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.
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
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
Living Room, Detail
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
Kitchen, Detail
Kitchen, Detail
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
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 Bedroom, Detail
Master Bedroom, Detail
Master Bedroom, Detail
Master Bedroom, Detail
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, Detail
Master Bath, Before
Master Bath, After
Master Bath, Detail
Master Bath, Detail
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.
