Fixer Upper: A Contemporary Update for a Family Sized House

Chip and Joanna Gaines help a young couple transform a conventional brick house into a stylish home that's ideally suited for a new family and that, on the inside, effectively marries rustic and traditional styles.

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April 27, 2020

By: David L Haynes

Show: Fixer Upper

Related To:

Clean and Classic

Chip and Joanna gave a rather ordinary brick house a dramatic facelift to create this elegant and inviting home with classic appeal.

A Hint of Outdoors

The key in this remodel was in the careful blending of two styles to satisfy the differing tastes of both the husband and wife. The living room, nicknamed "The Mountain Room" by Chip, leans more toward the masculine with a dry-stack stone fireplace, butterfly chairs with leather covers and informal furnishings

Deliberate Balance

The master suite brings together the feminine with the masculine, combining wood furnishings and a rustic barn door with softer and more traditional elements like an ornate chandelier and distinctive arched headboard, both finished in white.

Simply Organic

This rustic dresser employs two contrasting wood finishes and a touch of white for an eyecatching combination that picks up on the earthy tones in the wood tile flooring.

Wood and Stone

The new master bath is one of the most potent examples of the blending of styles, with clean marble countertops and matching white vanities offset by wood surfaces in natural finish as seen in the framed mirror here.

Multi-Task

This space serves double duty as a home office and a craft/play room for kids.

He Said, She Said

Luke and Rachel Whyte are new parents and were in search of a home in the family-friendly Woodway area in Waco. In terms of style, Luke's tastes lean toward the rustic and outdoorsy while Rachel likes things traditional and elegant. The two did, however, agree on a home wish list that included three to four bedrooms, a big yard and space for a home office and playroom. Their total budget, including renovations, was $277,000.

Before

The second house on Chip and Joanna's tour was this one with plain brick exterior, a balcony in disrepair and scruffy landscaping. It had four bedrooms, three baths and 2600 square feet. It was built in 1989, and the list price was $187,500.

After

With the renovation complete, a new pitched metal roof, painted black, replaces the dilapidated balcony above the redesigned front entrance. New double doors in an arched design and dark stained wood make for a warm contrast against the freshly painted white brick exterior.

Foyer, Before

The front foyer was partially closed off from the living space, and the wood banister on the stair was a tad overly formal.

Foyer, After

Joanna considered the foyer one of the most challenging parts of this makeover. She wanted to make a visual statement upon entering the home that showcased the melding of both rustic and traditional elements. A simple chair railing was added to add depth and texture to the space, but without too much formality. The new iron railing with contemporary cabled design is a counterbalancing element and a statement piece in a room that sets the tone for the home's carefully integrated design.

Foyer, Detail

Dining Room, Before

Dining Room, After

The footprint of the original dining room was actually reduced somewhat to allow the expansion of the kitchen. The space still feels roomy and well suited for entertaining. Joanna added a farm style table, industrial metal chairs and botanical prints in simple black frames.

Dining Room, Detail

Living Room, Before

The crown molding and trim in the living room were bland and dated, and the patterned wallpaper and carpet were old and faded. Joanna recommended for this space new hardwood floors and reworking the built-in shelves and fireplace for a less formal look.

Living Room, After

In the remodeled space, a rustic wood mantel provides a visual counterpoint to the gray stone of the fireplace. The trim is simplified and toned down, and new recessed lighting and sconces give the room an inviting glow.

Living Room, Before

Another of Jo's recommendations for the living room was to replace the arched windows and enlarge them for a more clean and contemporary look.

Living Room, After

Living Room, Detail

Kitchen, Before

The kitchen was fairly large and offered some natural light. Joanna's recommendations included removing the wall separating the kitchen and dining room to merge the two spaces and adding a larger kitchen island.

Kitchen, After

The new island has a marble top that extends out at one end, facilitating barstool seating and adding extra prep space.

Kitchen, Before

Kitchen, After

The new kitchen has all new appliances as well as plenty of storage and cabinets that extend to the ceiling.

Kitchen, Detail

Home Office, Before

This room, which had been a breakfast room, would be turned into a home office with the addition of a work station and storage cabinets.

Home Office, After

Since Rachel is a work-from-home mom, the home office also incorporates a kids' play and craft area so she can keep an eye on the kids while working.

Home Office, After

The kid-sized work table with scalloped edges and matching bench seats is the handiwork of furniture craftsman Clint Harp.

Home Office, Detail

Master Bedroom, Before

Like the living room, the master bedroom suffered from worn carpet and dated wallpaper. But the room offered ample space, so renovations here would largely just be cosmetic.

Master Bedroom, After

The master suite in this makeover was exemplary of blending two styles in one space. The result is a space that includes rustic elements but retains a warn and cozy feel.

Master Bedroom, Detail

Master Bath, Before

The biggest challenge from a construction standpoint was the master bath which was generously sized but had a dated appearance and old fixtures.

Master Bath, After

The newly remodeled master bath has marble countertops and backsplash, a pedestal tub and walk-in shower. The space is also brightened up with a new window, expanded door and updated white trim.

Master Bath, Detail

Master Bath, Before

Master Bath, After

Master Bath, Detail

Iron hardware in black finish was used on the rustic sliding door between the master bedroom and bath.

The Reveal

Before

The giant photo banners show the Whyte's home as it looked prior to the renovation.

After

With the banners pulled back, the newly renovated home is revealed.

Before

After

With the renovation complete, the home represents an ambitious undertaking of designing for two people with different tastes. The underlying key to success, according to Joanna, was sticking with simple design accents that complement one another to really make each room stand out. From the outside, the idea was to take a house that was visibly a product of the 1980s and give it a more classic look.

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Photo By: Jennifer Boomer/Getty Images

Don't Miss:

Don't Miss:

Fixer Upper

Fixer Upper: A Contemporary Update for a Family Sized House

Related To:

Clean and Classic

A Hint of Outdoors

Deliberate Balance

Simply Organic

Wood and Stone

Multi-Task

He Said, She Said

Before

After

Foyer, Before

Foyer, After

Foyer, Detail

Foyer, Detail

Dining Room, Before

Dining Room, After

Dining Room, Detail

Living Room, Before

Living Room, After

Living Room, Before

Living Room, After

Living Room, Detail

Living Room, Detail

Living Room, Detail

Kitchen, Before

Kitchen, After

Kitchen, Before

Kitchen, After

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen, Detail

Home Office, Before

Home Office, After

Home Office, After

Home Office, Detail

Home Office, Detail

Master Bedroom, Before

Master Bedroom, After

Master Bedroom, Detail

Master Bedroom, Detail

Master Bedroom, Detail

Master Bedroom, Detail

Master Bedroom, Detail

Master Bedroom, Detail

Master Bath, Before

Master Bath, After

Master Bath, Detail

Master Bath, Detail

Master Bath, Before

Master Bath, After

Master Bath, Detail

Master Bath, Detail

Master Bath, Detail

The Reveal

Before

After

Before

After

Shop This Look