Fixer Upper: A Big Fix for a House in the Woods

Chip and Joanna Gaines move walls, reconfigure rooms and relocate one very large fireplace -- all to help give a pure '70s home a sleek and updated look that suits its beautiful setting.

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December 15, 2015

By: David L. Haynes

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Photo By: Rachel Whyte

Kitchen Overhaul

In order to upgrade a dated kitchen and create this sleek and open space, a large interior fireplace had to be dismantled and relocated. Prior to the renovation, a large brick hearth and chimney had separated the kitchen from the living room.

Redefined Spaces

The new fireplace is repositioned on an exterior wall, allowing it to serve both the living room and a unique dining area on the other side. Hardwood flooring and recessed lighting throughout help give the newly remodeled living room a warm and inviting vibe.

New Master

A large bedroom was also reconfigured, turning what had been an adjacent sitting area into an impressive new master bath, and creating this fresh and streamlined bedroom.

Spa-Worthy

The former sitting room was transformed into this lavish bath featuring a custom tiled archway highlighting the pedestal tub.

Almost Alfresco Dining

The formal dining area is now located in this open space which had previously been a sun porch adjacent to the living room.

The House in the Woods

The 4000-square-foot home, located in the quiet community of McGregor, Texas, sits on a large lot with a beautiful canopy of live oaks and other trees. To be exact, there are 47 mature trees on the property.

Meet the Homeowners

Jamie and Kyle Ferguson have two young kids and were searching for a home in the Woodway and McGregor areas just outside Waco. Their new-home wish list included four bedrooms, an open kitchen, and a big yard with lots of trees. The house they chose (once it got the Fixer Upper treatment) fulfilled every one of those wishes.

Living Room

Joanna's design plan for the living room included replacing the stair railing and adding new wood flooring.

Living Room

Other enhancements include new crown molding, baseboards, a pass-through fireplace and a showpiece chandelier.

Living Room, Detail

The Music Room and Home Office

One of Kyle's wishes was a home office that also served as a music room to acommodate a piano and other musical instruments.

The Music Room and Home Office

Joanna freshened up the room's appearance with new wood flooring, fresh paint, a patterned area rug and new light fixtures.

The Music Room and Home Office

The Music Room, Detail

Joanna comissioned graphic designer Clayton Thompson to create some framed art that would be in keeping with the room's musical theme. These framed prints feature vintage musical-instrument patent diagrams and sheet music transferred onto canvas.

The Music Room, Detail

Formal Dining Area

The home's formal dining area is in this breezeway setting, formerly a sun porch, with skylight ceiling and a wraparound view of the spacious backyard.

Formal Dining Area, Detail

The new pass-through fireplace provides warmth and charm to both the dining area and living room.

Formal Dining Area

Kitchen

Highlights in the renovated kitchen include a new island, a pair of industrial style pendant lights and built-in cabinets with custom doors.

Kitchen

The old kitchen was completely gutted before being outfitted with new flooring, countertops, appliances, backsplash and a custom vent hood.

Kitchen

The redesign offers generous amounts of prep space, storage and barstool seating at the island.

Kitchen

Kitchen, Detail

Casual Dining

Just off the kitchen is this breakfast nook in a bay window setting with a country table and built-in bench seating.

Breakfast Nook, Detail

Master Bedroom

Rich toned hardwood floors, a plush area rug and plain linen window treatments help warm up and soften the bedroom space.

Master Bedroom

A highlight in the new master bedroom is the custom accent wall painted in a tranquil blue-gray.

Master Bedroom, Detail

The new master bathroom features this spectacular tub in an arched setting with tiled ceiling and recessed lighting. The arched shape of the space is echoed by the framing of the new window

Master Bath, Detail

Another highlight in the new master bath is this double vanity built into an antique dresser. The dresser was one of Joanna's vintage finds at the Roun Top Antiques Fair and has been finished off with a custom marble top.

Master Bath, Detail

The gorgeous gray tile in this bathroom space lends itself to the modern design of the room, keeping it looking clean and light. The recessed lighting in the shower highlights the space and helps to make it warm and inviting.

Master Bath, Detail

One of two inset storage alcoves at either end of the pedestal tub

Home Exterior, AFTER

The home's exterior didn't require major structural changes, but the brick got a good cleaning, and the front entry was freshened up with a new door, columns, porch railing and shutters.

Southern Hospitality and Sweet Tea

The statement piece on the home's front exterior is a matching pair of oversized porch swings custom built by furniture craftsman Clint Harp. Joanna asked Clint to build the swings so that they blend visually with the new porch railing and trim.

Hosts and Homeowners

Chip and Joanna pose for a group shot with homeowners Jamie and Kyle Ferguson in the newly renovated kitchen.

Fixer Upper

Fixer Upper: A Big Fix for a House in the Woods

Shop This Look

Kitchen Overhaul

Redefined Spaces

New Master

Spa-Worthy

Almost Alfresco Dining

The House in the Woods

Meet the Homeowners

Living Room

Living Room

Living Room, Detail

Living Room, Detail

Living Room, Detail

Living Room, Detail

The Music Room and Home Office

The Music Room and Home Office

The Music Room and Home Office

The Music Room, Detail

The Music Room, Detail

Formal Dining Area

Formal Dining Area, Detail

Formal Dining Area, Detail

Formal Dining Area, Detail

Formal Dining Area

Kitchen

Kitchen

Kitchen

Kitchen

Kitchen

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen, Detail

Casual Dining

Breakfast Nook, Detail

Breakfast Nook, Detail

Master Bedroom

Master Bedroom

Master Bedroom, Detail

Master Bedroom, Detail

Master Bedroom, Detail

Master Bath, Detail

Master Bath, Detail

Master Bath, Detail

Master Bath, Detail

Master Bath, Detail

Master Bath, Detail

Home Exterior, AFTER

Southern Hospitality and Sweet Tea

Hosts and Homeowners

Finis

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