Meet the Muskas
After losing her husband and later her home, Carolyn Muska needed a new start. Carolyn enlisted the help of her daughter, Jennifer, and Fixer Upper hosts Chip and Joanna Gaines to find a home that needed some love.
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The Hosts
Chip and Joanna Gaines, hosts of HGTV's Fixer Upper wanted to not only help Carolyn find a new home but also help Carolyn give the home the personal touch she deserved.
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Bland Brick
Before. This 1937 craftsmen style home had been well taking care of but was starting to show its age. Carolyn immediately fell in love with the home's character and details.
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A Refreshing Facelift
After. Once it was determined that a pricey roof replacement wasn't needed, it was clear that this was meant to be Carolyn's new beginning. She purchased the home for only $133,000, leaving room to make plenty of great improvements.
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Photo: Sarah Wilson/ Getty Images
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Front Porch Focal Point
It was important for Carolyn to stay close to loved ones in her hometown of West, Texas. Her new home now has a Texas sized front porch to welcome friends, family and neighbors.
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Living Room, Before
While the original fireplace could no longer provide warmth, it did provide all of the quaint charm Carolyn was looking for. The 10 foot ceilings and large windows kept the small space from feeling crowded.
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Separated Spaces, Before
French doors originally separated the dining room from the living room and made each room seem smaller than they really were.
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Creating an Open Space
The French doors were removed to open the dining room up to the living room, creating an open concept feel. The dining room has been repainted a light, modern blue. The original wood floors have been refinished in a rich, warm tone.
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Spacious Living Area
The living room has been repainted the same modern blue to unify both spaces. Fixer Upper host Joanna combined modern and French style furniture to make the living room comfortable but also stylish.
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Focal Fire Place
To emphasize the fireplace and mantel that Carolyn loved so much, Joanna left a portion of the home's original shiplap exposed and painted it white, creating a focal point that lends respect to the home's history.
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Natural Accents
In the living room, natural accents like this wreath were used to create a warm, organic feeling. The distressed candle holders complete the mantle and bring attention to the exposed shiplap.
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Dining Room Before
Another view of the sectioned off dining room. Despite the separation, the large windows fill the dining room with natural light and the 10-foot ceilings give the space a large, open feel.
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Cramped Kitchen
The kitchen was cramped and deprived of sunlight, unlike the living and dining rooms. Chip and Joanna knew that blowing out the wall between the kitchen and dining room would transform the entire space.
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Grand Kitchen and Dining Room
The newly opened up kitchen and dining room have a grand, open feel. The large window is now able to give light to the entire space while the new sight-line continues from one side of the home to the other.
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Practical Flow
Initially, Carolyn was concerned with the original kitchen's awkward layout. In the redesigned kitchen, the oven and fridge are adjacent and the stove is incorporated into the island, creating a more efficient and practical flow.
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Elegant Lighting Throughout
Joanna installed ornate light fixtures throughout the kitchen and dining space, continuing with the French design and also highlighting the improved flow created by removing the walls.
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Bright Finishes
The kitchen has been transformed from a dated disaster into a lustrous, lovely space. With bright white countertops and polished metal hardware, the kitchen is now functional and stylish. The vintage-inspired white tile backsplash is another testament to the home's historical charm.
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Create More Space
A hanging wall mirror not only ties in with the contrasting black dining room chairs, it also helps create the illusion of more space. It also helps brighten the room since light from the large window reflects back into the space.
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Breezeway Before
Before Chip and Joanna renovated the home, the breezeway addition was dreary and dark despite the large windows.
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Keep it Light
The new breezeway takes full advantage of the large windows on both walls, allowing light to fill the area. Lighter, more natural flooring and a calming paint color make the space large and airy. Two chairs create a beautiful place for Carolyn or guests to relax and read.
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Master Bath, Before
Before renovations began, severe black tiles lined the shower making the bathroom look small and dated. However, the layout was perfect for the master bath that Carolyn had been dreaming of.
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Master Bath, After
Now, glossy white tiles give the shower an updated look that is both sophisticated and light. Wainscoting now lines the walls and a new white storage cabinet gives the bathroom a quaint, charming looking.
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Clean Lines
A sleek, modern vanity is offset by a traditional mirror and wainscoting. By combining the minimalist and classic styles, the new bathroom keeps its 1930's charm but still provides modern day luxury.
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Nostalgic Hardware
Throughout the home, Joanna used polished metal hardware that fit the style and time period during which the home was built. These clean, traditional fixtures are functional and add the charm Carolyn had envisioned for her dream home.
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Master Bedroom, Before
Despite being quite large, the master bedroom, with its sterile, white tile floor, was cold and uninviting.
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Master Bedroom, Before
Once again, windows lined the walls of the master bedroom. However, exterior awnings blocked out natural light that would make the bedroom cheerful and inviting.
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Master Bedroom, After
The cold tile was removed and replaced by soft, durable carpet. By removing the awnings, natural light was able to fill the bedroom. Joanna made the space a relaxing retreat with a tranquil, blue color scheme and casual, romantic textiles.
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Custom Headboard
Fixer Upper host Joanna decided to give this custom-made Magnolia Farms headboard to Carolyn as a gift. The distressed, white headboard is now the focal point of the master bedroom and accentuates the romantic textures of the bedding.
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From:
Fixer Upper
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A Much-Needed Respite
A behind-the-scenes shot catches Carolyn enjoying her new dream kitchen with her family. Now, Carolyn has a place to gather with loved ones and to enjoy cooking and entertaining with neighbors and friends.
