Fixer Upper: A Rock Star Renovation — Literally
Chip and Joanna help punk rocker Mike Herrera — bassist and front man for the Washington-based indie band MxPx — and his wife Holli, pick out a family-friendly home in Waco then transform it with a stylish update that includes a home studio.
By:
David L. Haynes
Show:
Fixer Upper
Related To:
Waco Calling
Joanna, and most especially Chip, were thrilled to take on a project for Mike Herrera and his wife Holli who were moving from Washington State to Waco. Mike is in the west-coast punk band MxPx, indie rockers who have gained critical notoriety and mentions alongside the likes of Green Day and The Ramones. "Mike is a rock star," said Chip, "I cannot wait to meet this guy." As an added bonus, meeting a bona fide punk rocker gave Chip an excuse to break out his temporary tattoos.
Before
The Americano, as Chip dubbed it for its proudly displayed flags, was a little scruffy and rough around the edges, but generally in good shape and located in a quaint, historic part of Waco. It appealed immediately to Mike and Holli who were looking for an older home with charm and room for their two kids. The house was built in 1910 and came with three bedrooms, two baths and a spacious front porch. Though the house was listed at $125,000, Chip was able to negotiate a price of $110,000, leaving a renovation budget of around $190,000.
After
Exterior enhancements included charcoal gray exterior paint, white trim, a walkway and skirt of antique brick, freshened up porch railing and columns, fresh landscaping and a new yellow door.
Living Room, Before
The spacious living room appeared to be in good shape with hardwood floors, high ceilings and period baseboards and molding. Demo and removal of drywall, however, would reveal termite damage and problems with poorly constructed support, creating added challenges to the renovation early on.
Living Room, After
The hardwood floors are refinished and the drywall replaced with shiplap paneling throughout.
Living Room, Detail
Living Room, Detail
The shiplap in the living room is comprised of lumber salvaged from wall demolition throughout the house. Demo of old walls provided enough material to create long runs of the rustic wood paneling.
Living Room, Detail
Living Room, Before
Living Room, After
Modern styled furnishings and a statement chandelier help define the living room. A newly enlarged cased opening with sidelights provides easier access and an open sight line to the dining room and kitchen.
Living Room, Detail
Vintage film cannisters in a decorative tray are among the decorative accessories Joanna used in the living room.
Living Room, After
New built-in shelves form an impressive library wall that, along with the restored fireplace, becomes a visual focal point in the living room.
Living Room, After
A flat-screen TV is concealed unobtrusively behind the mirrored panels above the mantel.
Living Room, Detail
The vintage wood mantel was originally located in the adjacent room had been a bedroom. The wood was carefully restored, highlighting the natural grain, and the fireplace relocated to the living room.
Dining Room, Before
Dining Room, After
The wall dividing the dining room from the kitchen was removed, making for a more open and family-friendly floor plan.
Dining Room, Before
Dining Room, After
The drywall ceiling was removed, revealing the original wood underneath, which Joanna left in a natural finish. Lighting was updated with recessed lights and a black metal chandelier matching the one in the living room.
Dining Room, Before
Dining Room, After
The combined seating at the dining room table and newly installed kitchen island will help accommodate entertaining and large family gatherings.
Dining Room, Detail
Joanna commissioned this original metalwork wall hanging from Jimmy Don Holmes of JDH Designs. "Don't Walk Away" is one of Mike Herrera's original compositions and holds special meaning for Mike and Holli. Mike called it "the cornerstone love song for our life."
Kitchen, Before
Prior to the renovation the kitchen was dated in appearance and tiny to the point of being barely functional.
Kitchen, After
The space is thoroughly transformed by opening it up to the dining room and reconfiguring the layout of cabinetry and appliances.
Kitchen, Before
Kitchen, After
Dark cabinetry in a "dusty black" shade is offset by white tile backsplash and an expansive island with white stone top. Those elements, along with the natural wood ceiling, combine to create a dramatic high-contrast kitchen with industrial style influences.
Kitchen, Before
Kitchen, After
The renovations in the kitchen were completed while strategically working around an original built-in wood hutch, which Joanna fully restored.
Kitchen, Detail
Joanna installed a black-and-white patterned tiled backing in the wood hutch for a distinctive and unexpected touch.
Kitchen, Detail
The accent wall with subway tile backsplash adds dimension and visual interest. The section of the backsplash directly behind the range features a herringbone pattern, contrasting with the standard vertical placement of the adjacent tiles.
Kitchen, Detail
Mudroom, After
Just off the kitchen is a utility and mudroom with added storage and a black and white tile floor that echoes the pattern Joanna used for the hutch.
Girl's Bedroom, Before
Girl's Bedroom, After
This bedroom, with its soft textures and feminine accents, is for Mike and Holli's daughter, Sailor.
Girl's Bedroom, Detail
Sailor loves bright colors, so for her bedroom Joanna included a pink ombre wall and lots of colorful accents.
Girl's Bedroom, Detail
Girl's Bedroom, Detail
Master Suite, Before
Master Suite, After
An oddly configured and broken-up space at the rear of the house was reconfigured to create a roomy master suite that feels tranquil and secluded.
Master Suite, After
A color palette of grays, black and white is softened by the use of a colorful but subdued area rug with burgundy, green and navy.
Master Suite, Detail
Before
Master Bath, After
The new master bath features a large walk-in shower with glass enclosure and white tile surround, a gray tile floor and twin vanity with stained concrete countertops.
Master Bath, Detail
Master Bath, Detail
Before
This detached garage gets converted to create a private and dedicated home studio.
After
The new home studio offers an ideal and isolated spot for Mike to compose, rehearse and record.
Before
Home Studio, After
The spacious new studio features exposed beams, modern styled furnishings, plenty of room to set up equipment, recessed lighting, concrete floors and an acoustic diffuser wall made from wood blocks.
Home Studio, Detail
Before
Home Studio, After
Two sets of French doors and large windows bring plenty of natural light into the studio space.
Home Studio, Detail
Home Studio, Detail
Home Studio, Detail
The wood blocks cut to varied depths create a mosaic-like surface that’s both functional as an acoustic diffuser and visually striking.
Home Studio, Detail
Behind the Scenes
Chip checks out the view through the viewfinder of one of the vintage cameras.
Behind the Scenes
Chip strikes a less-than-subtle pose to call attention to his skin illustrations — of the not-so-permanent variety.
Behind the Scenes
And Chip gets the opportunity to note the differences between his faux sleeve tatts and those of homeowner Mike Herrera. Mike's are of a somewhat more serious and permanent nature.
Behind the Scenes
Joanna does some of the final staging in the Herrera's living room.
After
The Herrera's newly updated house is inviting and comfortable, and makes for an ideal family home.
Audacious by Design
If you enjoyed this Fixer Upper project, we suspect you may also like: "A Craftsman Remodel for Coffeehouse Owners".
Finis
Check out Joanna and Chip's companion series, Fixer Upper: Behind the Design, airing on HGTV beginning April 2018.
