Let’s take a tour through someone else’s house, shall we? Meet Karyn and Eric — now they aren’t strangers anymore.
Eric is a well-known house rehabber in the Richmond area and Karyn is his partner; she also designs beautiful jewelry. They live in a charming sixty-year-old home Eric bought years ago when it was in serious disrepair: crumbling plaster, dated bathrooms, and a lot of deferred maintenance. Through careful restoration and a good eye for original detail, Eric transformed the house into a warm, livable home while honoring its architectural character. He also converted four additional structures on the two-acre property into rentable guest houses, which helps cover a good portion of the mortgage.
One of the first rooms you notice is the game room. It’s lively and comfortable, centered around a navy pool table and anchored by an old wooden Ralph Lauren sign they acquired years ago. The mix of Americana memorabilia and classic game-room pieces gives the space personality and a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
Nearby, vintage honeycomb chairs upholstered in navy, orange, and white add a cheerful, mid-century touch. Found at thrift stores, these chairs show how well-chosen secondhand pieces can bring color and texture to a casual entertaining area without feeling contrived.
Throughout the house, original architectural details were either painstakingly restored or thoughtfully reintroduced. Even simple areas like the hallway feature crisp chair rail molding and clean white trim that elevate the space and make the home feel polished and refined. These details create continuity from room to room and honor the home’s original style.
The dining room is a standout: deep slate-colored walls set off the elegant chair rail and frame a refinished fireplace that makes the room feel warm and inviting. At the center sits a massive wood plank table that attracts attention for good reason — Eric built it himself from reclaimed wood. The table’s rugged authenticity complements the room’s refined architectural elements, creating a balanced blend of rustic and formal.
Upstairs, the main bathroom was completely redone. Eric incorporated four different types of neutral tile to craft a layered, textured look and added built-in alcoves in the shower for soap and shampoo. The mixed tiles create visual interest while maintaining a cohesive, calming palette that suits the home’s era and modern needs.
The living room features another restored wood fireplace mantel that was brought back from neglected condition to a clean, mint finish. These mantels act as focal points in their respective rooms, anchoring furniture groupings and providing a strong sense of history and craftsmanship.
The original kitchen received a practical and attractive facelift: painted cabinets, new hardware, and updated stainless-steel appliances make the room function better for everyday life without losing its original charm. A woven rug adds warmth and texture underfoot, reinforcing the kitchen’s cozy, lived-in atmosphere.
Outside, the property is as lovely as the interior. Rolling hills, blooming shrubs, and a private, woodsy feeling make the grounds feel like a small estate. The outdoor spaces are clearly used and enjoyed — a gazebo behind the house provides a quiet spot to relax or plan future projects. Karyn and Eric often sit there while mapping out what to tackle next; one upcoming project is a pergola Eric plans to build using reclaimed wood columns.
From a distance you can see one of the other restored houses on the property that Eric rents out. Each rental sits among trees and shrubs that provide privacy and a sense of separation while maintaining the cohesive, verdant character of the land. It’s an effective way to leverage the property’s assets while preserving the peaceful, park-like setting.
Small architectural touches further elevate the home’s curb appeal: restored dentil molding above the front door and custom details that emphasize the original craftsmanship. They also added shutters on either side of the door and placed two matching rocking chairs on the porch to create an inviting entryway.
Thanks for joining this tour of Eric and Karyn’s beautiful, thoughtfully restored home. The project balances respect for original details with practical modern updates, and the property’s multiple restored structures and thoughtful landscaping make it a distinctive and functional place to live. Feel free to pick a favorite element — there are many to choose from — and stay tuned for more home tours coming soon.