The Colossal Crawford Reno
In the Fixer Upper season four finale, Chip and Jo take on a project for some special clients and deliver a makeover that's way long on 'wow' factor.
By:
David L. Haynes
Show:
Fixer Upper
A Fixer Upper for Some Special Coworkers
When Fixer Upper show producer Michael Matsumoto and his wife Jessie decided to leave L.A. and put down roots in Waco, they didn't have to look far to find real estate and home improvement specialists to help them in their relocation. Even more so than most of Chip and Jo's clients, the Matsumotos knew what they were getting into. Or did they?
Before
The Little Shack on the Prairie. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all? Michael and Jessie were interested in the rustic, country setting of Crawford, Texas, just outside Waco, but this second stop in Chip and Joanna's tour of homes may have been a little more rustic than they bargained for. The "shack" in Chip's nickname for this property was, in this case, not hyperbole. Remarkably, the Matsumotos were not deterred. But clearly it would take some powerful Fixer Upper magic to turn this into a viable home for four.
After
Fixer Upper magic delivered. Even Fixer Upper insiders Michael and Jessie were amazed by this final reveal. Chip and Joanna took the original structure, deconstructed it, repurposed materials, reworked the interior, and built new add-ons to create an ideal family home for Michael, Jessie and their two young kids.
Before
A drawing card for the property was the beautiful surrounding land. It pretty much had to be. Clearly it wasn't turn-key convenience, move-in ready appeal or the amenities.
After
The completely re-imagined structure features an open floorplan with a combined kitchen and living area with vaulted ceilings and exposed wood.
Before
After
The home's interior has an industrial farm feel with floating metal shelves, exposed wood beams, dark stained wood floors, a high-contrast palette and — of course — lots and lots of shiplap. This is, after all, Fixer Upper.
After
From the main room, on either side of a large wood console, two sets of French doors lead out to the new back porch. A metal sign inscribed with "Be the change" — one of Michael and Jessie's favorite quotes — was custom created by metal artisan Jimmy Don.
Living Room, After
Slingback lounge chairs, a black and white area rug, dark charcoal sofa and vintage map create a striking visual aesthetic in the main living area.
Kitchen, After
Distinctive features in the new kitchen include a large island with waterfall concrete counterops, suspended industrial shelving and extra tall cabinets.
Kitchen, After
The suspended shelves help define the kitchen space visually while providing additional storage. Contempary barstools with black wood frames tie in with the simple black cabinet hardware and shelving as well as the black frames on the French doors.
Outdoor Dining Space
The Matsumotos wanted an outdoor dining area on a covered porch. The tin ceiling was made from the repurposed metal roof from the home's original structure. A hanging planter was fashioned from an old wooden box salvaged from inside the old house.
Master Bedroom
The master bedroom is located in one of the structural additions and is furnished with contemporary pieces and a soothing gray palette. The textured gray wood ceiling is from wood repurposed from the building's original exterior siding.
Master Bedroom
The original wood siding was also used to create the sliding barn doors on the entrance to the master bath.
Master Bedroom, Detail
Master Bath
The master bath features subway tile walls, floating wood shelves and gray and black tile floors.
Master Bath
The custom vanity, with concrete countertops echoing the ones in the kitchen, was inspired by a vintage piece that Joanna saw at the antiques fair in Round Top, Texas.
Master Bath, Detail
The signature element in the master bath is the clawfoot tub with painted black exterior.
Girl's Room
The new bedroom for the Mastumoto's daughter Finley features a quaint canopy bed, tall windows and beadboard ceiling salvaged from the original building.
Boy's Room
The new bedroom for the Michael and Jessie's son Rowan featured bunk beds and, on the upper level, a farm house of his own — complete with sliding barn doors.
Boy's Room, Detail
Galvanized metal wainscoting and a framed black-and-white photo of Gaines family goats provide a suitably farmhouse motif for a boy's bedroom.
Before
One more look at a 'before' pic illustrates the remarkable journey embodied in this markedly unconventional Fixer Upper.
After
Highlights of the new exterior include the red Dutch door at the entry, new front porch with columns, galvanized metal skirt and metal roof.
When Life Gives You Lemons
Well, you know how the saying goes.
