Article by Jennifer Miller | photos by Nathan Satran

When Jentrey and Dustin Hopkins started house hunting in 2019, they were first-time buyers with a modest budget and realistic expectations. Their options in Billings were limited within their price range, so their realtor recommended looking in Laurel. It wasn’t initially on Jentrey’s radar, but one showing changed that.

The home had been passed down through a family and was later used as a rental. It showed signs of aging. Walls bore the marks of heavy wear and tear, and layers of flooring covered older ones, with minimal updates. Still, she noticed details that mattered. “It had thick molding you just don’t see anymore,” she says. “And it had a sun porch. I always wanted a sun porch.”

That was enough. By the time they officially moved in, the home had been cleaned, painted a neutral beige, and made functional. What remained were the original features and the opportunity to gradually shape it over time.

WORKING WITH WHAT WAS THERE

Instead of gutting the house, they chose to make gradual updates. The kitchen retains its original deep cabinets and retro yellow countertops. “At first, the countertops bothered me,” she admits. “But now I’m so glad we kept them. They’re charming.” Instead of replacing everything, they painted wood paneling, updated light fixtures, and installed a black-and-white peel-and-stick kitchen floor after receiving a much higher quote for traditional tile. The affordable option worked, and the impact it made on the space was well worth it.

When they uncovered hardwood floors beneath layers of carpet and laminate, curiosity took over. They pulled back a small corner. Hardwood was revealed underneath. The floors are not refinished. Some areas are stained and worn. With a young daughter, a dog, a bunny, and backyard chickens, perfection was never the goal. “They’re not perfect, but that adds character,” she says. “You don’t feel like you have to protect everything.”

In the bathroom, beadboard added texture. Built-ins were painted a bold yellow that nods to the home’s vintage personality rather than competing with it. Each decision was layered in gradually, shaped by budget and season of life.

“You don’t need a huge

budget to make a space feel personal. Paint goes a long way.”

-JENTREY HOPKINS

A STYLE THAT EVOLVED OVER TIME

Jentrey’s aesthetic did not arrive all at once. Before becoming a stay-at-home mom, she worked as an EMT and later as a hairstylist. Creativity has always been part of her life, and thrifting was a hobby long before she had a home to fill.

Today, her style favors an English country cottage look with a diverse collection of antiques. Ironstone dishes, china cabinets, wash bowls, and ceramic figurines are carefully gathered from thrift stores, antique booths, Facebook Marketplace, and the local shop Anthology.

“I’ve learned to be more intentional,” she says. “There were times I’d bring something home and not know where it would go.” With a smaller footprint and one income, contentment influences every decision. “You don’t need a huge budget to make a space feel personal. Paint goes a long way.”

That philosophy is evident in her sun porch, now used as a craft room. A recently painted, quilt-inspired floor in a clearance red transformed the space with minimal cost. It is where she sews, creates, and enjoys quiet moments.

The kitchen remains her favorite gathering space. “I love to cook and bake. Now my daughter wants to bake with me. It’s where we spend time together.”

CHOOSING FEELING OVER PERFECTION

The home isn't fully renovated, and some projects remain unfinished. Walls aren't perfectly straight, and corners lack precision. However, the living and dining areas feel warm and inviting. Toys often spill into shared spaces. The hardwood floors are scratched and tell a story, while the kitchen counters show signs of daily use. The home reflects real life.

When asked what advice she would give to other first-time buyers, especially those working within a budget, her response is practical. “Pay attention to how a house makes you feel. You can change light fixtures and paint. But you can’t change the light coming through the windows. Can you picture drinking coffee there? Hosting dinner? Putting a Christmas tree in the corner?”

In an age of rapid design cycles and constant upgrades, her approach remains steady. Keep what works. Make updates gradually. Select pieces that feel meaningful. “Be content. Pick what you love. That doesn’t go out of style.”

Her Laurel home isn't defined by square footage or luxury finishes. It is defined by intention. By working with what was already there. By letting style develop naturally. It proves that charm doesn't have to be manufactured. Sometimes, it is simply uncovered, layer by layer.

Originally printed in the April 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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