We’ve shared this stunning back porch on Instagram before—once over the holidays and again last summer—and it belongs to our friends Carey and Jordan. The response to that view was so enthusiastic that we decided to do a proper house tour so you can see more of their home. They also shared helpful tips on what finishes stand up to kids and dogs and what they’d avoid next time—advice that’s useful if you’re planning renovations of your own. Now, let’s begin the tour.
Carey and Jordan used to live just behind us—Carey was one of the first neighbors to introduce herself with a giant plate of cookies—so when they moved to a larger house in the same neighborhood, we were excited for them. Jordan owns a renovation company in Richmond, so it’s no surprise their house has been thoughtfully updated. What used to be an old garage has been converted into a downstairs master suite to accommodate frequent visiting family, and a new detached garage with a second-floor office was built nearby.
The transformation is dramatic. From the outside, the house maintains its original character, but careful updates add charm and curb appeal. They widened the porch columns, added dentil molding under the roofline, and replaced the double doors with a single door and sidelights to bring more light into the foyer. Small details like a blue porch ceiling and a bluestone path make the entrance feel both classic and fresh.
The detached garage anchors the backyard patio and helps define the outdoor living area. Jordan trained as a landscape architect and Carey studied urban planning, so the patio’s layout feels intentional: pavers with planted pockets and thoughtful hardscape transitions give the outdoor space structure and softness at once.
The back door is the family’s daily entrance, opening into a bright and functional mudroom. Built-in cubbies and hooks create a dedicated nook for each child, which keeps jackets, backpacks, and shoes organized. In winter this space fills with boots and outerwear, but in the photos it’s tidy and welcoming thanks to unseasonably warm weather when the pictures were taken.
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. They reused most of the original cabinetry, tracked down the original cabinetmaker, and had him craft new pieces that match the old—an impressive feat that preserves character while improving layout and usability.
Key layout changes included shifting the island overhang to improve seating and traffic flow, and replacing darker countertops with a lighter granite that’s both durable and affordable. They also swapped black appliances for stainless steel to brighten the space. Jordan prefers to reuse or sell removed materials rather than throw them away, which is an eco-friendly touch we admire.
The stove area gets a charming focal point with herringbone tile and a custom hood built by their original cabinetmaker. Thick corbels and thoughtful millwork add warmth and a handcrafted feel that suits the house beautifully.
Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room showcases a moody green-teal paint above the wainscoting and an eclectic mix of furniture. Carey mixes secondhand finds with pieces from accessible retailers to create a layered, collected look that’s grown-up but still livable for a family with young children. The rug, a wool piece with a faded finish, stands up well to everyday life.
Beyond the dining room is a formal living room Carey assembled mostly from items she already owned. By rearranging and repainting a few key pieces, she created a sophisticated space without spending much money. Built-ins have been added and are gradually being filled with books and plants—Carey is a gifted plant caretaker, and the greenery brings life and texture to every room.
The couple made bold choices in smaller rooms by using wallpaper in powder rooms and bathrooms. These compact spaces are perfect for testing pattern and color, and Carey reports the wallpaper has held up well with moisture and everyday family life. One practical tip she shared: marble floors can stain from toothpaste or spills, so she would choose a different material if she were doing it again.
The upstairs layout includes a shared hall bath with graphic chevron wallpaper and a durable dark granite remnant for the countertop—an economical choice that serves a family well. The oldest daughter’s ensuite includes cheerful wallpaper and another quartz remnant countertop, which avoids staining concerns and keeps maintenance low.
My favorite space might be their new master bathroom, created where the garage once stood. It features a deep soaker tub, a bright walk-in shower, and a basketweave tile accent that adds subtle luxury. Carey uses the tub regularly, so if you’re weighing bath versus no-bath in a renovation, this is a strong endorsement for keeping a tub if you enjoy soaking.
Overall, Carey and Jordan’s house shows how thoughtful updates, clever reuse, and attention to detail create a warm, functional family home. Their combination of professional experience and practical choices—finding remnants, restoring original elements, and choosing durable materials—makes this renovation both beautiful and sensible. We’re grateful they welcomed us in to photograph their home and share these ideas.
Note: this post originally included product references and imagery to illustrate design choices.