An Atypical Fixer Upper

The pressure's on — even more than usual — when Chip and Joanna agree to take on a home makeover for friend and fellow designer Kristen Bufton. And this project strays from the usual Fixer Upper norm in another way, too. In this case, there's no home tour or purchasing decision to contend with. Kristen and her husband Brett had already purchased a home that they were generally happy with, but one that, as the told Chip and Jo, "needs some help on the inside."

Both inside and out, the house was definitely in need a few tweaks. It came with the hallmarks of the decade in which it was built — you know, that decade that gave birth to MTV, valley girls, Miami Vice and way too much mauve-and-gray. But beyond erasing some dated period touches, the homeowners generally wanted interior spaces that were more functional and conducive to their growing family.

Finding Common Ground

Of course, when designer meets designer, there's always the possibility that their aesthetic choices may not mesh. Joanna would need to take special care to ensure that her design decisions are in sync with the Kristen's while still bringing that special Joanna touch to the home.

And making things more interesting, there's a time crunch. Kristen's expecting, with the baby due in three months. The house has to be done and ready in time for the couple to get settled in before the baby arrives. Above is a quick before-and-after that will give you a taste of how Joanna brought a more classic look and a clean, white palette to the home while pleasing the extra discerning eye of these special clients.

This episode premieres January 31 at 9|8c. And head here for exclusive before-and-after photos, videos and more.