My favorite day of the week over here! I love sharing episodes of Fixer Upper and dishing on the takeaways I see. It’s so much fun to be able to share little design ideas from Chip and Joanna that we can all implement. It doesn’t have to be a huge makeover to breathe new life into a space. The most recent episode was a bit too modern for my taste so I decided to rewind to this darling Baylor cottage. I especially loved this episode because it is a smaller home which is the reality for so many of us. So let’s jump into Fixer Upper | The Takeaways.
Takeaway #1: Keep it Classic With White Subway Tile
If you are facing a kitchen remodel, white subway tile never gets old. It’s classic, clean and so beautiful. And I spy a cute towel to keep things fresh and chic. I also really like the grouping of cookbooks, greenery and cutting board. That is a great way to style your kitchen counter. I leave a cutting board leaning against my subway tile and use it daily.
Takeaway #2: Consider Changing Cabinet Hardware
Maybe you need a hardware update. I love the way she Joanna used the dark hardware to contrast with the white cabinets. Restoration Hardware has a great selection to browse hardware. You can often find similar styles online for less, too.
Takeaway #3: Oversized Artwork
I have a crush on this Bakery sign. I love the vintage feel and how the black lettering ties in with the details in the kitchen. And look at that foot rest. Attention to detail is spot on. Look for a spot in your home where you can use just one large statement piece. It keeps the overall look so clean and uncluttered. It also gives it a vintage charm. Flea markets are a great place to look for things like that. I did find almost the exact sign here in case you are interested.
Takeaway #4: Soothing Paint Colors
This paint color! I love it. I don’t know exactly what they used but it very much reminds me of Silver Sage from Restoration Hardware. It is a subtle and beautiful color that I have seen work in many homes. Then you let the white trim takeover to keep things crisp and clean.
Takeaway #5: Define the Eating Area with a Rug
Now if you have young children, this may not be the route to go, but maybe you can pull that look off in a more formal dining room. I love a rug under a table and chairs and am actually looking for one for our dining area. We are finally to the point where massive spills are not a regular occurrence and a little vacuuming would do the trick. You can also look for rugs that are easy to clean. But I really love the way this defines the space and gives it more of a finished look.
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Takeaway #6: Incorporate White Drapery
I have seen a trend with Joanna’s designs. She really does incorporate white drapery panels quite a bit and I love that. Again it reads clean and fresh and you don’t need to worry about coordinating. White drapery also allows you to switch up accent colors more frequently. Places like Ikea sell them for pennies and in any length which is fantastic.
Takeaway #7: Pair Iron and Wood
I really do think that the pairing of iron and wood is one of the Gaines’ calling cards to achieve that warm rustic feel while still being chic and modern. Look how just the iron table base breaks up the all wood look. It also relates well to the bar stools chosen. And if you imagine something like a white table in this space it just doesn’t work. With the white kitchen and airy feel to the space, it needed a nice warm tone table to give it that cozy feel.
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Takeaway #8: Faux Magnolia Blossoms
It’s that simple. Look how great those look! Michaels carries those and all you have to do is stick them in a pretty vase. We are lucky enough to have a magnolia tree but I often forget about brining the blossoms inside. They really are so beautiful and if you cut a few green stems they last forever.
Takeaway #9: Galvanized Metal
This is another takeaway that is easy to implement. Maybe start by clearing off your own coffee table and giving it a new look. Trays like this one can be spotted at HomeGoods and add a bit of a rustic vibe. Combined with the wood and iron table, it’s a great industrial feel that is softened with the magnolia blossoms. Joanna also used galvanized containers on the wall in this house for fresh flowers. Such a great look that I don’t see everywhere.
Takeaway #10: Don’t Underestimate the Power of Texture
There is so much texture going on here it makes my heart happy. The rug, the wood in the wire basket, the brick. the grain sack material on the chairs, the weathered table next to them. . . . see what I mean. That is so key to a space reading interesting and complete. Mix it up, mix it up, mix it up and really pay attention to items having different textures.
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chair | drapes | sofa | rug | light | floral pillow
Takeaway #11: Mix Patterns
Not everyone is confident in their ability to mix patterns. It’s not as hard as you think. Choose one floral fabric you love ( I found that exact pillow here) and bring out one of the colors. Then find a geometric print in that color. Done and done. And what a pretty combination that is in this space.
Takeaway #12: Define Your Living Space with a Chandelier
We have seen this one before and it remains one of my favorite design choices that Joanna makes. Define that living space with a pendant or chandelier. As you can see here, it does not need to hang low but it really does make such a statement and lighting completely transforms a room.
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Takeaway #13: Meaningful Artwork
This takeaway reminds me so much of my dad. He has a sketch of the houses he and my mom have lived in and they are so beautiful. They are hung in a hallway of their current home and there is so much history in those sketches. Whether it is using your children’s artwork or having someone you know create something special, it takes on an entirely different feel when it holds meaning to you and your family.
Takeaway #14: Books and Mason Jars of Flowers
Are you seeing a trend?! I hope by now you have a few mason jars lying around the house. Fresh greens, mason jars and old books. Such a recipe to success when styling spaces like this.
Takeaway #15: Incorporate a Charming Ladder
A dear friend of mine had her husband build her a similar ladder and it boasts cozy blankets year round. I love this idea. So simple and yet what a great piece of artwork on the wall. Think outside the box with items that fill a space but may not be just frames. We used an oar from my brother in my son’s room and I love the look and the memories it evokes.
photos by Jennifer Boomer / Getty Images via hgtv for fixer upper
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Takeaway #16: Consider a Seating Area
Do you have a corner or nook that could be turned into a seating area? Notice this chair is not even grand in scale, but combined with the wire bin holding a blanket and pillows it really works. You could also swap out the bin for a pretty table. I think areas like this really provide a cozy look and they are great design wise. We have a similar corner in our bedroom and sit in it daily. This spot with the cute clock is also similar to our son’s new reading nook. If you do create a spot like this look for chairs that have either tufting or nailhead trim or something to give it more dimension. It makes a big difference.
Hope you found some easy inspiration to implement somewhere in your home. You can see other installments of this series below. Have a great, great day, everyone!
The Takeaways #1 | The Takeaways #2 | The Takeaways #3
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Last week’s episode was too trendy and contemporary for me but I bet most men who watched loved it. However your feature today was one of my absolute favorites. So classic so fresh. I was actually in Waco yesterday for a day trip with my daughters. Got to see the silos and they were crazy busy we waited in line just to get in to the store. They have really created a brand, it’s amazing to see it’s growth.
Oh my goodness! Such timing. How fun you were able to go with your daughters. I would absolutely love to visit there one day. I just adore their style and how they live their life. You are spot on with saying that most men probably loved last week’s episode. I am looking forward to watching this week’s! Have a great day.
I really like this blog “series” you have created. Very enjoyable to read your takeaways from Joanna’s choices. So many HGTV shows (and even blogs) do not explain the reasons design choices were made or items selected. Thanks! Looking forward to future posts.
Thank you, Jen! That means so much. I love knowing that this series can be helpful. I wish I could magically have Chip and Joanna fly to CA and work their magic. I would be happy to buy a fixer upper just so they could do it (in my dreams!). Hope your week is going well. Thanks again. xo
I have read your blog for many years but have never commented until now. I LOVE your style. Your own house is the cutest! Your Fixer Upper posts are now one of my favorites to read and I know it must take great research on your part to find similar details for your readers to find in local stores or online…well done!!!!! I think it must be that former teacher in you with the attention to detail 🙂 I am an elementary teacher here on the East Coast. Keep on doing what you are doing. I wish you could come design my house for me here outside DC!
Erin,
This made my day. First of all thank you so much for reading over the years and I am thrilled you commented. Thank you for the sweet compliment about our home. My hat is off to you as I LOVE elementary school teachers. I know just how hard you work every day. One of the hardest jobs. I am thrilled to hear you love the series. It’s so funny because my husband was just commenting on how long these posts take me to write but I love them, too. I have a couple of college friends outside of DC. Such a beautiful area. Thanks again for taking the time to comment. Enjoy your day.
Love these posts. As you know we love anything Waco, Fixer Upper, the Gaines and BU!! Joanna has fabulous style, real, genuine and for the most part affordable to many. I love all the natural elements she brings into a home. My hubby recently met with a BU rep and he was telling him how crazy busy her shop is at the Silos…and people were standing in line for hours just for a “branch” or “sprig” of something as he put it. Thought it was funny!!
Target has a great galvanized tray right now. Believe it is Smith and Hawken.
Oh how I love them, too. And I love that story, Lauren. I can just see the crowds in my head waiting for a sprig or branch. I would probably be one of those people Maybe one day! And thank you for the heads up on the Target tray. It’s darling. Hope you’re off to a great week, my friend.
I missed the most recent episode because my husband and I have been binge watching Entourage…yeah I guess we are a few years behind with TV watching! I do love Fixer Upper though and have seen almost every episode. Love their style and personalities. And I love these “takeaway” posts. You really point out some wonderful ideas and make me notice things I might not have seen.
Shelley
Thank you, Shelley! I so appreciate you telling me you enjoy these posts. And girl we are famous for being so behind. We usually discover a show four season in and start watching from the beginning. It’s so fun that way. Enjoy Entourage. That’s one we haven’t seen yet.
Another great post! I love to read your thoughts on Joanna’s choices. Silver Sage is one of my favorite colors so this recap really spoke to me. I look forward to these posts each week.
Oh thank you so much, Patrice. I love when you comment. Always makes me smile. I agree about Silver Sage. That is one of my all time favorite colors. This house really reminded me of that. Hope you’re having a great day.
Really love this series! Was the dinning room table custom built? I’d love to know where to find metal for tables and shelves like they use. We have some of my husband’s great grandmother’s barn wood that we are researching for the perfect project.
Thank you!!! It’s so much fun working on each week because I love their style. Oh that sounds like an amazing project. What a treasure. I am assuming it was custom as they seem to use the same builder for each table but I can’t recall. I’ll see what I can find as far as minding metal like that. I do know that some of the stores are now selling mix and match tables (like west elm) so maybe you can look into only buying the base and building the top yourselves.
Thank you so much for these tips from the show! I really enjoy reading how to incorporate these ideas to my newer French Country home to bring in the character. Also, great idea for combining floral and geometric pillows. I’ve been having a hard time finding a starting point in what to select for our living room and this seems to be the perfect solution for me to begin with.
Hi Dani,
You are so welcome. Oh, I am so envious that you are working on your French Country home. Sounds so pretty. Once you find a floral pillow you like, take the cover off and keep it in your purse (in a clear bag). Great way to keep the room pulled together when you are shopping. Sometimes it’s hard to keep the colors in your head. Have fun with the process.
Courtney,
I have been a faithful reader of your blog for years and have always enjoy it. Love that you are doing recaps on Fixer Upper! I have loved the show since the very first season and told all my friends about it right away! My burning question re the show, do the homeowners get to keep everything? Even all the cute pillows, accessories, etc? I wasn’t sure if some of it was for staging the reveal or if it’s all “keepers”. All I know is that the home buyers in Waco are sure lucky!
Keep up the good blogging and have a blessed weekend,
Lynn in NorCal
Oh my goodness – I can’t believe I just stumbled across this series! I LOVE your this. I always love everything I see on Fixer Upper and it’s so helpful to have you boil it down!
Hi Courtney! Do you happen to know the name of the fabric that is being used for the pillows? I’d rather buy the fabric and sew them myself and I just can’t figure it out :/. Thanks so much for any help!