‘No White Walls’ Was the Only Request for This Mid-Century Home Remodel – The Result Is an Effortlessly Retro Abode Filled with Original Features

Authentic colors and thoughtful patterns combine in this Knoxville, Tennessee home – it’s a lesson in embracing original charm and character

It’s rare for an older home to have only seen a handful of owners – and much rarer for so many original features to still be intact. But as only the third owners of this Mid-Century home in Knoxville, Tennessee, the homeowners were left with almost all of the details added when it was built in 1964, including marble fireplaces, terrazzo floors, and even an authentic green shag carpet.

But the retention of so many features isn’t even the most surprising part of this project. Owned by Isaiah and Kayla Nichols, a veterinarian and YouTuber known for his horror and true crime content, better known as Wendigoon online, you’d assume a penchant for dark, gothic interiors. But this home proves quite the opposite, with rooms showcasing uplifting colors, classic patterns, and collected art that give the home a truly unique personality.

“The house sits on a ridge on the outskirts of Knoxville, Tennessee, with sweeping views of the Cumberland and Smoky Mountains. The setting was a constant source of inspiration,” explains interior designer Caroline Levenson. “Over the nine-month renovation, we watched lush summer greenery give way to brilliant fall foliage, saw dramatic rainstorms roll through, and even experienced a snowstorm. The house gives you a front-row seat to it all. We drew from those changing colors and textures throughout the interiors.”

While many rooms required building new pieces and sourcing furniture to suit, the kitchen became a real practice in preserving what was already there, and adding to it to make it feel connected to the other rooms. It was a combined decision to keep the original kitchen cabinets and hardware, but an offset black-and-white checkerboard floor and Mia Reay’s Japanese-inspired wallpaper were introduced to bring retro flair.

Molly Malsom, Homes & Gardens Online, October 2026
Homes & Gardens Online