Home is more than four walls and roof. Home is a door opening to you, your family, your pets, your lifestyle, your neighborhood, your community, your city. It’s all encompassing on so many levels.
Let’s Talk About Gentrification — Because Pretending It Isn’t Happening Helps No One
Gentrification in Richmond isn’t slowing down—but it doesn’t have to mean erasure. Let’s talk about how the city’s rapid growth can honor its roots, keep longtime residents included, and build a future where progress and preservation coexist.
Photo by: Jian Xhin
“I’m all for people becoming a part of our city, but I’m not a fan of people homogenizing it. If you’re going to move to an “up and coming” neighborhood, then contribute to it and respect what was in place.”
Richmond has always been a city of contrasts. Old soul, new blood. Brick and bourbon. Corner stores turned coffee shops. You can stand on a block that’s been the same for fifty years and, two doors down, find a new restaurant bar glowing with Edison bulbs pouring $15 cocktails with a bar full of…non-Richmonders.
That’s the thing about this city — it keeps changing its outfit. And lately, the change feels faster than ever.
“Gentrification” is the word everyone whispers like it’s a curse. And depending on where you stand, maybe it feels like one. Rising home values, safer streets, fresh paint — sure. But also: rent hikes, relocation, and the slow fading of long-held bar stools.
The truth? Gentrification is coming whether we sign off on it or not. The question isn’t if it happens — it’s how we handle it.
Let’s Start With Some Honesty
Richmond’s popularity didn’t happen by accident. People are moving here because it still feels authentic. It’s creative, gritty, soulful — and (for now) a bit more affordable than the bigger metros circling us. But all that love and investment comes with a cost if we’re not paying attention.
When neighborhoods get “discovered,” the ripple isn’t just economic — it’s emotional. The same front porch where someone’s grandma watched the block grow up might now overlook something that doesn’t look like her anymore. I for one can speak to it when I sit on mine and am no longer receiving the Hello’s or Good (insert time of day) by passerby.
So What Can We Do Differently?
Change is inevitable as I say, and although I cherish the nostalgic moments of the Richmond I grew up in, we can’t very well freeze time. But we can grow with intention.
Honor what was already here.
Every street has a story. Know it. Tell it. Whether you’re selling a home or moving into one, carry the history with you instead of deleting it. Tell people about your neighbors. Hell! Get to know the neighbors! You’d be surprised at how much you can learn from them especially in historic areas.
Work with the community, not around it.
Support the locals. If there is anything I cannot stand is watching people move into neighborhoods that don’t contribute or support it. Be a part of it by joining neighborhood organizations, clean-up days, and attend events happening in your area. Love Thy Neighbor people!
Push for fair growth.
Advocate for policies that keep housing mixed — incomes, ages, backgrounds. We need both the dreamers moving in and the folks who’ve been holding down the block for decades. This is essential. Diversity contributes to the thrive of a neighborhood and a good way to learn the history of it. You’re not moving into a hot spot, you’re becoming part of it.
Here’s the Heart of It
Change is natural. Erasure isn’t.
Richmond’s magic has always come from its layers — We are a rich and culturally diverse city. Having transplants isn’t always comfortable, but it does breathe new energy that contributes to old familiar ways. There is a place for everyone, and although gentrification might be inevitable, it doesn’t have to be a force of displacement. I’d like to see it be a movement of renewal with respect to what has been long established.
Where the Magic Happens
Enjoy these bedroom ideas to inspire and arouse your sacred slumber chambers.
I love my bedroom. I spent a majority of my childhood sharing a bedroom with my younger brother, and although his sleepwalking adventures were fascinating and our bunk bed shenanigans were delightful, moving from a three bedroom childhood home to a two bedroom apartment deemed challenging. As I progressed into teendom and the wearing out of every Cure tape I had, my mother ended up on a couch while my brother settled into his own space. Twas hard times back then.
As an adult, I long for the day of having all matching furniture, an accent wall, and room for a chaise lounge and ensuite bathroom to call my own. Let’s not forget a walk-in closet that i can actually see my clothes and shoes in. Sigh, bedrooms are for dreaming right?
I think we can all agree that the intimacy a bedroom can provide is also the intimacy it can provoke. It is February people! But seriously, bedrooms should be a place of relaxation, fantasy, a place to be pensive and quiet, and provide you with your own private sanctuary. Here are some bedroom ideas for you to sleep on:
Textured Accent Walls
We’ve stared at four walls for quite some time now and the bedroom is no different. Creating a textured accent wall can add depth and really showcase that dreamy furniture of yours and it’s an easy DIY project! Make different patterns and be creative.
Pendant Lighting
Lighting in a bedroom is everything! I love the look of hanging pendant lights and the variety of styles and shapes is aplenty. My only qualm about this one is if you are anything like me and want to switch your bed elsewhere in six months, moving lighting around can be difficult. The look is stunning though!
Wallpaper Accented Walls
When you want to be able to change up your background, go with easily interchangeable wallpaper to create a dramatic effect.
Upholstered and Shapely Headboards
Bespoke headboards are making a comeback and in gorgeous colors and textures. Headboards in general are making their way back into the scene with cool shapes and bold patterns that make spotlighting your restful slumber unique and expressive. They are also easy to DIY your own creations.
Painted and Textured Furniture
Bring pops of color into the bedroom with muted, colorful or textured furniture. We are still seeing deep rich woods, but color adds some pizzazz to your space.
Time to get to work and bring some magical refresh skills to your boudoir. Find your bedroom style, whether it’s moody and dark or light and bright. Visit estate sales and upcycled shops to find unique pieces you can refinish and make your own. Check out some local artists, and give your bedroom walls a little oomph. RVA has so many great woodworkers, artisans, and designers to make for a very comfortable and sacred place. Nighty, nighty!