Fixer Upper: Brick Cottage for Baylor Grads

Chip and Joanna Gaines restore the classic charm of a 1927 Waco home for returning Baylor alums. The renovation adds craftsman accents and custom updates while retaining some of the home's keynote original features.

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December 08, 2015

By: David L. Haynes

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Photo By: Jennifer Boomer/Getty Images

Simple Charm

Joanna was inspired by the arched door on this small, 1927 brick home. Restoring that single original feature – which had been concealed by an add-on porch – helped inform her design plan for the entire home.

Clean and Classic

The key to the remodel, according to Joanna, was in staying true to the home's 1920s roots and not making it simply look like new construction.

Character Added

Arched inserts were added to built-in cabinets using a design that mimics that of the new ironwork on the renovated front porch. Arches became a defining theme, as seen here in the dining room. The motif was repeated elsewhere in new custom features.

Statement Piece

A framed rendering of the design plan is featured above the fireplace in the newly remodeled living room.

Design Strategy

Joanna discusses design options with homeowners Lori and Baron Craft at the new studio space at The Magnolia Silos, still under construction.

BEFORE

When Lori Craft first saw the home's exterior, her first impression was that it appeared as if a back porch had been grafted onto the front of the house.

AFTER

Joanna's recommendation was to remove the covered porch and create a new facade that highlights the original door and front windows.

Front Foyer, AFTER

An antique bench is a focal point in the home's entryway.

Front Foyer, Detail

Living Room, BEFORE

The living room was plain and ordinary but had some promising features like stamped pattern ceiling tiles and hardwood floors that were in good condition.

Living Room, AFTER

The living room renovation included sanding and re-staining the floors in a darker shade and a complete reworking of the bookshelves on either side of the fireplace to add character. Other enhancements include shiplap paneling, fresh paint and a rustic chandelier.

Living Room, BEFORE

Living Room, AFTER

The wall dividing the living and dining rooms is opened up with a wide archway for a more open feel. The distinctive patterned ceiling tiles were retained but new recessed lighting and fixtures were added.

Living Room, Detail

The brick fireplace, wood mantel and shiplap are painted in bright white which offers a striking balance with the dark stained floors and blue-gray walls.

Living Room, Detail

Living Room and Dining Room, BEFORE

Living Room and Dining Room, AFTER

The transformation of the dining room is considerable – with dramatic improvements to the built-in cabinets, new window treatments and an impressive chandelier. Decorative iron sconces with pillar candles accentuate the newly enlarged archway.

Dining Room, AFTER

Dining Room, Detail

A portion of the wall between the dining room and kitchen was removed making room for this breakfast nook and bar-top with stools for additional seating.

Kitchen and Dining Room, AFTER

There is now a direct line of sight extending from the kitchen, through the dining and living room, and to the front door.

Kitchen, AFTER

An original brick pillar, which was previously concealed behind wallboard, is now exposed, adding visual interest and texture to the kitchen space.

Kitchen, BEFORE

Prior to the renovation, the kitchen was tight and dated, with plain oak cabinets, old appliances and worn wallpaper.

Kitchen, AFTER

The renovated kitchen is barely recognizable as the same space. The more open floor plan is brightened further with a white and gray palette, stainless appliances, new tile backsplash and floating shelves.

Kitchen, Detail

Black cabinet hardware makes for a striking contrast with the new white cabinetry.

Kitchen, Detail

A new faucet is added, but in a retro look in keeping with the period of the home's construction.

Master Bedroom, AFTER

The large master bedroom feels even bigger with its brighter palette and abundance of natural light. Joanna's design plan for this room called for removing old ceiling tiles, refinishing and re-staining the pine wood floors and adding more storage and new light fixtures.

Master Bedroom, AFTER

The statement piece in the bedroom is the custom headboard with arched design, echoing the new archways incorporated into the home's layout. The headboard was desinged by Joanna and fashioned by carpenter and furniture artisan Clint Harp. The shiplap on the ceiling and walls is original to the house and was exposed when old drywall was removed.

Master Bedroom, Detail

Team Spirit

Like Chip and Joanna, homeowners Lori and Baron Craft are Baylor University alumni. They're home is in Houston, but they were eager to get back to Waco to be close to their alma mater, and they hope that their 12-year-old son may one day continue the Baylor legacy. Their newly renovated fixer-upper helps foster those opportunities.

Vintage Revival

The Crafts' home now has much of its original charm restored. It's also enhanced with updated landscaping, attractive new porch railing and a more suitable treatment of the distinctive arched door – a feature that served as a touchstone for the home's revitalization.

Fixer Upper

Fixer Upper: Brick Cottage for Baylor Grads

Shop This Look

Simple Charm

Clean and Classic

Character Added

Statement Piece

Design Strategy

BEFORE

AFTER

Front Foyer, AFTER

Front Foyer, Detail

Front Foyer, Detail

Living Room, BEFORE

Living Room, AFTER

Living Room, BEFORE

Living Room, AFTER

Living Room, Detail

Living Room, Detail

Living Room, Detail

Living Room, Detail

Living Room, Detail

Living Room, Detail

Living Room, Detail

Living Room, Detail

Living Room, Detail

Living Room and Dining Room, BEFORE

Living Room and Dining Room, AFTER

Dining Room, AFTER

Dining Room, Detail

Dining Room, Detail

Dining Room, Detail

Dining Room, Detail

Kitchen and Dining Room, AFTER

Kitchen, AFTER

Kitchen, BEFORE

Kitchen, AFTER

Kitchen, AFTER

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen, Detail

Master Bedroom, AFTER

Master Bedroom, AFTER

Master Bedroom, Detail

Master Bedroom, Detail

Master Bedroom, Detail

Master Bedroom, Detail

Master Bedroom, Detail

Team Spirit

Vintage Revival

Finish

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