Fixer Upper: Cottage Charmer With a Fun, Eclectic Vibe
Chip and Joanna Gaines help a single foster-mom — and first-time homebuyer — update a quaint 1940 cottage, giving it a fresh and exuberant look that reflects the homeowner's personal style.
By:
David L. Haynes
Cottage Enhancement
This home transformation, seen here after the renovation was complete, was an easy fit for both the homeowner and Chip and Joanna. As soon as she laid eyes on it, homebuyer Kaley Eggers knew this was the perfect place for her and her new son.
Playful, Bright and Open
The kitchen was already fairly large, but Chip and Joanna expanded it further, reworking the layout and opening it onto the living and dining area.
Fun With Colors and Textures
Joanna wanted the home to reflect the client's fun style and eclectic sensibility so, for the main living and dining areas, she opted for a vibrant green wall paint and a mix of modern and retro accents.
Sunroom with Purpose
The sunroom just off the kitchen is brightly lit and colorfully decorated, making for a creative space well suited to both play and study.
Tranquility Base
For the new master suite, Joanna's original idea was to carry through with the bright green paint used in the front rooms, but she ultimately went with a soft gray for a more tranquil feel.
Meet the Homeowner
Kaley Eggers (far left) is a single foster-mom in the process of adopting a son. She's wanting to make her first home purchase and create a special place to start a family. She enlists the help of her twin sister Lauren, as well as Chiip and Jo, to help her find the perfect place to start building memories. She wants a home with personality and charm, at least three bedrooms and a nice backyard. Her budget, including renovatins, is $170,000.
BEFORE
Joanna felt that the exterior of this home – dubbed by Chip the "Baby Blue Cottage" – already possessed some real charm, it just needed some updating and freshening up.
AFTER
The exterior gets dressed up with a darker color with contrasting trim, new dormers, a custom wood door, paver walkway and new landscaping.
Living Room, BEFORE
Just inside the front entrance is a sizable space that serves as both living room and dining room. The wood floors were a plus, as well as the fireplace situated directly across from the front entrance. Joanna wanted to make the fireplace even more of a visual focal point.
Living Room, AFTER
Black and white tile surround and a mantel custom created using architectural trim make it the room's statement piece.
Living Room, BEFORE
The water stains visible above the front door indicated a possible roof leak and would require removal of some of the drywall to inspect the extent of damage – something that would ultimately lead to a pleasant surprise.
Living Room, AFTER
Removal of the drywall ceiling would reveal original shiplap that was in remarkably good condition. The textured wood ceiling makes for a nice visual balance with the hardwood floors.
Living Room, AFTER
Two matching chandelier light fixtures help delineate and balance the two sections of the front room – the living room seen here and the dining room on the opposite end.
Living Room, Detail
Living Room, Detail
Living Room, Detail
Living Room, Detail
Living Room, Detail
Living Room, Detail
Dining Room, AFTER
Living and Dining Room, BEFORE
Living and Dining Room, AFTER
Living and Dining Room, BEFORE
Living and Dining Room, AFTER
Dining Room, AFTER
Kitchen, BEFORE
The existing kitchen was fairly large, but Joanna recommended a dramatic update to open it up further and change the configuration, including reworking the cabinet layout, removing the popcorn ceiling and installing new appliances.
Kitchen, AFTER
Some highlights in the renovated kitchen include modern cabinets in a light natural wood finish, new island, twin pendants with mint green shades, open shelving and black tile backsplash.
Kitchen, BEFORE
Kitchen, AFTER
Two newly added windows on the kitchen's back wall look out onto the adjacent sunroom and allow more natural light into the space.
Kitchen, AFTER
Kitchen, Detail
Kitchen, AFTER
Kitchen, Detail
Kitchen, Detail
Kitchen, Detail
Sunroom, BEFORE
Sunroom, AFTER
The sunroom has been completely transformed and features custom flooring design, new light fixtures and two wall-mounted work desks custom created by furniture craftsman Clint Harp.
Sunroom, AFTER
Sunroom, Detail
Sunroom, Detail
Sunroom, Detail
Sunroom, Detail
The custom desks feature legs and drawer pulls that were hand-turned by Clint Harp.
Sunroom, Detail
Sunroom, Detail
Sunroom, AFTER
Master Bedroom, BEFORE
Master Bedroom, AFTER
The new master suite features rustic wood beams to accentuate the vaulted ceiling.
Master Bedroom, BEFORE
Master Bedroom, AFTER
The home's layout was modified to create a hallway that gives more natural access to the master bedroom.
Master Bedroom, Detail
An antique bread rack serves as a decorateive accent on the wall facing the bed.
Master Bedroom, Detail
Master Bedroom, Detail
Master Bedroom, Detail
Master Bedroom, Detail
AFTER
AFTER
A custom wood door gives added character to the home's front entrance and a metal awning makes for a distinctive design element.
The Reveal
Kaley Eggers, and sister Lauren, see the newly renovated kitchen for the first time.
Finis
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