Fixer Upper: Midcentury "Asian Ranch" Goes French Country

Chip and Joanna help a young couple turn a spacious but dated '60s ranch house into an open and inviting home with fresh elegance and a touch of the romantic.

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April 24, 2015

By: David L. Haynes

Related To:

Shop This Look

Rancho Deluxe

Chip and Joanna Gaines transformed an ordinary looking ranch house into this smartly updated home with Craftsman inspired exterior and a decidedly French country flavor inside.

Meet the Homeowners

Justin Reed is an attorney and Isabel is a mom and part-time real estate agent. The couple was in search of a home in Waco with at least four bedrooms, a large and open living space and plenty of room for their kids to play. Their budget was $450,000.

A Very Rough Diamond in the Rough

Chip and Joanna found a 4150-square-foot house built in 1963 with four bedrooms and 4.5 baths. The Reeds liked the location and home exterior immediately but were dubious when they saw the home's dated interior.

Living Space, BEFORE

Asking price for the house was $262,200 which left the Reeds with a generous renovation budget of around $190,000 -- more than enough to totally transform the home.

Living Space, BEFORE

The home's original layout included this formal front sitting area and adjoining dining room. Joanna's recommendations for this space included removal of the old carpet and addition new wood flooring along with recessed lighting and updated chandeliers.

Living Space, AFTER

By removing a wall and replacing it with a support header, Chip and Joanna were able to combine several spaces to create this open floorplan that integrates living and dining areas.

Living Space, AFTER

The new sitting room has an elegant feel with its birch hardwood floors, baby grand piano and a pair of upholstered wingback chairs.

Living Room, Detail

Joanna repainted the brick fireplace and added this wood mantel and rustic carved wall-hanging.

Living Room, Detail

From: Chip Gaines

Living Room, Detail

From: Chip Gaines

Living Room, Detail

From: Chip Gaines

Living Room, Detail

Foyer, Detail

Breakfast Nook, AFTER

A wall was removed to allow this bright and airy breakfast nook to open onto the main living space.

Breakfast Nook, Detail

This wooden chandelier, along with new floor-to-ceiling windows, bring plenty of light to the informal dining area.

Breakfast Nook, Detail

Dining Room, AFTER

The large farm-style table in the main dining room was custom created by Clint Harp of Harp Design Co.

Dining Room, Detail

A pair of matching chandeliers illuminates the new formal dining room.

Kitchen, BEFORE

Though dated, the kitchen was large and had plenty of potential. Joanna's recommendations: rip out the wall paper, brighten up the color palette and add a center island along with new cabinets, countertops, tile backsplash and updated appliances.

Kitchen, AFTER

The new kitchen is painted in white and soft gray, with custom cabinetry, twin chandeliers, white stone countertops, farmhouse sink, subway tile and and an antique wooden door that leads to a new butler's pantry.

Kitchen, AFTER

The kitchen upgrade was the most ambitious part of this renovation, with a cost estimate of $40,000 for that portion of the reno alone.

Kitchen, Detail

The Butler's Pantry, AFTER

Kitchen, Detail

The kitchen makeover included electrical and lighting updates, new stainless appliances, a gas range and custom vent hood.

Kitchen, Detail

Joanna kept the exposed brick in the kitchen intact but painted it in white with a light wash finish.

Master Bedroom, BEFORE

The master bedroom already had a fair amount of natural light, but Joanna suggested enlarging and repositioning the windows for better symmetry.

Master Bedroom, AFTER

A chandelier replaces a dated ceiling fan, and the new windows are dressed up with white linen window treatments.

Master Bedroom, AFTER

A large bed with upholstered headboard, dust ruffle, ornate side tables and chandelier with draped crystal all combine to give the master suite a feminine and romantic feel.

Master Bedroom, Detail

Joanna installed this antique door with sliding barn-door hardware for a distinctive accent for the master closet.

Master Bath, BEFORE

The old master bath was deemed the home's biggest offender in terms of design. It's long, narrow shape made it feel like a cramped hallway. Joanna recommended a complete gut of this space, giving it a whole new footprint.

Master Bath, AFTER

The new master bath adds a standup shower, pedestal tub, enclosed toilet room and an adjacent walk-in closet.

Master Bath, Detail

The bathroom remodel includes plenty of drawer space and attractive storage for linens.

Behind the Scenes, THE REVEAL

Justin and Isabel Reed get ready to get a first look at there newly remodeled home.

Behind the Scenes, THE REVEAL

Home Exterior, AFTER

By extending the front porch, reworking the facade and adding exposed wood accents, Chip and Joanna gave the exterior a completely updated look.

Home Exterior, AFTER

The large and established oak trees were one of the home's most appealing features and are nicely accentuated by the new landscaping.

Behind the Scenes, THE REVEAL

The crew films as Chip and Jo show off the new butler's pantry and Chip points to a pitcher of lemonade that seems to have appeared as if by magic.

Behind the Scenes, THE REVEAL

The crew films as Chip and Jo show off the new butler's pantry and Chip points to a pitcher of lemonade that seems to have appeared as if by magic.

Chip conducts a detailed inspection on the new dining room chandelier.

Behind the Scenes, THE REVEAL

Season Two of Fixer Upper draws to a close with yet another happy ending and satisfied clients. As seen later in the episode, Chip has a big surprise in store for Joanna. Further details to be revealed in Season Three.

Fixer Upper

Fixer Upper: Midcentury "Asian Ranch" Goes French Country

Related To:

Shop This Look

Rancho Deluxe

Meet the Homeowners

A Very Rough Diamond in the Rough

Living Space, BEFORE

Living Space, BEFORE

Living Space, AFTER

Living Space, 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

Foyer, Detail

Breakfast Nook, AFTER

Breakfast Nook, Detail

Breakfast Nook, Detail

Dining Room, AFTER

Dining Room, Detail

Kitchen, BEFORE

Kitchen, AFTER

Kitchen, AFTER

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen, Detail

The Butler's Pantry, AFTER

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen, Detail

Master Bedroom, BEFORE

Master Bedroom, AFTER

Master Bedroom, AFTER

Master Bedroom, Detail

Master Bath, BEFORE

Master Bath, AFTER

Master Bath, Detail

Master Bath, Detail

Master Bath, Detail

Master Bath, Detail

Master Bath, Detail

Behind the Scenes, THE REVEAL

Behind the Scenes, THE REVEAL

Home Exterior, AFTER

Home Exterior, AFTER

Behind the Scenes, THE REVEAL

Behind the Scenes, THE REVEAL

Behind the Scenes, THE REVEAL

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