Life After Good Bones: Karen E. Laine's Bold New Chapter
Let’s talk about Karen E. Laine, the beloved star of Good Bones. After wrapping up season 8 of the hit HGTV show, she’s diving headfirst into her next big adventure. And boy, is it a wild one. Karen recently spilled the beans on the “What’s Up Wilmington” podcast about how she’s handling life while renovating her new home in Wilmington, North Carolina. Guess what? She’s been sleeping in her car. That’s right, folks—her car has become her temporary home.
“Listen, I’ve got a thing about wasting money,” Karen explained during the podcast on October 31. “To me, dropping $150 a night on a hotel just to sleep feels like throwing cash out the window. Why would I do that when I can be resourceful?” She’s all about making smart choices, and this one fits right into her no-nonsense approach to life.
Sleeping Comfortably in a Car? How Does She Do It?
Now, you might be wondering, how does someone actually sleep in their car comfortably? Karen, 61, has it all figured out. She ordered a custom-made contraption from Germany—a bed that adjusts perfectly to her hatchback. “It’s genius,” she said. “You fold down the backseat, slide this bed in, screw it together, and voilà—you’ve got yourself a little camper on wheels.”
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This isn’t just any bed; it comes with slats and a proper mattress. “It’s not like I’m lying on a piece of cardboard,” Karen joked. “This thing is legit. I’m sleeping soundly every night.” And if that wasn’t enough, she’s equipped herself with a portable kitchen setup, a portable toilet, and even a pop-up tent for privacy. “Look, I don’t want strangers watching me use the bathroom, so the tent is essential,” she added with a laugh.
A Little Extra Comfort: The Car Condom
But wait, there’s more! Karen’s got another clever gadget—a tent specifically designed for her hatchback. She calls it the “car condom,” and it gives her extra space inside the car. “It’s perfect for storing my portable toilet,” she explained. “It’s like having a little room in my car. It’s cozy, practical, and it works for me.”
It’s clear Karen’s not just surviving; she’s thriving in her unconventional setup. “I’ve got everything I need,” she proudly declared. “Water, food, shelter—it’s all here. And honestly, it feels kind of freeing.”
Building Her Dream Home in Wilmington
Karen’s new home in Wilmington is a labor of love. When she joined the podcast, her house was undergoing some major renovations. “We tore out the entire interior to deal with termite damage,” she shared. “And we didn’t stop there—we lifted the house off its old foundation and built a brand-new one. It’s a complete overhaul.”
As of the podcast, her team was installing ceiling joints, and she was eagerly anticipating the next step: framing the roof. “It’s exciting to see this house come together,” Karen said. “I’ve always loved the process of renovation, and this project is no different. It’s challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.”
Earlier this year, Karen made the move to Wilmington, searching for the perfect place to retire. After browsing Zillow, she snapped up a charming cottage in February. By June, she had lined up a contractor to start the renovation of her historic home. “This is where I want to spend the rest of my life,” she said. “It’s important to me to get it just right.”
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What’s Next for Karen?
On a personal note, Karen is navigating new waters as she’s recently separated from her fourth husband, Roger Rominger. According to court documents reviewed by Closer, they filed for legal separation in April 2022, with Roger later petitioning to dissolve the marriage in January. The case remains ongoing, with the next court date set for November 27.
Professionally, Karen is keeping her options open. “There won’t be a season 9 of Good Bones, and that’s bittersweet for me,” she admitted. “I feel like I was just starting to get the hang of unscripted TV. It’s such a unique format, even for production companies. We were really clicking, and I loved working with our team. HGTV has been an incredible platform for me, and I’d love to keep making TV. Maybe a spinoff series? Who knows? The future is wide open.”
