How do you take a run-of-the mill, '80s-era home in the Waco suburbs and turn it into something that will fulfill the needs of a pair of southern Californians with two soon-to-be-teenage kids? That’s the challenge facing Chip and Jo in a Fixer Upper episode titled “Space in the Suburbs.” The outside gets an impressive makeover, but it’s the interior spaces and layout modifications that offer the big challenges.

Mary and Dustyn Severn are looking for a home with four bedrooms, lots of open space, a large kitchen and plenty of backyard for the kids. The house they chose offered lots of room, but the layout wasn’t ideal for an active family or for entertaining guests. Chip and Joanna had some ideas.

It will come as no surprise to Fixer Upper-philes that job one was removing some walls to create a more open flow between a newly renovated (and much enlarged) kitchen and adjacent living spaces. But it was little surprise touches that help define this particular makeover. The starting point is a sizable house with a bland exterior, and with one particular structural feature that puts Chip and Jo in a quandary. But only temporarily.

Watch for what Joanna does to add depth and character to the bare-bones living room, creating a new and intentional space that’s certain to appeal to the kids and adults alike.

And check out the custom built-ins to accommodate Mary’s sizable collection of classic books. And wait until you see what material they use for the kitchen-island countertop. Even furniture designer Clint Harp gets caught off-guard.

Fixer Upper episode “Space in the Suburbs” premieres on February 21 at 9|8c. Be sure to check back here to see the full photo gallery with lots of befores, afters and more web-exclusive “Design on Her Mind” videos.