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

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Photo By: Rachel Whyte

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

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

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

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

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, 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

Bathroom, BEFORE

Bathroom, AFTER

The renovated bathroom, done in uniform white, features a glass enclosed shower and antique style pedestal sink.

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

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

The ample space on the upper landing offers room for an additional seating area.

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 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

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.