Fixer Upper: Renovation and Holiday Decor at Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast
'Twas just before Christmas, and Joanna had a great idea: take a beautiful Victorian home that's more than a century old, restore it and turn it into a charming B&B -- Fixer Upper style. Now you can check out the complete makeover in these 77 photos featuring the befores, afters and Joanna's distinctive holiday decorations.
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December 18, 2015
By:
David L. Haynes
BEFORE: "The Wild West House"
It was Joanna's idea, but her enthusiasm was contagious. This stately (albeit neglected) Victorian in McGregor, Texas was one of the homes Chip and Joanna had shown to clients Jaime and Kyle Ferguson on a home tour. The Fergusons opted for a newer house on a wooded lot, but Joanna positively fell in love with this quaint and historic home built in 1880 – and with the idea of transforming it into a bed and breakfast. It wasn't long before Chip was on board with the project as well.
AFTER: Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast
During the home tour, Chip had dubbed this "The Wild West House" because it was built by a banker in in the late nineteenth century and sometimes served as a makeshift cash repository when money was being transferred via stagecoach. For the renovation, the home's exterior got a new brick skirt, fresh paint and a classic metal roof.
New Adventure
This sign welcomes guests at the newly renovated Magnolia House.
Home for the Holidays
As it turned out, Chip and Joanna would welcome the B&B's first guests – both sets of their parents – during the holiday season. The new front entrance is decorated for the occasion with evergreen garland and urns filled with pine cones, greenery and large red ornaments.
Meet the Homeowners
This time you may recognize them. Chip and Joanna Gaines prepare to take on yet another fixer upper – but this time its one of their own. The soon-to-be bed-and-breakfast is 2800 square feet, has four bedrooms, two baths and comes with a beautiful, private backyard with a gazebo.
Demo Day
Chip gets started with one of his favorite parts of any renovation: demolition day.
The Dining Room, BEFORE
The fabric wallpaper was peeling, the carpet was worn and the brass chandelier, though dated, was more "1980" than "1880."
The Dining Room, AFTER
The renovated dining room gets a restored fireplace, hardwood flooring, an industrial style chandelier and plenty of shiplap.
The Dining Room, BEFORE
The Dining Room, AFTER
Furnishings in the new dining room include an antique grandfather clock case and rustic table in distressed white. The original built-in cabinet was retained and is painted matte black for a nice contrast with the white walls.
Dining Room, Detail
Dining Room, Detail
Holiday Table Setting
Holiday Table Setting
The Living Room, BEFORE
The Living Room, AFTER
Walls were removed to open up the living room space and hardwood flooring installed throughout.
Finishing Touches
Joanna decides on placement for a framed print in the new living room.
Holiday Decorating
Holiday Decorating
Living Room, AFTER
New, larger windows were added in the living room to bring in more light, and the walls are lightened up with shiplap painted in white.
Living Room, AFTER
Living Room, Detail
Living Room, Detail
Oh, Christmas Tree
For the Christmas tree in the living room, Joanna opted for a monochromatic approach – with white and silver ornaments, simple white lights and a ribbon garland.
First Floor Hallway and Stair, BEFORE
Prior to the renovation the hallway had dated wallpaper and an obtrusive stairway enclosure.
Foyer and Stair, AFTER
One of Joanna's recommendations when she showed this house to prospective buyers was to open up the foyer and stair. The renovation included reconfiguring the entry, making room for a perfect reading nook with built-in bookshelves tucked beneath the stairs.
Foyer and Stair, AFTER
Foyer and Stair, AFTER
The foyer and hallway are lit with pendant lights fashioned in the style of antique streetlamps.
Stairwell, BEFORE
The stair leading to the second floor was claustrophobic, and the steps were covered in worn carpet.
Foyer and Stair, AFTER
The updated stairs are widened and have a sleek look with hardwood and a new iron railing.
Kitchen, BEFORE
The existing kitchen had outdated cabinets, flooring and wallpaper, but it was spacious and offered opportunity for plenty of natural light.
Kitchen, AFTER
The renovation includes custom concrete countertops, a farm sink and new stainless steel appliances.
Kitchen, BEFORE
Kitchen, AFTER
Joanna's simple and rustic style is in evidence in the kitchen with its clean lines, generous work surfaces and open shelving. The multilayered lighting scheme makes use of recessed fixtures, task and accent lighting above work areas and a distinctive chandelier.
Kitchen, AFTER
Kitchen, AFTER
Kitchen, Detail
Kitchen, Detail
Kitchen, Detail
Downstairs Bedroom, BEFORE
Downstairs Bedroom, AFTER
This renovated downstairs bedroom now features hardwood floors, cool gray wall paint and a restored fireplace.
Downstairs Bedroom, AFTER
A custom wood headboard and antique dresser pair nicely with the new wood flooring. A door in this bedroom offers access to a side porch.
Downstairs Bedroom, Detail
The mantel is accented for the holidays with a fresh evergreen wreath, and stockings are hung by the chimney with care.
Downstairs Bedroom, Detail
Downstairs Bedroom, Detail
Bathroom, BEFORE
Bathroom, AFTER
The renovated bathroom, done in uniform white, features a glass enclosed shower and antique style pedestal sink.
Bathroom, AFTER
Bathroom, AFTER
Other highlights in the renovated bath include a pedestal tub, white shiplap and Moroccan style floor tiles.
Downstairs Bedroom #2, AFTER
A second bedroom on the ground floor has two single beds and features enlarged windows, white sheer window treatments and suspended bedside tables.
Downstairs Bedroom #2, AFTER
Downstairs Bedroom #2, AFTER
Wall decor includes a mirror in an ornate frame and a framed print with some words to live by.
Downstairs Bedroom #2, AFTER
Upstairs Landing, BEFORE
At the top of the stairs is a spacious landing with lots of light but worn carpeting and dated railing and wallpaper.
Upstairs Landing, AFTER
New wood flooring, white shiplap a simple bench seat and more modern styled railing make for a dramatic transformation in this space.
Upstairs Landing, BEFORE
Upstairs Landing, BEFORE
Upstairs Landing, BEFORE
The ample space on the upper landing offers room for an additional seating area.
Upstairs Landing, Detail
Upstairs Landing, Detail
Upstairs Landing, Detail
Upstairs Bedroom, BEFORE
This upstairs room was being used as a closet but, for that purpose, the space was awkward and inefficient.
Upstairs Bedroom, AFTER
With just a single bed and spare furnishings, the room converts nicely into a cozy hideaway bedroom.
Upstairs Bedroom, AFTER
A rainy afternoon and the sound of rain on the new metal roof might well be the recipe for the perfect nap in this attic bedroom.
Upstairs Kitchenette, BEFORE
Upstairs Kitchenette, AFTER
New tile floor, white shiplap paneling and a bistro table and chairs transform this formerly wasted space into a casual dining area with coffee bar.
Upstairs Kitchenette, Detail
Upstairs Kitchenette, Detail
Upstairs Bedroom, BEFORE
Upstairs Bedroom #2, AFTER
Part of the landing and common area at the top of the stairs was reconfigured to make this spacious bedroom suite.
Upstairs Bedroom #2, AFTER
The decor is kept straightforward and clean with a simple wood bench seat, four-post bed and industrial styled dresser.
Upstairs Bedroom #2, Detail
Upstairs Bedroom #2, Detail
Christmas With Family
Chip and Joanna take their parents on a tour of the newly renovated Magnolia House B&B.
Family Portrait
Happy Holidays
It's just not Christmas until somebody bakes cookies.
Reindeer R Us
Back at Magnolia Farms, Joanna and St. Nick pose for a pic with a late model sleigh and one tiny reindeer.
