Fixer Upper: The Raggedy Ranch and the Rocket Scientist

Angela is an engineer who tests rocket engines for a living. She's relocated from Tallahassee to Texas with her mom and 5-year-old son and is looking for a fixer upper. Chip and Jo help find and transform a spot that's certain to satisfy all three family members.

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July 15, 2015

By: David L. Haynes

Raggedy Ranch No More

This curb appeal of this home in Lorena, Texas is greatly enhanced thanks to some of Chip and Joanna's improvments -- including a freshly painted exterior, new shutters and much improved landscaping. Before the reno, the house was drab and scarcely visible from the road due to overgrown and poorly placed trees.

Meet the Homeowners

Angela Silva and her son Julian moved from Tallahassee, Fla. to Waco where Angela took a job in the spacecraft industry. Angela was looking for a three- or four-bedroom house with a modern feel, open design and preferably in the country.

Three Generations, One Fixer Upper

The house selected will serve as home to Angela and Julian as well as Angela's mom, Yanett (left).

Table Chat

In the Silva's newly renvoated sun porch, Angela and Yanett teach Chip and Joanna how to say "welcome home" in Portuguese.

Dine In Anytime

This metal sign above the breakfast nook is one of two that Joanna had custom made for the Silva's new home. The custom metal designs are the creation of Jimmy Don of JDH Iron Designs in Crawford, Texas.

Living Room, BEFORE

Prior to the renovation, the home's living room had aqua-blue walls, chocolate brown carpet, smoke-stained brick and popcorn ceilings.

Living Room, AFTER

The new and considerably brighter living room features a newly painted fireplace and updated mantel that create a strong visual focal point.

Living Room, AFTER

The worn, brown wall-to-wall carpeting has been replaced with wood floors and white area rug, and the walls are painted in cool blue-gray.

Living Room, AFTER

A notably narrow front hall has been opened up, and walls removed, creating a much more free-flowing and inviting entrance.

Living Room, AFTER

With the entry-hall essentially removed, the living room now flows more naturally into the kitchen and dining area.

Living Room and Kitchen, AFTER

The new kitchen has an open sight line into the living room, making the space better suited to entertaining while food is being prepared.

Living Room, Detail

A second metal-art sign, with a quote slyly referencing Angela's career in the space industry, hangs above the new wood mantel.

Let the Sunshine In

The living room's front window is enlarged, bringing in more light and making the space feel far less confining.

Living Room, Detail

Kitchen Peninsula, AFTER

Brushed chrome stools are a sharp complement to the kitchen's new appliances and grey quartz countertops.

Kitchen Peninsula, Detail

Kitchen, BEFORE

Prior to the renovation, the dated kitchen had linoleum flooring, laminate countertops, wood-paneled cabinets and aging appliances.

Kitchen, AFTER

The new kitchen is sleek, streamlined and brightly lit with new recessed lighting and window.

From: Chip Gaines

Kitchen, AFTER

Kitchen, Detail

A modern tiled backsplash in pale blue and gray, brushed metal fixtures and a few simple accents brighten up the once dark kitchen.

Kitchen, Detail

Above the counter that divides the kitchen and living room, Joanna added these pendant lights with simple and utilitarian appeal.

Kitchen, Detail

This natural fiber mat, along with wood bowls and woven baskets, adds a touch of warmth to the cool and modern kitchen.

Kitchen, Detail

Breakfast Nook, BEFORE

This space adjacent to the kitchen served as an informal dining space, but it was lackluster and poorly defined.

Breakfast Nook, AFTER

Joanna delineated the space with this built-in booth reminiscent of a classic diner.

Diner Chic

The diner motif is carried through in this simple vintage-inspired dishware.

It's Donut Time

Joanna added a novel touch to the breakfast nook with this collection of wall clocks hung as a grouping.

Cookbook Nook

The back of the nook's wooden bench seat doubles as a display for cookbooks and magazines.

Mudroom/Laundry Room, AFTER

The footprint of the original laundry room was reduced to make room for enlarging a bathroom, but it still provides ample space for a laundry/mudroom combo.

Mudroom/Laundry Room, AFTER

When not in use, the stackable washer and dryer are neatly concealed behind these double doors.

Mudroom/Laundry Room, AFTER

Mudroom/Laundry Room, Detail

The Sun Porch, AFTER

The sun porch, just off the kitchen, features a wood burning stove and a table custom made by local artisan Clint Harp using reclaimed wood from the floors of an old mansion.

From: Chip Gaines

Sun Porch, Detail

A wall-mounted bookase is made from ordinary metal piping and unstained wood shelves.

Sun Porch, Detail

This reading corner for Julian includes a custom lamp made by Chip Mansfield of Charles Gable Designs.

Sun Porch, Detail

Chip Mansfield, creator of this piece, specializes in custom furniture made from repurposed and upcycled materials, reclaimed wood and, in this case, vintage farm equipment.

Bedroom, BEFORE

This bedroom, prior to the renovation, was dark and dreary.

Bedroom, AFTER

The bedroom, which will serve as Yanett's new "mom's suite," is transformed with a bright, clean color palette, new wood floors and an enlarged window.

Bedroom, Detail

Bedroom, AFTER

Pale blue accents, soft window treatments, classic wood headboard and stylized fan bring casual comfort and elegance to the new bedroom.

Bathroom, BEFORE

This bath just off the bedroom was small, dated and ordinary.

Bathroom, AFTER

The newly expanded and revitalized bath features a tiled walk-in shower and quartz countertops.

Bathroom, Detail

Glass and chrome cannisters accent the modern look of the new bath.

Behind the Scenes, THE REVEAL

BEFORE

Angela and her mother Yanett are about to get a first look at their newly renovated home.

THE REVEAL

AFTER

The once dated and ordinary ranch home has been transformed inside and out. Exterior improvements include a new wood door and sconces as well as new landscaping and removal of visually obtrusive trees.

Behind the Scenes, THE REVEAL

Behind the Scenes

The Silvas and the Gaines celebrate the completed renovation with a toast in the new home's new breakfast nook.

Behind the Scenes

Julian celebrates a birthday in the Silva's new home.

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Fixer Upper

Fixer Upper: The Raggedy Ranch and the Rocket Scientist

Raggedy Ranch No More

Meet the Homeowners

Three Generations, One Fixer Upper

Table Chat

Dine In Anytime

Living Room, BEFORE

Living Room, AFTER

Living Room, AFTER

Living Room, AFTER

Living Room, AFTER

Living Room and Kitchen, AFTER

Living Room, Detail

Let the Sunshine In

Living Room, Detail

Living Room, Detail

Living Room, Detail

Living Room, Detail

Living Room, Detail

Kitchen Peninsula, AFTER

Kitchen Peninsula, Detail

Kitchen, BEFORE

Kitchen, AFTER

Kitchen, AFTER

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen, Detail

Breakfast Nook, BEFORE

Breakfast Nook, AFTER

Diner Chic

It's Donut Time

Cookbook Nook

Mudroom/Laundry Room, AFTER

Mudroom/Laundry Room, AFTER

Mudroom/Laundry Room, AFTER

Mudroom/Laundry Room, Detail

The Sun Porch, AFTER

Sun Porch, Detail

Sun Porch, Detail

Sun Porch, Detail

Sun Porch, Detail

Sun Porch, Detail

Bedroom, BEFORE

Bedroom, AFTER

Bedroom, Detail

Bedroom, Detail

Bedroom, Detail

Bedroom, AFTER

Bathroom, BEFORE

Bathroom, AFTER

Bathroom, Detail

Behind the Scenes, THE REVEAL

Behind the Scenes, THE REVEAL

BEFORE

THE REVEAL

AFTER

Behind the Scenes, THE REVEAL

Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes

To the Moon and Back

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