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Fixer Upper: A Very Special House in the Country

January 12, 2016

By: David Haynes

With the help of Chip and Joanna Gaines, a family undertakes a one-of-a-kind project in the rolling hills outside Waco, TX -- and simultaneously the term "barndominium" is added to our design lexicon. In this notably non-traditional Fixer Upper, a barn conversion turns a 1000-square-foot attic apartment -- along with horse stalls and hay storage -- into an amazing 2700-square-foot home with contemporary styling and a truly spectacular dining space.

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The exterior of the Meek home has been completely transformed with new windows, large sliding barn doors, light fixtures, and landscaping, as seen on Fixer Upper. (exterior)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Alternative Country

What was once a service building and working barn in the countryside near Waco has been transformed into this unique, spacious and stylized home – dubbed by Chip Gaines "The Barn-dominium."

Long Farm House Dining Table, Plant Centerpieces and Place Settings

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Grand Dining

The barn's center breezeway has been converted into this elongated dining space with a massive farm table that can accommodate up to 16 guests.

The dining room of the Meek home was designed to host people with it's 17 foot custom-made farm table and accented with custom wall art, as seen on Fixer Upper. (After #2)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Grand Dining

Mix-and-match wooden chairs, lantern lights and rustic country accents help provide the dining space a welcoming and casual vibe.

Kitchen with Island, Black and White Backsplash and Steel Appliances

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Carefully Blended Ingredients

The recipe for this visually balanced kitchen includes plenty of natural wood to help soften the bold visual impact of the black-and-white patterned tile and the contrasting cabinets and countertops.

Kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances and Kitchen Island

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Country + Modern

The kitchen, located on the second floor, effectively marries contemporary elements like stainless appliances and black metal railing with more rustic and utilitarian basics such as concrete countertops and a custom island in unpainted wood finish.

Kitchen and Dining Area with Chandelier

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Family Table

In addition to the grand dining hall downstairs, this second-floor dining area adjacent to the kitchen is ideal for casual dining and family meals.

Living Room with Ceiling Fan, Clock Wall Art and Seating Area

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Simple Open Design

Walls were removed on the second floor to create a mixed use space that incorporates kitchen, dining and living areas.

Stair Case and Small Office with Bookshelves

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Book Nook

A work desk and integrated bookshelves are tucked neatly under the newly reconfigured stairs.

Twin Side Bed with Orange Pillows, Floating Shelves and Side Table

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Kid Space

This downstairs boys' bedroom comes with a great view and some special kid features a la Joanna.

Hosts Chip and Joanna Gaines with homeowners Todd and Lexia Meek in their newly renovated dining room, as seen on Fixer Upper. (portrait)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Meet the Meeks

Hosts Chip and Joanna Gaines with homeowners Todd and Lexia Meek in their new dining room. The Meeks were looking for a place with character in a country setting with some acreage and ample space for a family of five. Their wish list included 4 bedrooms, a large kitchen and a space for entertaining. They were working with an all-in budget of $359,000 and were willing to consider something a little outside the mainstream.

The exterior of the Meek's house prior to any renovations, as seen on Fixer. Upper. (Before #1)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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BEFORE

"Outside the mainstream" is exactly what the Meeks got when they opted for this former horse-barn with concrete slab floors and absolutely no frills. It sits on a 16-acre tract, was built in 1980 and had been partially renovated to added a modest upstairs apartment. Prior to the renovation, the entrance was via outside stairs and this second story porch. List price for the land and barn was $180,000.

Barn Style Home with Sliding Barn Doors and Large Windows

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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AFTER

Large windows and traditional barn doors add a dramatic flourish to the new entrance for the beautifully remodeled ground floor. The outside stairs and upper porch were removed and an impressive set of doors added to replace the metal garage door that was there previously.

A custom LEGO board in the boy's room of the Meek home, as seen on Fixer Upper. (after)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Artist's Rendering

In the boys' bedroom, Joanna used LEGO blocks to fashion this replica of the Meeks' newly converted barn home.

The dining room of the Meek home before renovations, as seen on Fixer Upper. (Before #6)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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First Floor Dining Room, BEFORE

Joanna's recommendations for this first floor space included replacing the existing garage door with a new entry package, adding hardwood floors, new walls and French doors leading into an informal den.

Long Dining Table with Place Settings and Contemporary Light Fixtures

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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First Floor Dining Room, AFTER

The statement piece in the dining room is the 17-foot farm table custom designed and built by furniture artisan Clint Harp.

The dining room of the Meek home before renovations, as seen on Fixer Upper. (Before #2)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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First Floor Dining Room, BEFORE

The first-floor design plan also called for two bedrooms and additional bath.

The dining room of the Meek home was designed to host people with it's 17 foot custom-made farm table and accented with custom wall art, as seen on Fixer Upper. (After #4)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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First Floor Dining Room, AFTER

Other key elements in the dining space include new French doors, lantern style pendant lights, a custom designed wall feature and rustic coat rack.

Dining Table with Potted Plants and Writing on Wall

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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First Floor Dining Room, Detail

A place setting on the dining room table in the newly renovated Meek home, as seen on Fixer Upper. (after)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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First Floor Dining Room, Detail

The entryway of the Meek home was transformed into an open and inviting space with the addition of large windows, shiplap walls and a new front door, as seen on Fixer Upper. (after)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Entryway, AFTER

Dark hardwood floors in the downstairs dining room and entryway help give the space a classic look and and provide a warm balance with the white shiplap walls.

The hutch and decor in the entryway of the newly renovated Meek home, as seen on Fixer Upper. (after)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Entryway, Detail

The kitchen in the second story of the Meek home before renovations, as seen on Fixer Upper. (Before #7)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Kitchen, BEFORE

Kitchen with Island, Stainless Steel Appliances and Light Fixtures

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Kitchen, AFTER

The second story kitchen of the Meek home before renovations, as seen on Fixer Upper. (Before #10)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Kitchen, BEFORE

The second story dining area of the Meek home before renovations, as seen on Fixer Upper. (Before #12)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Kitchen and Upstairs Dining Space, BEFORE

Kitchen with Island, Vent Hood and Black and White Backsplash

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Kitchen and Upstairs Dining Space, AFTER

The island and light fixture in the second story kitchen of the Meek home, as seen on Fixer Upper. (after)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Kitchen, Detail

The centerpiece on the island in the second story kitchen of the Meek home, as seen on Fixer Upper. (after)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Kitchen, Detail

A cutting board by the farm sink in the second story kitchen of the Meek home, as seen on Fixer Upper. (after)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Kitchen, Detail

The second story kitchen and dining area of the Meek home before renovations, as seen on Fixer Upper. (Before #11)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Upstairs Dining Space, BEFORE

The plan for the upstairs apartment included removal of some existing walls to create a large living area and adding large windows on the front side of the barn.

Dining Table and Chairs with Chandelier and Rustic Wall Decor

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Upstairs Dining Space, AFTER

The old popcorn ceiling was removed and shiplap walls, baseboards and molding added as well as new recessed lighting and chandelier.

The second story kitchen and dining area of the Meek home before renovations, as seen on Fixer Upper. (Before #8)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Dining Space and Kitchen, BEFORE

The renovation budget for the barn conversion was $180,000. A large portion of that went to infrastructure and utility upgrades such as adding HVAC and upgrading plumbing and electrical for the downstairs portion of the structure. The estimate for the upstairs kitchen upgrade was $30,000.

Kitchen and Dining Space, Floral Centerpiece and Chandelier over table

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Dining Space and Kitchen, AFTER

Metal Chandelier Above Dining Table with Floral Centerpiece

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Upstairs Dining Space, Detail

The place setting on the table in the second story dining room of the Meek home, as seen on Fixer Upper. (after)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Upstairs Dining Space, Detail

The second story of the Meek home has been completely transformed. Walls were removed to open the space and a new kitchen and dining room were added to allow for more hosting, as seen on Fixer Upper. (After #8)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Dining Space and Kitchen, AFTER

Den Space with Metal and Leather Chairs and Stairs

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Downstairs Den, AFTER

This informal den, adjacent to the main dining room on the main floor, blends modern styled chairs and sofa with traditional elements like classic styled ceiling fans and dark hardwoods.

Living Room with Leather Seating, French Doors and Custom Wall Art

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Downstairs Den, AFTER

Living Room Seating Area with French Doors

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Downstairs Den, AFTER

The potted plants and coffee table in the living room of the Meek home, as seen on Fixer Upper. (after)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Downstairs Den, Detail

The office space in the Meek home sits behind a custom staircase and features a custom-made desk, wall art and bookshelf, as seen on Fixer Upper. (After #13)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Downstairs Den and Office Space, AFTER

The newly configured stairs wrap around to create a handy work space.

Office Area with Desk and Bookshelves

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Office Space, AFTER

The office nook includes a custom-made floating desk and built-in bookshelves.

Seating Area with Rustic Wall Art and Sofa

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Upstairs Living Room, AFTER

Contemporary and rustic elements are once again integrated to create a relaxed and comfortable setting in the upstairs living space.

Living Room with Flat Screen TV, Ladder and Coffee and Console Table

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Upstairs Living Room, AFTER

The coffee table and wooden trays in the second story living room of the Meek home, as seen on Fixer Upper. (after)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Upstairs Living Room, Detail

The boys bedroom in the Meek's house before renovations, as seen on Fixer Upper. (Before #3)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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BEFORE

This space on the first floor would be converted into a boys' bedroom.

Lego Wall with Metal Bins and Ladder

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Boys' Bedroom, AFTER

The boys' bedroom features a LEGO wall complete with metal baskets and a library ladder on rollers for those hard-to-reach spots.

Lego Walls with Rolling Ladder and Storage Baskets and Stools

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Boys' Bedroom, AFTER

The bed in the boy's bedroom of the Meek home features a custom headboard, bench, and side table, as seen on Fixer Upper. (After #3)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Boys' Bedroom, AFTER

The custom wood shelf and a LEGO display in the boy's bedroom of the Meek home, as seen on Fixer Upper. (after)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Boys' Bedroom, Detail

A custom LEGO board over the desk in the boy's bedroom of the Meek home, as seen on Fixer Upper. (after)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Boys' Bedroom, Detail

Metal storage baskets for LEGO's in the boy's bedroom of the Meek home, as seen on Fixer Upper. (after)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Boys' Bedroom, Detail

The exterior of the Meek home has been completely transformed with new windows, large sliding barn doors, light fixtures, and landscaping, as seen on Fixer Upper. (After #1)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Modern Country Living

The barn conversion is one of the more distinctive and unusual Fixer Uppers that Chip and Joanna have undertaken, and it offers a taste of the types of elements that might be incorporated into their new headquarters at Magnolia Silos. Distinguishing exterior features seen here include a classic metal roof, extra large windows, sliding barn doors and exterior gooseneck lamps.

Hosts Chip and Joanna Gaines with homeowners Todd and Lexia Meek in their newly renovated dining room, as seen on Fixer Upper. (portrait)

Photo: Rachel Whyte. From: Fixer Upper

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Finis

If you enjoyed this particularly imaginative Fixer Upper project, you might also enjoy this ambitious makeover from Season One: Country Farmhouse Goes from Scary to Sensational.

Or head over to the Fixer Upper main page for lots more projects, galleries, videos and behind-the-scenes features.