To everyone who’s asked where our House Crashing posts have been lately: thank you for your patience. We’re thrilled to share this overdue tour, full of inspiration, budget-friendly finds, and a refreshingly original style. Lindsay and her husband began with a rough, dated house, but they saw the potential and transformed it into a warm, layered home full of character. They live in Greenville, South Carolina with their Great Dane, Gracie, and generously invited us to take a virtual look around.

Here’s what the living room looked like before they began renovating.

And here’s the same wall after they worked their magic. They removed an old laundry closet that had been built into the living room and replaced it with custom bookshelves, which immediately opened up the space and added storage and personality.

The lights over the bookshelves are actually outdoor fixtures from The Home Depot that cost about $20 each, and the colorful patterned rug started as a $19 thrift-store find that Lindsay refreshed with fabric paint to brighten the hues. A mid-century coffee table was a $10 thrift find, and the tufted leather couch came from Craigslist. Lindsay even covered a leather ottoman with inexpensive rag rugs for an extra pop of color and texture.

The original kitchen sat awkwardly in a small corner of the house. They relocated the kitchen into what had been an old garage and converted the former kitchen into a welcoming dining area.

This new dining space is a favorite for its eclectic mix of pieces—the dark woven chandelier, a buffalo art print, and a variety of mismatched chairs that somehow work together beautifully. The chandelier began as a clearance lamp from Home Goods; Lindsay flipped it, paint-dipped it, and created a focal point. A clearance rug from Garden Ridge anchored the space for about $25. The overall look is casual, eclectic, and layered, with each element contributing to a cozy, collected feeling.

Another great find is the hutch, purchased secondhand for around $60, and the dining table was built by Lindsay’s husband from plans found online. The oversized buffalo image began as a file she had printed at an office supply store and mounted to a sheet of plexiglass, then secured to the wall for a striking, modern display without a traditional frame.

Below is a before image of the room that became the new kitchen. It had once been a garage and had been awkwardly converted into a bedroom with carpet laid directly over concrete.

Today the space feels bright and open. They installed budget-friendly open shelving and a colorful island that adds personality. The white cabinetry and neutral backdrop allow thrifted and vintage finds—secondhand dishes, yard sale accessories, and a set of brass and copper canisters bought at a sale—to take center stage. A century-old Turkish kilim rug adds pattern and history to the room.

Close-up details emphasize the thoughtful contrasts: beadboard walls offering subtle texture, a farmhouse sink, and warm accents in copper and wood. The result is a kitchen that feels both fresh and comfortably lived-in.

Here’s a before shot of the casual sitting room they call the lounge.

Now the lounge is layered with texture and heartfelt touches. A mirrored tree topper gives a whimsical note, and the mantel reads beautifully even without a functioning fireplace. Colorful candles, garlands, and stacked suitcases create charm and personality.

One of Lindsay’s favorite scores came from the Longest Yard Sale: a 6 x 8′ rug with a Navajo print found in the bottom of a trailer for just $5 because it was dirty. She cleaned it up and it now anchors the room with a story and bold pattern.

The small mudroom area is another favorite: rustic wood, a shiny clock, and layered textiles make the space both functional and inviting.

The makeover extended outdoors as well. The backyard was originally mostly dirt, so they created a crushed-granite patio—a practical, budget-friendly choice that gives the yard a casual, comfortable feel. A free secondhand wicker sofa, a chiminea, and a low cart-style coffee table create a relaxed gathering spot.

The outdoor dining area is wonderfully eclectic: a handmade picnic table built by Lindsay’s husband and an assortment of thrifted chairs—most purchased for about $5 each—surround it. The mix-and-match approach repeats the same effortless layering that defines the interior, making the whole property feel cohesive and personal.

Huge thanks to Lindsay, her husband, and Gracie for letting us peek into their thoughtfully renovated home. Their use of reclaimed pieces, thrift-store treasures, and a willingness to experiment resulted in a warm, collected house that feels like a lived-in work of art. What are our favorites? The lamp-turned-chandelier in the dining room and the built-ins in the living room top the list, while others love the colorful kitchen island and the charming dining hutch. What would you choose?

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