When our friend Noah Scalin — a published author and skull enthusiast — suggested we visit his parents’ remarkable house in Richmond’s trendy Fan district, we were immediately curious. Once there, we couldn’t stop taking photos. Chuck and Mim are established fine artists who moved from New York City to their charming, century-old Richmond home. Their taste for loft-like metropolitan living is clear throughout the historic house. Let’s take a virtual tour.
First, the inviting exterior sets the tone…
…and the entryway, featuring custom tile work commissioned from a fellow artist they admire.
The living area is bright and welcoming, furnished with an eclectic mix of finds: chairs rescued from the street, thrifted pieces, DIY art, bartered accessories, and even a few modern items. They also display student work from a local art school, which is a smart way to collect unique pieces without overspending. The overall effect feels curated and comfortable rather than overly precious.
The kitchen is modest but highly functional, with open shelving and a peninsula perfect for serving meals or gathering with friends. The layout and finishes blend practicality with understated style.
The house retains many historic features, like soaring ceilings and an impressive staircase, while modern furnishings and artwork feel right at home. The contrast between old architectural details and contemporary pieces creates a balanced, lived-in aesthetic.
Chuck and Mim demonstrate that a historic home doesn’t require exclusively period furniture. Their mix of industrial, modern, and vintage items works harmoniously, showing how thoughtfully chosen pieces—new or old—can complement the structure’s original character.
The couple’s artistic sensibility is evident in small, intentional moments throughout the house. One standout is a recessed, backlit niche that showcases a collection of glass bowls and vases. During the day, natural light enhances the display; at night, built-in lighting keeps the feature glowing.
They also created a smooth visual transition between rooms with clever flooring choices. The bedroom has a darker floor while the adjoining area is bleached; to tie the two together, they redesigned the hallway floor using both tones so the surfaces flow into one another, forming an eye-catching transition.
The bathroom renovation is another example of functional creativity. They built a linear sink vanity with horizontal wood slats that add modern texture and matched that treatment on a custom radiator cover. The original door was reused: the doorknob was rechromed and a recycled glass panel—salvaged from an original window—was inserted into the door, adding character and history.
To bring in more light, they installed a large glass block panel where an old door once led to an unused porch. A nearly invisible floating glass shower enclosure and a rainhead fixture complete the serene, open feel of the space.
Their DIY talents extend to metalwork as well. Inspired by a designer they admire, Chuck recreated a checkerboard effect on metal doors by taping off squares and sanding the exposed areas to achieve a brushed finish. Sleek, budget-friendly handles from a popular retailer complete the look.
As working artists, Chuck and Mim use studio space daily. Chuck’s studio is filled with collected objects—vintage metal letters salvaged from old shop signage, nostalgic gadgets, and tools—that clearly feed his creative process. The assortment of found items adds texture and personality to the workspace.
One memorable DIY lighting project began as inspiration from an expensive design piece. Chuck collected clear film canisters, poked small holes in their tops, and threaded a string of white lights through them to create a custom, movable light installation. This practical, low-cost solution produces a warm, diffuse glow and adds whimsical ambiance to the open living area.
Chuck and Mim’s home is an inspiring example of how creativity, resourcefulness, and respect for a home’s history can combine to produce a unique, personal environment. Thanks to them for welcoming us and letting us share their beautiful house. There are so many highlights to admire — the stainless checkerboard doors, the custom radiator cover, the striped hallway, and the backlit bedroom niche all stand out as favorites — but the real charm is in how thoughtfully everything comes together.