Lori and Greg aren’t new to the House Crashing series: we visited their first house back in 2010, when both Lori and I were expecting. We loved that place and were excited to see how their style had evolved in this newer home, especially since they’ve grown their family since then.
Since our last visit they added a son and, more recently, a daughter named Ellie. It was a fun coincidence that Owen and our Clara ended up in the same preschool class—small world moments like that make visits extra sweet.
On a morning when the kids were at school, Lori invited us over to tour their roomy family home before the new baby arrived. The formal living room at the front of the house impressed us right away: tall ceilings, detailed molding, and a curated mix of secondhand furniture and budget-friendly accessories. Nearly everything in the room came from thrift stores, Craigslist, or discount shops like HomeGoods, creating a layered, collected look that’s both stylish and affordable. The starburst mirror was a great bargain find from One King’s Lane.
My favorite space was the casual family room tucked behind the kitchen. Built-ins sit between two windows, designed by a local handyman Lori and Greg hired. The custom storage hides a surprising amount of toys, games, and media while keeping the room tidy and kid-friendly. I loved that the cabinet doors sit flush with the frame for a clean, tailored appearance. Hiring a local craftsman gave them flexibility in cubby sizes, door styles, hardware, and paint—often a more affordable and customized option than pre-made units from larger retailers. The coffee table, scored at a local furniture outlet called The Dump, looks like pieces now sold at national stores—proof that great finds turn up in discount shops.
The kitchen opens to the family room, creating a bright, social heart of the home. Warm wood cabinets contrast with dark granite counters and hardware, while a large window above the sink frames treetops and wildlife—Lori joked that she can pretend she’s Snow White while doing dishes. A cheerful painting in a small nook came from a local art show and adds a burst of color; skinny cork lamps and a mid-century cabinet updated with new knobs complete the vignette.
In the hallway leading from the front door to the kitchen, found and curated pieces keep the space lively but relaxed: an industrial stool from Craigslist, a large cow painting from a local shop, and a simple striped rug from a flash-sale site. Black accents—door frames, a letter on the wall, and rug stripes—anchor the palette without feeling heavy. Lori’s style reads effortless and functional, perfect for a family with young children.
The upstairs rooms continue that comfortable, lived-in vibe. Their bedroom balances warm accents—a small sunburst mirror, dark sconces, and an orange pillow—with secondhand finds that feel inviting rather than fussy. A recovered side chair brings in patterned fabric that picks up the room’s darker elements, showing Lori’s knack for subtle contrast.
The bathroom presented a quirky layout with a tub set on the diagonal, but Lori embraced the existing footprint and added functional cabinetry under two windows. A thrifted dresser stores bath items for the kids while white cabinets double as seating and extra storage. Dark-framed mirrors and cabinet fronts are used sparingly to balance the room’s tones.
Ellie’s nursery was soft and playful before the baby arrived, with a Craigslist Pottery Barn crib that came in the perfect color and a felt mobile found on Etsy. Bunny art by a local artist adds charm, and hot-pink bookshelves and a matching painted table bring energetic pops of color.
Owen’s room features an oversized piece of fabric stretched over canvas to create wall art—an easy, high-impact DIY that reads like a large painting. Throughout the house there are thoughtful vintage pieces: a metal bed and dresser that Lori’s kept since childhood add cottagey character, and a glass-based lamp found secondhand elevates the aesthetic.
Beyond the bedrooms, pocket doors open to a relaxed office/playroom with paired blue cube tables and a framed map divided into sections for visual interest. The home feels cohesive: a mix of thrifted treasures, local art, smart custom cabinetry, and intentional color touches that make the spaces both beautiful and practical.
It was a pleasure touring Lori and Greg’s home. My favorite details were the family-room built-ins, the colorful kitchen art, and the pocket doors. John loved the fabric-turned-art over Owen’s crib and how many furnishings came from secondhand sources. What would be your favorite part?
Psst—let’s keep snooping! Click here to virtually walk around over 45 homes we’ve crashed.