Carey and Jordan’s Budget-Friendly Richmond Rental Renovation
Remember Carey and Jordan? Earlier this year we featured one of their homes, and their mudroom always catches my eye. This time we toured another recently renovated rental they furnished in Richmond. It’s a charming ranch that they operate mostly as a long-term furnished rental and occasionally as an Airbnb between tenants. The house is full of smart, budget-friendly choices—thrift-store finds, HomeGoods bargains, Target accessories, and a few higher-end accents that lift the overall look.
rug / round baskets / hooks / rectangle baskets / door color: Poppy by Ben Moore
The homeowners mixed pieces from many places and price points: a Justina Blakeney rug purchased at a local showhouse sale, a marble coffee table and sectional from CB2 acquired secondhand from a friend, Restoration Hardware cabinet pulls, and a few HomeGoods and Target finds that make the home feel collected and welcoming.
rug / coffee table / sofa / gold mirror / foyer light fixture
One of the most dramatic and cost-effective changes in the house came from paint. They freshened the living room and carried Sherwin Williams’ Agreeable Gray into the foyer to create a more open, cohesive feel.
In the foyer they replaced the aged red door with a moody black (Caviar by Sherwin Williams) and added a sculptural pendant from Shades of Light. A small HomeGoods table and lamp along with local art above the table complete the welcoming vignette.
rug / light / art / wall color: SW Agreeable Gray / door color: SW Caviar
The kitchen transformation is a great example of how to update without a full gut. The original cabinets were kept; a local carpenter built new inset doors and everything was painted Extra White by Sherwin Williams. New black granite counters, classic subway tile, updated hardware from Restoration Hardware, a glass pendant over the sink from Pottery Barn and new stainless appliances modernized the space without replacing the entire cabinet system.
They also installed matching hardwoods to improve flow between rooms and fit a small café table across from the sink for everyday meals. An outdoor rug under the table is a smart rental-friendly solution for easy cleaning under a dining spot.
similar rug / similar table / chairs / cabinet hardware / art prints / light over sink
The dining room was another major before-and-after. Wallpaper and a dull palette became a bold, fresh space with deep Indigo Batik walls balanced by white Ikea curtains, a light-shade chandelier, light-wood furniture, and a large mirror that reflects daylight—an effective trick to brighten deeper colors.
rug / metal chairs / end chairs / table / lamps / chandelier / curtains
A small brick-walled room was repurposed as a cozy office/reading nook with playful color—a pink chair, a blue filing cabinet, and a faux fiddle-leaf fig add personality and function. Mixing secondhand and affordable items keeps the space interesting while staying budget-conscious.
desk / pink chair / desk chair / file cabinet / similar rug / blue wall: SW North Star
The master bedroom received a warm, cozy palette (Roycroft Pewter by Sherwin Williams) contrasted with crisp white trim and bedding. A HomeGoods bench, West Elm pin-tuck bedding, and Target accents create a polished, comfortable retreat.
headboard / white bedding / night stands / black & white pillow / rug / bench: HomeGoods
The bathrooms were updated with classic, vintage-inspired touches: white hex and gray hex tile floors, a custom wood vanity, Pottery Barn mirrors, and silver sconces. These elements combine practicality with a timeless aesthetic and provide generous storage—an important feature for rentals.
mirror / sconce / white hex floor tile / similar rug
Carey and Jordan’s approach shows how thoughtful updates—paint, new doors on existing cabinets, better lighting, well-chosen hardware, and a mix of secondhand and affordable retail pieces—can transform an older house into a desirable, stylish rental without overspending. Thanks to Carey and Jordan for letting us tour and photograph their work.
If you’re local to Richmond and want renovation help, they share project details on their renovation and rental sites. And if you meet Carey, be sure to try her gumbo—it’s a neighborhood favorite. Happy renovating, and remember: small, strategic updates can make a big difference.
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