As an added bonus, I reside approximately 30 minutes away from Waco, Texas, the hub of HGTV fame. Interestingly, my alma mater, where I taught just last year, boasted a house that was meticulously transformed by none other than Chip and Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper renown. Their signature touch was evident in every carefully curated detail, making it a real-life embodiment of their popular TV show.
Ideas from Fixer Upper
Incorporating elements from popular TV shows, I’d like to share a few creative concepts that resonated with me. One such idea is the notion of ‘looking up.’
Sliding Barn Door
The image that caught my attention is a screenshot from Joanna’s Instagram page, where she shares her productivity secrets, including how to stay focused on tasks despite unfavorable weather conditions. What stood out to me was the sleek sliding barn door featured in the picture. I’m fascinated by this design trend and its growing popularity, even in regions like Illinois that are known for their more traditional architectural styles.
Light colors and accents
When opting for lighter colors, the items that don’t conform to this tone will naturally take center stage. If you have a statement piece that’s darker and you want it to be the focal point, consider creating a predominantly light-colored space. This will allow your bold choice to truly shine.
Let the Light In
I’m enamored with barndominiums, having experienced life in a similar abode back in 2011. My residence was akin to the one depicted here, and it’s this style that has me singing its praises. A key takeaway is the importance of embracing natural light – it not only boosts our emotional well-being but also significantly enhances the aesthetic appeal of our homes.
For those interested in exploring this design further, I recommend visiting Magnolia Market to get a glimpse into the unique charm and character that barndominiums have to offer.
Have Some Fun
Granting youngsters a personal space within their own miniature abode fosters a sense of maturity and injects warmth into the setting. Moreover, for those aiming to evoke a rustic charm, the utilitarian appeal of corrugated steel can be a compelling option.
A Place for Everyone
In the southern United States, we’re fortunate to have an abundance of outdoor spaces that can be utilized almost year-round. The absence of harsh winters and mild temperatures make it ideal for entertaining outdoors. A well-designed alfresco area provides a sense of freedom from enclosed spaces, allowing for effortless mingling and relaxation. Additionally, the incorporation of greenery on walls or structures, such as a living wall with fresh herbs, adds an element of whimsy and practicality.
This stunning visual is courtesy of Magnolia homes, a renowned brand that embodies the perfect blend of elegance and functionality.
Open Shelves
The open shelving units in this farmhouse kitchen are a highlight, offering ample storage space while maintaining a light and airy ambiance that complements the farm-style sink and stainless steel appliances. In fact, this is none other than Chip and Joanna Gaines’ own home, which can be explored in its entirety on Country Living’s website.
Front Porches
While Chip and Joanna Gaines’ projects didn’t always feature front porches, these inviting spaces play a significant role in welcoming homeowners to their properties. A well-designed porch beckons visitors to enter, exuding warmth and hospitality. Imagine sitting on a swing or pair of rocking chairs, exchanging waves with neighbors as they pass by on foot or in their vehicles. This particular property was crafted for newlyweds, and its aesthetic can be seen on HGTV.
Be Romantic
I’m convinced that a TV-free bedroom is essential for fostering a sense of intimacy and romance. The absence of screens allows couples to disconnect from the world and reconnect with each other, creating a tranquil atmosphere reminiscent of their earliest moments together. This quiet sanctuary encourages meaningful conversations, quality time, and a deeper appreciation for one another.
Even singles can benefit from this peaceful retreat, allowing them to recharge and rediscover their own identity. For more insights on cultivating a serene and romantic living space, visit Bethany Mitchell homes.
Create definition
In their quest to transform this house, Chip and Joanna’s customer kicked off the renovation by adding a faux window, also known as a Dormer, to the roof. This striking feature instantly elevated the property from unassuming to eye-catching, effectively turning it on its head. The addition was further enhanced by a fresh coat of paint, which not only added a pop of color but also created a stunning contrast that completely redefined the house’s aesthetic.
For those interested in learning more about this remarkable transformation, Magnolia Market offers valuable insights and inspiration.
The Little Things
As HGTV showcased this impressive property, they highlighted how every aspect of the home underwent a transformation. Upon examining the photographs, what caught my attention was the garage doors. Initially unassuming on the exterior, the addition of windows and subtle design elements along the edges beautifully brought the overall aesthetic together.
With large garages being a common feature in many homes, this design consideration has sparked my interest and will likely influence our own future home’s design.
Design for the Times
As we navigate the ebbs and flows of life, it’s common to experience seasons that shape our living spaces. This particular home shares similarities with the previous one, yet its uniqueness lies in the bunk beds. The family who called this place their own had already seen their children grow up and move out, leaving behind a sense of nostalgia for times spent together. To ensure their remaining space accommodated loved ones during special occasions like Christmas, they opted for bunk beds.
What strikes me as particularly thoughtful is the incorporation of individual light areas within each bunk, fostering a cozy atmosphere. As we plan or reinvigorate our homes, it’s crucial to consider where we are in life and where we’re headed.
It’s Not All Country
As I admire Chip and Joanna’s design aesthetic, I’m drawn to both their country charm and industrial edge. The latter, in particular, resonates when exploring urban properties. Perhaps it was a specific Fixer Upper episode that featured a Waco city home with an urban vibe – one that felt tailor-made for its downtown dweller. Given Waco’s strategic location between two major metropolises, embracing the big-city feel within its own borders could be a brilliant idea.
For more inspiration, I encourage you to visit Style Me Pretty Living.
Tear Down that Wall
Joanna Gaines embodies the spirit of tearing down walls, a phrase often attributed to Ronald Reagan. By removing physical barriers in homes, she opens up spaces and transforms them into functional areas. In this particular instance, she eliminated the partition between the kitchen and dining room, effectively increasing the sense of brightness and airiness within the space. The before-and-after transformation is nothing short of remarkable, showcasing Joanna’s exceptional design skills.
If you’re interested in witnessing this renovation firsthand, head over to HGTV to explore the Fixer Upper house that I frequented daily during my school year.
Know What You Love…
As the bachelor returned to his hometown from New York City, he opted for a unique approach to renovating his new property. He enlisted the expertise of Chip and Joanna Gaines, famous for their home renovation show on HGTV. One of the distinctive features they incorporated was a bespoke coffee bar in the kitchen area.
The couple’s decision serves as a valuable reminder: when designing your dream home, be sure to include elements that bring you joy, ensuring a space where you’ll truly want to spend time. For a glimpse into this renovation project, visit HGTV.
… And Don’t Be Afraid
It’s often the unconventional spaces that can bring the most joy and functionality to our homes. Take, for instance, Chip and Joanna Gaines’ decision to create a library area at their Magnolia Market bed and breakfast. By situating it beneath the stairs, they were able to utilize an otherwise underutilized space in a way that perfectly complements the rest of the property.
This creative approach not only adds a touch of whimsy but also demonstrates how even the smallest areas can be repurposed to serve as beautiful hubs for relaxation and learning.
See the Beauty Within
While driving through familiar neighborhoods, it’s easy to overlook historic homes that have been left untouched. Yet, Chip and Joanna Gaines have made a name for themselves by finding hidden gems like this old house, which was once priced at $140,000. After sitting vacant for two years, the owners were able to negotiate a remarkable deal, bringing the price down to an astonishing $50,000.
This incredible bargain is a testament to the importance of looking beyond the surface and seeing the potential that lies within.
Lighting
My husband and I had initially thought we’d outgrow our rental house, so he decided to do some renovations to give it a fresh new look. One of his first projects was updating the lighting fixtures throughout the house. What struck me as remarkable was how much of an impact these small changes could have on the overall ambiance of each room. The foyer, in particular, underwent a significant transformation that I’d love to share with you through this photo.
It’s truly amazing what a simple light fixture swap can do for a space. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to revamp your room’s aesthetic, I highly recommend starting with something as easy and effective as replacing your lighting fixtures. You might be surprised at the difference it can make. For more inspiration on giving your home a makeover, check out HGTV.
Down the Wall
Joanna’s preferences suggest a strong affinity for open layouts where appliances are strategically placed. Moreover, she advocates for the inclusion of an island, which fosters social interaction and enables observers to relax while witnessing the cooking process. This shift towards more expansive kitchens may have emerged within the past few decades, as older homes often featured compact, cluttered spaces that restricted movement.
Conclusion: A place to relax
One of the secrets behind Chip and Joanna Gaines’ enduring popularity lies in their ability to tap into our deep-seated desire for comfort. Their seemingly idyllic marriage and adorable family, combined with their stunning home renovations, offer a glimpse into a life many of us would love to lead. However, it’s crucial to recognize that we can’t help but feel inspired by their journey because they’re not just living the dream – they’re making it happen gradually, day in and day out.
We too can take small steps towards creating our own little slice of heaven on earth.
