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A Thoughtful Place

A Thoughtful Place is a Tennessee based lifestyle blog about design, fashion, gatherings and the occasional from the heart post.

Fixer Upper | The Takeaways

January 13, 2016 by Courtney 20 Comments

Raise your hand if your addicted to the show Fixer Upper like I am? I seriously love Chip and Joanna. And I know I am not alone. Everyone I talk to feels like they should be friends with them. So what does that say about them? Seems like they are as down to Earth and self-effacing as they come. Yet still so talented and hard-working. What I love most is that they are a true team. My husband and I love working on home projects together so we often quote them or watch the show together (the first home show my hubby actually likes watching). ย Chip seriously cracks us up. Since most everyone seems to be on team Fixer Upper I thought it would be fun to break down their reveals (all drool-worthy) and show some simple takeaways we can all pull off. Are you with me?

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First, we must just drool. Let’s face it. This dynamic duo has amazing taste and they always pull off the most beautiful yet comfortable and inviting homes. That’s key for what draws me to their style. I don’t want a show house or a home that looks pulled from print. I want a home that people feel comfortable putting their feet up on the couch and yet it’s still beautiful. That’s what Chip and Joanna always create. I am a lover of subway tile so this is pretty darn fantastic in my book. And those lantern lights are so beautiful.

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Takeaway #1: When hosting the next time, place a giant cutting board out with the bagels, cream cheese and fresh flowers. How simple yet beautiful, right? It’s all about the presentation.

Similar Lantern Pendants

Takeaway #2: Consider adding a subtle pop of color to a nearby pantry or garage door. I love that soft blue and it still keeps the space nice and neutral.

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They genuinely seemed to be overwhelmed with the space. It was so cute to watch. I would have balled my eyes out and flung myself across the marble counter hugging it for hours. But that’s just me.

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Takeaway #3: Add neutral drapes (the puddling on the floor gives them a more relaxed feel) and a neutral rug to your dining area. That allows you to infuse any color during any time of year.

Takeaway #4: Captain’s chairs that are different from your dining chairs help create interest and anchor the table.

Finds to Create a Similar Look

The subtle gray paint color reminds me of the color in our bedroom (Pale Oak by Benjamin Moore).

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Takeaway #5: Let accent pillows be your pop. Imagine removing all of those pillows and replacing them with hot pink. You could totally pull it off. The color is coming from those pillows which allows you to play up any hue. Christmas would be beautiful with bright red.

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Always amazing to see what came before. Wow! Seriously impressive, right?!

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Takeaway #6: Personalized artwork. That “M” would be really easy to recreate.

While not as grand in size (but maybe not needed for most of our spaces) this coffee table has a mix of the industrial and wood (and it’s on sale).

More Industrial Coffee Tables

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Takeaway #7: Look how simple that styling is. A sweet little vase (could pick up at a thrift store if you don’t have one ) and greens from the outdoors. Placed next to some old, worn books creates such a charming space. I have books from our Grandparents and I love having them around the house. The torn bindings add even more character.

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Takeaway #8: Symmetry. Whether you use chests or tables, I love the symmetry going on here. The bedside tables have the exact same lamps, flowers and books. While I tend to keep ours different, the symmetry helps because there is a ton of pattern going on in the bedding.

I hunted high and low and think this is the exact bedย (and this one is available in King)ย but rounded up more below that give a similar feel for a bedroom.

Similar Beds

 

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No major takeaway here other than. . . yes. This is my dream shower. That is all. Beautiful materials.

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Takeaway #9: I was so happy to see this because this is so doable for so many. Paint your cabinets are rich gray, swamp out the hardware and hunt HomeGoods for a new mirror. Yes, the counter top is where I would spend my money if doing a makeover on a budget.

Takeaway #10: Next time you are hosting or having guests, place greens and a pop of color in a wire basket. So beautiful and simple. But makes this bathroom really sing.

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All hail the mighty craft room. Swoon. Dreamy. Nothing to say but dreamy. And I spy the same wooden calendar I used in my son’s rustic makeover. He loves that calendar.

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I couldn’t find that exact light (still looking). This one is gorgeous and there is aย knockoff fromย Ikeaย for $20!

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photos via HGTV (Fixer Upper) taken by Rachel Whyte

Takeaway #11: Paint Color Canvas Art. This is darling. What a great great way to fill up a wall. This could be done in a playroom, a child’s bedroom or of course a craft room if you are lucky enough to have one. So simple and yet so impactful.

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all of these are available at Michaels

It wouldn’t take much to pull that off. Canvas, acrylic paint, paint brushes and sticker letters. I love this project. You could even get the children involved. After tracing a perfect square, let them fill in the rest with foam brushes. This would be really sweet in one single line across a work space in a basement or bonus room. Homerun, Joanna! Homerun.

While I could certainly list many, many more, those were the takeaways that immediately jumped out at me. I hope that you find inspiration in some of them. While it’s awe inspiring to look at these gorgeous makeovers, it’s even more fun to be able to pick up an actual idea here and there to implement in our own homes

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Filed Under: fixer upper, Living Room Tagged With: fixer upper, living room

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Comments

  1. Lucinda says

    January 13, 2016 at 4:54 am

    I loved this episode! Great flow and I thought long lasting appeal. Last night’s Barn redo had me questioning why would you have a gorgeous Harp original enormous dinning room table on the different floor from the kitchen.

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      January 13, 2016 at 8:20 am

      Hi Lucinda,

      I loved this one, too! I haven’t sat down to watch the latest one yet. Hoping to see it tonight! But barn redo has me intrigued. Can’t wait!

      Reply
    • Sara says

      January 13, 2016 at 7:40 pm

      I totally thought the same thing! That would be such a pain to drag food downstairs to the dining room. I usually love their stuff but I thought that was a bad plan.

      Reply
  2. Terri says

    January 13, 2016 at 5:37 am

    Fixer Upper is our favorite show too…and your my favorite blog! Loved your post today. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      January 13, 2016 at 8:16 am

      Awe! Thank you so much, Terri. So sweet. I haven’t watched the latest episode yet. Even my children love the show. Nice when we can watch something as a family, too. If only Chip and Joanna lived next door. LOL. Have a great week!

      Reply
  3. Jaclyn Lorimer says

    January 13, 2016 at 7:26 am

    What a great post! I am always drooling over Chip & Joanna’s homes. I keep trying to hint to my husband that our home budget might be able to go a bit farther in Waco…. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Visiting from LorimerLiving.Com
    XO, Jaclyn

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      January 13, 2016 at 8:18 am

      Hi Jaclyn,

      Thanks for popping in. Yes! I tell my husband the same thing. They do such a gorgeous job. It really is inspiring. I wish I could wave a magic wand and put their touch on my home. Enjoy your day.

      Reply
  4. Kelly K says

    January 13, 2016 at 8:51 am

    The master bathroom redo totally reminds me of Ten June Michelle’s. And I had never seen this show before last night (this exact episode) and I’m hooked and inspired…now to find the perfect gray paint ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      January 13, 2016 at 9:11 am

      Oh my goodness! Yes! You are spot on with that. I adore Michelle and it does look so much like that. I need to go look at that again. Isn’t the show great. I just love the banter between Chip and Joanna, too. They are so inspiring. xo

      Reply
  5. Kara says

    January 13, 2016 at 9:35 am

    I love this show too, my husband and 2 kids will sit and watch it as well. Thank you for the breakdown of possible DYIs

    Reply
  6. Melissa Benhoff says

    January 13, 2016 at 10:13 am

    In my next life, I want to be Joanna Gaines. LOL. When I was in my 1st (and 2nd) trimester I had major nausea and was basically in bed every time I had the chance – my husband and I binge watched Fixer Upper weekend after weekend. After Weekend. After Weekend.
    But I have to say, your take aways were so succinct that it was easier to grasp the things that Joanna does when she styles – thanks for breaking it down so well!

    Xo Melissa
    http://cherishandbloomblog.com

    Reply
  7. Lauren@SimplyLKJ says

    January 13, 2016 at 2:01 pm

    Chip and Joanna are the REAL deal. Katie heard her speak while at Baylor. What you see is a true representation of their family and their values. I LOVED shopping Jo’s Magnolia shop when visiting, and cannot wait to visit the new larger shop at the Silos. The Gaines have done amazing things to help revitalize the downtown area, as well as renovate some amazing homes. So thankful I got to see some in person!!

    Reply
  8. Catherine McAllister says

    January 14, 2016 at 1:23 pm

    I love Fixer Upper and I love your post about it. Great ideas for the takeaways. Makes it seem totally doable.

    Great post!

    Reply
  9. Dorley says

    January 16, 2016 at 8:13 pm

    I think the craft room pendant light is called Merle by UK’s Libra Company

    Reply
  10. Tiffany says

    January 24, 2016 at 5:10 pm

    We absolutely love Fixer Upper! Chip and Joanna are just the best. I haven’t seen a house makeover of theirs I didn’t like. All awesome takeaways Courtney (now if I could just get my hubby to agree that drapes should pool on the floor I’d be a happy woman). ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      January 25, 2016 at 7:25 am

      I feel the same exact way! I love everything they touch. They really do have such great taste and talent. Thank you for the sweet comment and here’s hoping your hubby comes around on that issue! Have a wonderful week.

      Reply
  11. Carrie Anderson says

    February 16, 2016 at 11:30 am

    Hello,
    I have been searching where to purchase the kitchen stools in the picture Takeaway #1/A Ranch Home Update in Woodway.
    Does anyone know where it find these kitchen stools?
    Thank you!
    Carrie

    Reply
  12. Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says

    February 16, 2016 at 11:56 am

    Love them – and love this house style. I have the same lanterns over my island so I guess I must be doing something right! Great takeaways!
    Shelley

    Reply
  13. Stacey M says

    February 28, 2016 at 5:40 pm

    Wow, I am thrilled to have stumbled upon your blog. I can’t wait to tell my friends about it! What a great idea to give tips and purchasing options from the BEST DESIGN SHOW on tv these days!!! I love it and I love the show! Thanks so much!
    Now, for my question… I now NEEEEED to create that craft table. I paused the show and took pictures of it. (Before I found your fabulous site, of course!) I gathered that she designed it and had Clint build it. Is there anywhere I can get the design plans??!! That would be too easy, huh?! Thought it was worth a try asking here tho. Thanks so much for a great blog and any help you can offer!!

    Reply
  14. Terany Gaddis says

    July 19, 2016 at 4:25 pm

    In love with the master bedroom bedding? Anyone know where it’s from?

    Reply

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