Before & After: “Fixer Upper” Turned This Abandoned Kitchen into a Scandinavian-Meets-Mid-Century Dream
Three years ago, Chip and Joanna Gaines shocked fans when they announced that HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” would be no more. Then, in 2018, the Gaines revealed that they were launching their own network, which was comforting news to fans who missed seeing the duo grace their screens. But then, the plot twist that everyone was hoping for — a “Fixer Upper” reboot was coming. And just recently, the Gaines’ new home reno series “Fixer Upper: Welcome Home” debuted on Discovery+, with a premiere episode that had a transformation as drastic as one could hope.
Chip and Jo visited Lucas and Laney, a young couple who were getting married in a month’s time, but a wedding wasn’t the only thing they were planning. Lucas and Laney just purchased a house, and while it was only built in 1999, its abandoned state left a lot of work to be done — read: a lot of garbage to be thrown out and replaced with a livable design. Lucas and Laney needed the help of Chip and Jo to get it done in time for them to start their new lives after saying “I do.”
After getting over the traumatizing first look at the house (and I quote, Jo saying “I’ve never seen anything like this”), Jo got to work designing the living spaces. Laney expressed that she dreamed of having a style that combined mid-century modern with Scandinavian-inspired design, and removing much of the traditional look that existed in the house.
In the living room, Jo knew from the start that she wanted to spice up the vaulted ceiling look. She installed a thick wooden beam that went straight down the middle, which tied in with the newly added wooden floors, floating shelves, and other lightwood features that created a minimalist style. They painted the walls a creamy white, added a marble hearth fireplace, and topped the room off with retro fixture to tie the whole look together.
The living room somewhat flowed right into the kitchen, which was blocked off by a half wall and screamed the “traditional” that Laney wanted nothing to do with. Jo worked her magic and transformed the space with a wooden paneled ceiling, black and white wallpaper, a kitchen island, sleek black cabinetry that reached the ceiling, and — again — light fixtures that brought in that mid-century modern look.
The once old, wallpapered, and anything but relaxing bathroom was transformed into the ultimate moody, spa-like space. Jo picked a deep green for the walls and ceiling, plus olive green wall tiles and marble floors to add some additional texture. Mid-century styled wooden vanities were added against the wall, which bordered the tub… oh the tub. Do we have to say more?
To watch the entire renovation process and the grand reveal, check out the episode now streaming on Discovery+. And if you’re interested in getting a similar look, head to the Magnolia blog for products found throughout the project.
“Fixer Upper: Welcome Home” episodes air every Friday at midnight on Discovery+
This post originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it there: Before and After: “Fixer Upper” Turned a Rundown Kitchen Into a Scandinavian-Meets-Mid-Century Dream