Fixer Upper: A Modern Cabin in the Country for Jimmy Don & Son

Chip and Joanna take on a country-home renovation for their friend and colleague, Jimmy Don Holmes, the metalwork artist whose work has played a part in a number of Fixer Upper renovations. The Crawford, Texas cabin is to be future home to Jimmy Don's son Jake.

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January 23, 2018

By: David L. Haynes

Show: Fixer Upper

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Photo By: Jennifer Boomer/Verbatim Photo A

A Cabin Upgrade, Fixer Upper Style

Long-time fans of Fixer Upper will no-doubt be recognize the name of Jimmy Don Holmes — Joanna's friend and frequent collaborator and a talented metal artist who has appeared in a number of past episodes. In this project Chip and Joanna help Jimmy Don with a full remodel of a small cabin on his property in Crawford, TX. The transformed cabin will be home for Jimmy Don's 21-year-old son, Jake.

Before

The barn-like building sat empty on Jimmy Don's property for years. Built in the '80s, the cabin was a mere 750 square feet, with one bedroom and one bath. In its quiet country location, it came with amazing views and, with the right Fixer Upper touches, might just become an ideal spot for a young bachelor who loves the outdoor life. Jimmy Don was eager to modify the structure, getting rid of the dilapidated wooden deck and changing the pitch of the gambrel style roof.

After

The roofline is completely transformed, adopting a 'saltbox' style profile that's actually common to New England farmhouses. The structure gets new siding as well as French doors in raw wood finish, new windows, flagstone walkway and a newly planted oak tree — from the ranch of former president and first lady, George and Laura Bush.

Meet the Homeowners

Jake Holmes (left) and Jimmy Don (right) pose for a picture with Chip and Joanna at the newly renovated cabin.

Before

The downstairs was a single room that served as both kitchen and living space. Joanna and Chip envisioned reworking the obtrusive staircase with a more open design and radically transforming the downstairs.

After

A wood-burning stove is added in the foyer, with wood-look porcelain tiles on the floor and continuing up the wall behind the stove. Elsewhere, shiplap paneling painted gray is used throughout the remodeled spaces. A custom welded wood rack is mounted adjacent to the wood stove.

Living Room, After

Floor-to-ceiling picture windows take full advantage of the views outside the cabin. "I think with such a tiny space, this is so dramatic," said Joanna. "It's gonna bring in a lot of natural light, so it's gonna really make it feel twice as big."

Living Room, After

The old staircase is replaced with a floating open design with custom welded support and handrails and heavy wood treads.

Living Room, Detail

Modern and natural elements are blended throughout the cabin's design and decor.

Kitchen, Before

Joanna's recommendations for the kitchen: "I would do all new lower cabinets, maybe with a blend of wood and metal, take out all the upper cabinets and add windows along this back wall so you can really take advantage of that view."

Kitchen, After

The remodeled kitchen gets gray shiplap walls, new stainless appliances and all new cabinets with metal facings fabricated by Jimmy Don. The face plates are secured to the with glue for a seamless look. "They're the perfect blend of modern and rustic," said Joanna "which is exactly the style that Jake was wanting in this house."

Kitchen, After

Other highlights in the kitchen include this small serving bar, open shelving and a custom vent hood.

Kitchen, Detail

The small sized appliances selected for the miniscule kitchen are actually designed for use in RVs.

Kitchen, Detail

Back Porch, After

The back patio, just off the kitchen, features a grill area, outdoor serving bar and pass-through with hinged windows.

Upstairs, Before

The upstairs was a fairly sizable space, suitable for a bedroom.

Upstairs, After

The new roofline gave the upstairs vaulted ceilings, made room for huge windows and created a far more open feel.

Upstairs, After

The pony wall at the top of the stairs was removed and replaced with an open metal railing and integrated custom headboard.

Bedroom, Detail

The upstairs was reconfigured to create both the new loft bedroom and a laundry room and walk-in closet concealed behind a sliding barn door.

Behind the Scenes, The Reveal

The Reveal

A metal roof, distinctive profile and spare, low-maintenance landscaping combine give the cabin a bold and contemporary look.

The Reveal

Wood siding painted in dark gray is offset by natural wood doors and window trim. A flagstone patio and fire pit make for an ideal spot for gathering with friends to enjoy the outdoors.

The Reveal

The back porch with serving bar offers an additional space for entertaining.

The Reveal

Chip and Joanna prepare to give Jake and Jimmy Don their first look at the cabin interior.

Just One of the Neighbors

Joanna and the girls meet former First Lady Laura Bush when they pay a visit to the Bush's tree farm to select an oak tree for the Holmes cabin. Jimmy Don had previously done some metal work for the Bush family who also make Crawford, Texas their home.

Finis

If you enjoyed this Fixer Upper renovation, you might also like this one: "The Colossal Crawford Reno".

And keep checking back here for more new galleries, video and show updates.

Fixer Upper

Fixer Upper: A Modern Cabin in the Country for Jimmy Don & Son

Related To:

Shop This Look

A Cabin Upgrade, Fixer Upper Style

Before

After

Meet the Homeowners

Before

After

Living Room, After

Living Room, After

Living Room, Detail

Kitchen, Before

Kitchen, After

Kitchen, After

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen, Detail

Back Porch, After

Upstairs, Before

Upstairs, After

Upstairs, After

Bedroom, Detail

Bedroom, Detail

Bedroom, Detail

Bedroom, Detail

Bedroom, Detail

Bedroom, Detail

Behind the Scenes, The Reveal

The Reveal

The Reveal

The Reveal

The Reveal

The Reveal

The Reveal

Just One of the Neighbors

Finis

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