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.
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
Living Room, Detail
Living Room, Detail
Living Room, Detail
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.
Kitchen, AFTER
Kitchen, Detail
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.
Sun Porch, Detail
Sun Porch, Detail
A wall-mounted bookase is made from ordinary metal piping and unstained wood shelves.
Sun Porch, Detail
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, Detail
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
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.
