When fans talk about the heart and soul of HGTV's hit series Good Bones, Karen E. Laine immediately comes to mind. Alongside her daughter Mina Starsiak Hawk, Karen spent years flipping dilapidated houses in Indianapolis, championing reclaimed materials, and bringing a quirky legal-turned-contractor perspective to television. Since stepping away from the daily grind of their family business, Two Chicks and a Hammer, Karen hasn't slowed down. Instead, she transitioned into new creative chapters, focusing on personal workspace design, specialized home builds, and sharing intimate glimpses of her hands-on projects with dedicated followers.
Understanding Karen's trajectory means looking past the edited television cuts to see how a former defense attorney built a second career out of physical grit, salvaged timber, and relentless creativity. Whether she's documenting progress on her independent workshop spaces or designing coastal retreats, her work offers a blueprint for practical, hands-on artistry. This deep dive unpacks how Karen shaped her post-show identity, the reality of behind-the-scenes production work on home renovation shows, and what viewers often miss about her signature style.
The Evolution of Two Chicks and a Hammer
Before Karen became a household name on HGTV, she practiced law. When Mina needed help purchasing and renovating a run-down home in Indianapolis, Karen stepped in to assist. That single project snowballed into a massive revitalization effort in the Bates-Hendricks neighborhood, turning blighted properties into high-end urban homes.
The early days of their business weren't glamorous. They operated on tight budgets, stripped lead paint, hauled debris, and salvaged anything usable from demolition sites. This resourcefulness defined the show's aesthetic. When Karen officially retired from Two Chicks and a Hammer in 2019, she left the heavy commercial flipping behind, but she didn't abandon her love for building.
Transitioning away from a weekly television production schedule allowed her to focus on projects that genuinely interested her. She didn't need to worry about commercial television pacing or strict contractor timelines. Instead, she could spend weeks meticulously restoring a single antique piece of furniture or designing a custom workshop space tailored to her exact workflow.
Behind the Scenes of HGTV Renovations
Reality television makes major home transformations look effortless, compressing weeks of grueling labor into a tidy 42-minute episode. Behind the cameras, the reality is far messier.
- Timeline compression: Crews film multiple projects simultaneously. Demolition on one house might happen while finishing touches are applied to another.
- Safety and permitting: Real-world historic renovations face strict municipal codes, unexpected structural rot, and hazardous materials that require professional abatement before cameras roll.
- Budget management: Television budgets don't cover everything. Unforeseen expenses—like sinking foundations or rotted floor joists—frequently require out-of-pocket solutions or creative design pivots.
Karen's background as an attorney proved invaluable when navigating city zoning laws, historic district guidelines, and contractor agreements. While the show highlighted her artistic flair and penchant for bright colors, her legal mind kept projects compliant and structurally sound.
Crafting Personal Spaces: Karen's Independent Projects
Since stepping back from the main series, Karen has dedicated her time to independent endeavors, most notably "Karen's Corner" (also known as "The Corner"). Located in a historic Indianapolis building that once housed a monument business dating back to 1899, this private workspace and studio reflects her rustic, reclaimed design ethos.
Setting up an independent workshop requires specific steps if you want to emulate her hands-on approach:
- Source a raw space: Look for buildings with historical bones, exposed brick, or original timber that can be cleaned up rather than replaced.
- Prioritize utility over retail: Karen designed her studio as a functional workspace and storage area rather than a high-volume retail storefront, keeping overhead low and creative freedom high.
- Incorporate salvaged elements: Use scraps from previous builds to create custom shelving, workbenches, and room dividers.
- Keep documentation organic: Share progress updates directly via social media channels without corporate filters, letting followers see the raw, unpolished reality of manual labor.
Beyond her workshop, Karen completed a stunning coastal beach house project in Wilmington, North Carolina. Packed with smart space-saving ideas—such as custom Murphy beds inspired by naval ships and resin-topped sea glass counters—this project showcased her ability to design for compact footprints without sacrificing style.
Common Mistakes in DIY Reclaimed Design
Many homeowners try to replicate Karen's signature reclaimed style and make costly errors. Avoiding these pitfalls ensures your project looks intentional rather than cluttered.
- Ignoring structural integrity: Reclaimed wood and old furniture often carry structural flaws, wood-boring insects, or weather damage. Always treat and reinforce salvaged timber before using it in load-bearing applications or fine furniture.
- Overcrowding small rooms: Karen frequently uses compact layouts (like her 525-square-foot beach cottage), but she maintains sightlines and open vertical space. Stacking too many salvaged statement pieces in a small area makes it feel cramped rather than cozy.
- Skipping proper sealing: Using raw, unfinished materials in kitchens or bathrooms leads to moisture damage, warping, and staining. Always seal wood surfaces with polyurethane, epoxy resin, or specialized waxes, just as Karen does on her decoupaged subfloors and resin countertops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Karen E. Laine's current focus after Good Bones?
Karen officially retired from Two Chicks and a Hammer in 2019 and later wrapped up her primary role on Good Bones, though she still makes occasional appearances and special projects like Good Bones: Better Yard. She focuses on independent creative projects, personal property renovations, and managing her private workshop space.
Where was Karen's coastal beach house project located?
Her compact, energy-efficient beach cottage renovation is located in Wilmington, North Carolina. The home features extensive solar panels, a custom backyard mural celebrating local carnivorous plants, and clever space-saving features.
Did Karen have a background in construction before HGTV?
No. Karen spent years working as a defense attorney before pivoting into full-time home renovation and flipping alongside her daughter Mina. Her legal background helped her navigate complex property acquisition, historic zoning laws, and local municipal codes.
What is "Karen's Corner"?
"Karen's Corner" is a personal workspace and studio space that Karen established in a historic 1899 building in Indianapolis. It serves as an uncommercialized hub for her personal DIY projects, storage, and creative woodworking, distinct from retail-heavy ventures.
