Remember Carey and Jordan, the design duo whose mudroom left us all speechless during our previous “House Crash” feature? Well, they’re back, and this time they’ve worked their magic on a Richmond-area rental property, transforming it into a beacon of modern style and functionality. This in-depth tour will not only provide a feast for your eyes but also equip you with a wealth of budget-friendly renovation tips and ingenious design ideas you can apply to your own home, whether it’s a rental or a forever dwelling. Get ready to be inspired by their incredible ability to merge thrift store treasures with high-end accents, proving that stunning interiors don’t always require a hefty price tag.
rug / round baskets / hooks / rectangle baskets / door color: Poppy by Ben Moore
Transforming Rentals: A Richmond Renovation Masterclass
This charming ranch home in the Richmond area serves primarily as a long-term furnished rental, but also doubles as a short-term Airbnb between tenants. This dual purpose demanded a versatile design that is both durable and welcoming, appealing to a wide range of guests. Carey and Jordan masterfully achieved this balance by sourcing furniture and accessories from a diverse array of retailers and price points. From clever thrift store finds to budget-friendly HomeGoods discoveries, like the elegant console table seen below, and stylish Target accessories such as the captivating gold mirror, their approach exemplifies smart, accessible design. These accessible pieces are thoughtfully integrated with more elevated selections, such as Restoration Hardware cabinet pulls in the kitchen, giving the entire space a custom, high-end feel without the exorbitant cost.
Carey’s dedication to finding unique, budget-friendly pieces truly shines through. Take, for instance, the stunning rug in the living area, which she secured at a significant discount from a local showhouse after the event concluded. Remarkably, this rug is a designer piece by Justina Blakeney for Loloi. Similarly, the striking marble coffee table and the comfortable sectional, both from CB2, were acquired at a fraction of their retail price from a friend who was moving. These anecdotes highlight the power of patience, resourcefulness, and networking in achieving luxurious looks on a practical budget.
rug / coffee table / sofa / gold mirror/ foyer light fixture
The Grand Tour Begins: Living Room & Foyer Transformation
One of the most compelling aspects of this renovation is the dramatic “before and after” reveals, particularly in the living room. It’s truly astonishing to witness how much this space has been revitalized, largely due to the simplest yet most impactful and inexpensive fix: paint. The transformation is so profound that it’s hard to believe the “after” picture depicts the same living room as its drab predecessor. The chosen wall color, Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams, creates a serene and expansive backdrop, beautifully carried into the foyer to foster a seamless, open flow throughout the main living areas. This strategic use of a cohesive color palette immediately elevates the home’s perceived size and sophistication.
Delving deeper into the foyer, Carey and Jordan continued their masterful touch. The formerly vibrant red front door was repainted a sophisticated, moody black, Caviar by Sherwin Williams, instantly adding a touch of modern elegance. Above, a cool sculptural pendant light from Shades of Light provides both illumination and an artistic focal point. The inviting little table and accompanying lamp are both savvy HomeGoods finds, showcasing their knack for discovering stylish pieces on a budget. Completing this welcoming entry are the charming framed prints positioned above the table, sourced from a talented Richmond-based artist on Etsy, adding local flavor and character to the space.
rug / light / art / wall color: SW Agreeable Gray / door color: SW Caviar
Kitchen: A Budget-Friendly Revelation
Prepare to be utterly amazed by the kitchen’s transformation. The “before” view through that doorway was a stark contrast to the bright, inviting space it is now. What Carey and Jordan achieved here can only be described as design wizardry, making us all wish we had their magic touch!
The biggest shocker? Those are the original cabinets! Yes, you read that correctly – they didn’t rip them out. Instead, they employed a brilliant strategy: they hired a local carpenter to craft new inset doors and then painted every surface, cabinets and all, in a crisp Sherwin Williams Extra White. This single, strategic decision dramatically modernized the entire kitchen, proving that a complete overhaul isn’t always necessary for a high-impact renovation. The result is a testament to the transformative power of clever updates.
Further elevating the kitchen’s aesthetic, the cabinet hardware from Restoration Hardware provides a touch of classic sophistication, while a stylish glass pendant light from Pottery Barn hangs gracefully over the sink. These carefully chosen details, alongside a timeless subway tile backsplash, sleek new black granite countertops, and updated stainless steel appliances, collectively brought the room into the modern era. To enhance flow and openness, new hardwoods were laid, seamlessly connecting to existing flooring in other areas of the house. Even a small cafe table that comfortably seats four was cleverly incorporated, adding valuable function to the wall opposite the sink and creating a cozy spot for meals or morning coffee.
Just one more “before” shot to fully appreciate the extent of this incredible kitchen evolution. It’s truly mind-boggling!
The transformation of the little shelves flanking the window is remarkable, evolving from an old, rustic, country look to a sweet, clean-lined, and decidedly modern aesthetic. This dramatic shift underscores the unparalleled power of paint. Beyond the fresh coat, removing the dated, swirly header above the sink and replacing the large fluorescent light fixture were crucial steps in achieving this stunning contemporary update.
Here’s another perspective of the kitchen, showcasing how harmoniously the cafe table fits into the overall design, providing both functionality and style.
similar rug / similar table / chairs / cabinet hardware / art prints / light over sink
While the original Target table is no longer available, a similar option can be found for those looking to replicate the style. The chairs are also from Target, as is the rug, though a slightly different version is now sold. Carey humorously remarked that they must have single-handedly funded someone’s salary at Target this year, a sentiment many can relate to!
A clever detail worth noting about the kitchen rug is that it’s actually designed for outdoor use. This choice is incredibly practical for a kitchen, especially in a rental property where durability and easy cleanup are paramount. It’s also a lifesaver for families with young children, or indeed, anyone prone to spills! The vibrant art prints adorning the wall are from Lightbox print company, another local Richmond gem, adding a splash of color and personality to the space.
Dining Room: Bold Hues and Bright Spaces
Moving on, let’s explore another incredible room transformation: the dining room. Once drab, wallpapered, and rather dingy, this space has been utterly reinvented.
Now, the dining room exudes a fresh, crisp ambiance. Carey and Jordan are unafraid of bold colors, evident in their choice of Sherwin Williams Indigo Batik for the walls. This deep hue, however, is expertly balanced to prevent it from overwhelming the space. They achieve this through the strategic inclusion of soothing white Ikea curtains, a clean white shade on the elegant chandelier, and the warm, light wood tones of the dining table and a charming sideboard, which was another fantastic HomeGoods discovery. The large mirror positioned above the sideboard is also a HomeGoods find, and its placement is a brilliant design trick. It not only serves as a decorative element but also effectively bounces a significant amount of light around the room, making it feel brighter and more spacious—an essential tip for anyone working with a darker room or a deep wall color.
rug / metal chairs / end chairs / table / lamps / chandelier / curtains
Beyond the Dining Room: A Cozy Office & Reading Nook
Adjacent to the dining room, a charming brick-walled alcove has been cleverly repurposed by Carey and Jordan into a functional yet inviting small office and reading space. The playful pink chair stands out as a delightful non-neutral choice, injecting personality and warmth into the room. Equally captivating is the vibrant blue filing cabinet, a piece that brings a smile with its unexpected pop of color and practicality. The faux fiddle leaf fig, a beloved Target find (lamentably no longer available!), adds a touch of natural greenery and life. A fun personal touch includes a stack of books, strategically placed, that beautifully complement the color scheme, especially the blue filing cabinet, making the space feel curated and thoughtful.
desk / pink chair / desk chair / file cabinet / similar rug / similar copper table / blue wall: SW North Star
The Master Bedroom: A Serene Retreat
The master bedroom was another area desperately in need of attention, having previously looked extremely worn and requiring extensive wallpaper removal. This before image vividly illustrates the scope of the transformation.
Once again, Carey and Jordan opted for the timeless elegance of crisp white trim and bedding, creating a beautiful contrast against the rich and cozy wall color, Roycroft Pewter by Sherwin Williams. This deep, inviting hue instantly transforms the room into a serene and sophisticated sanctuary. The plush rug and a stylish bench at the foot of the bed, a fantastic HomeGoods find, contribute significantly to the room’s inviting coziness. The pristine white pin-tuck bedding from West Elm adds a layer of luxurious texture. Complementing these elements, the elegant nightstands are from Crate & Barrel, while the charming mercury-glass lamps, the sophisticated headboard, and the adorable black and white bolster pillow are all budget-friendly scores from Target, exemplifying their skill in blending high-end and accessible pieces for a cohesive, refined look.
headboard / white bedding / night stands / black & white pillow / rug / bench: HomeGoods
Bathrooms: Classic Touches and Smart Storage
The bathrooms throughout the rental property are consistently crisp, classic, and thoughtfully designed, boasting elegant touches like ample storage and beautiful vintage-inspired floor tiles. In the master bathroom, a rich wood vanity, custom-built by their local carpenter, provides a striking and sophisticated contrast to the clean white hex floor tiles. A stylish Pottery Barn mirror and elegant silver sconces further elevate the room’s aesthetic, while a vibrant, colorful rug introduces a welcome pop of pattern and warmth, transforming the space into a true oasis. A similar rug can be sourced to achieve this inviting look.
mirror / sconce / white hex floor tile / similar rug
In a delightful coincidence, Carey and the author discovered they both owned the same framed dots art from Target—a testament to great taste! In this bathroom, it adds a playful yet chic touch. The gray hex floors here are another highlight, offering a modern and sophisticated foundation; similar options are readily available. The custom vanity, also crafted by their carpenter, provides an astonishing amount of storage, a feature that many homeowners, including the author, would envy, especially when compared to less functional setups. The distinctive rug in this bathroom is a unique secondhand treasure, discovered at Revival, a local consignment shop in Richmond, further emphasizing their commitment to resourceful and characterful design.
Conclusion: Your Guide to Savvy Rental Renovations
We hope you thoroughly enjoyed this inspiring tour of Carey and Jordan’s meticulously renovated rental home. Their approach offers a masterclass in transforming properties with strategic, budget-conscious design choices that maximize both aesthetic appeal and functionality for tenants. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Carey and Jordan for graciously opening their doors, allowing us to capture and share these incredible transformations with our online community. Their vision truly brings older homes back to life, demonstrating how thoughtful renovation can create beautiful, welcoming spaces.
For those in the Richmond area looking to embark on their own home renovation journey, Carey and Jordan extend their expertise. They specialize in assisting homebuyers with purchasing and revitalizing older properties; you can connect with them through their renovation website. If you’re seeking a rental property in the area, their team can also provide invaluable assistance via their dedicated rental site. And, for a truly delightful local experience, if you ever have the good fortune to meet Carey around town, be sure to befriend her – her gumbo is legendary! It’s seriously delicious, a culinary masterpiece that truly lives up to the hype.
To our readers eagerly awaiting gift guides and a comprehensive holiday post featuring our decorated home, rest assured, both are high on my to-do list! We look forward to sharing more festive goodness with you very soon. Until then, we encourage you to embrace the spirit of creative renovation and discover the joy of transforming spaces, one thoughtful detail at a time.
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