Quick update: Tonight we’ll be cozying up in Boston at the West Elm on 160 Brookline Avenue for cookies, cocoa, and a book signing at 6pm. More info here. We’d love to see you!
We teased a peek of this House Crashing visit in our post about Cincinnati, and after sorting through the 200+ photos we took, here’s the full story. Come on in — let’s let ourselves into Rick and Jessie’s charming Cincinnati home.
Right away you notice the cheerful yellow front door with a little welcome note taped to it and three glass panes that let in a glow. Rick and Jessie were among the kindest people we met in Cincy. They waited for us at the hotel after our delayed flight, then picked us up, showed us around their place, chatted while we photographed, and dropped us back off. After a few hours of hanging out, we felt like old friends.
The house is full of homemade touches and thoughtful details. Near the front door a mason jar has been repurposed as a vase and hangs from a rustic wood coat hook. The welcoming, collected vibe carries into the kitchen—if that space looks familiar, you might recognize it from a Reader Redesign feature. Seeing a room in person after following the remodel online is always such a treat, and the rest of the house lived up to the kitchen’s promise.
The cabinets are from Ikea and were installed by the couple themselves. For the surfaces they chose butcher block for the island and soapstone for the main countertops. In photographs the soapstone reads as darker and busier than it did in real life; up close it has a subtle, sophisticated look that mimics honed black granite but feels low-maintenance. Rick and Jessie said they haven’t had staining or scratching issues, and soapstone seems like a great practical alternative to darker granite.
Next to the recessed spot where the fridge fits, they framed out a chalkboard that adds a sweet, personal touch. It once read, “we love the sun in our house”—a funny irony since we were shooting after sunset thanks to the delayed flight, but the home’s charm still shone through. A bright yellow step stool adds a cheerful pop nearby.
From the kitchen you can see toward the dining area where they plan to build in a banquette bench against the wall and hang large artwork between floating shelves. A striped runner on the floor adds texture and warmth to the passage between spaces.
The living room includes an awesome reclaimed-wood feature wall that became an instant favorite of ours. The media cabinet, painted by hand, and the homemade artwork displaying significant dates for the family made the room feel deeply personal. There’s a small desk area across from the wood wall with a lively green filing cabinet and more handmade art that keeps the creative, cozy tone consistent.
A yellow glass lamp sits on a side table, glowing next to a swirly canvas that complements the room’s mix of color and pattern. In the hallway a homemade height ruler records their daughters’ growth—one of those sweet family details that makes a house feel like a home.
Rick and Jessie have two daughters. The youngest’s room showcases framed craft-paper art and a homemade mobile, while the older child’s room is full of playful delights, including an amazing play kitchen that any kid would love. One standout project is mounted plastic-animal art: tiny plastic figures transformed into whimsical wall installations. Jessie adapted the idea and gave it her own creative spin, proving that DIY can be charming and clever.
Spending time in this home was a reminder that thoughtful DIY projects and personal touches can make everyday spaces feel special. We’re so grateful to Rick and Jessie for their hospitality, patience, and for letting us capture their space. Their house is full of personality—from the soapstone counters and apron sink to the colorful accents and bespoke artwork—and every detail felt intentional and inviting.
If you want to explore more House Crashing adventures, check out the collection of visits and features we’ve shared.