A Fixer Upper-Inspired Christmas in Florida

Bright white walls, vintage signs, open shelves, shiplap galore: It’s all straight out of a Fixer Upper episode. Except Jenna and Za Alexander’s home redo was all their own, inspired by binge-watching their favorite show. The obsession began after the Alexanders bought a 1950s cottage in St. Augustine, FL, that needed a major reno. While the work was being done, they stayed with friends nearby. “Our friends were really into Fixer Upper, and once the kids went to bed, we’d watch episode after episode,” says Jenna.

She and Za desperately needed ideas: The 1,200-square-foot house they were moving into had a cramped layout and dated interiors with an eau-de-cat-pee scent. “Chip would have called it the ‘Hold Your Breath House,’ ” says Za, laughing. “It was inspiring to see him and Joanna tackle some of the same challenges we faced.” Jenna’s mom and stepdad, in the remodeling business, opened up the floor plan; then the couple added cozy, modern-rustic touches. “I think we’d make the Fixer Upper fam proud!” says Jenna.

Metal chairs at an old pine table are 100% farmhouse fab. Plucked from Joanna’s playbook, an oversize clock doubles as art. Displaying dishes and books in a vintage bookcase: classic Fixer Upper.

First on the reno list: tearing down the walls that separated the living room from the kitchen and dining room to create one large, open hangout space. “I always like the vaulted ceilings in Fixer Upper houses,” says Za. So the Alexanders pushed their ceilings up too, and painted the walls and trim white (Wedding Veil by Benjamin Moore). A chunky woven jute and wool-blend rug from Serena & Lily defines the living space, which includes a white slipcovered sofa from IKEA and a pair of wide leather seats from West Elm. The trunk — which serves as both coffee table and gift wrap storage — is from Boston Interiors.

Jenna and Za with Navy, 7 months, and Jensen, 3