Where It All Started
Chip and Joanna Gaines grew up in the same state and both attended Baylor University, but that’s not where they met! Joanna’s father’s tire shop is actually brought this couple together. Chip said: “Her dad made the mistake of putting a pic of the family behind the counter at his shop. I knew I’d marry her one day just by the picture on the wall.”
Where It All Started
He Went For It
Chip made up excuses to visit Joanna’s father’s shop in order to get a chance to meet her. He shared, “My buddies used to always joke that no one could get their brakes done as often as I got my brakes done.” Not long after, his determination would pay off.
He Went For It
His Pickup Line
One day, all of his persistence paid off when he finally had the chance to meet Joanna in person. So what was his big move to get the girl he’d been dreaming of? He used this pickup line on her: “Hey, you’re the girl from the commercials.” It clearly worked out, as he landed a date with Joanna!
His Pickup Line
Joanna Was Careful At First
Now, although Chip was the perfect gentleman, Joanna was still a bit guarded at first. However, after spending time with him, Joanna quickly realized she could trust him. She said, “At first, I couldn’t believe how kind Chip was — he had kind eyes, and made me laugh a lot. I knew he was the one because I knew I could trust him.”
Joanna Was Careful At First
Happily Ever After
Despite Joanna’s initial trepidation, they ended up sharing many happy times together. They discovered a shared love for construction and interior design, and after dating for a little over a year, they got married in 2003.
Happily Eever After
Ideas Became A Reality
Chip had been working in construction since his college days, and with Joanna’s keen eye for interior design, they decided to start doing home makeovers. Their tiny 800 square feet, rundown, start-up home was the first of their fixer-upper projects.
Ideas Became A Reality
Magnolia Homes And “Fixer Upper” Were Born
Soon after, they started a construction company called Magnolia Homes, which focused more on renovations. Their set of skills complemented each other so they made a great team, and that’s when “Fixer Upper,” their television show on HGTV came about.
Magnolia Homes And “Fixer Upper” Were Born
A Farmhouse That’s A Fixer-Upper’s Dream
In 2012, they bought a two-bedroom farmhouse, which was actually too small for their family of seven. However, the land was spectacular, with oak trees surrounding the house. So how could their large family manage in such a small house?
A Farmhouse That’s A Fixer-Upper’s Dream
What Did They Get Themselves Into?
The couple had no idea how much work they’d need to put in to finish this massive project because they had to juggle other renovations at the same time too. Could they create enough living space for their large family?
What Did They Get Themselves Into?
Their Newly Renovated Farmhouse
After 18 months of hard work, their now-spacious and beautiful farmhouse was complete. They certainly succeeded in creating enough space for their large family! To stay true to the character of the house they only added a master bedroom.
Their Newly Renovated Farmhouse
White With Some Earthy Tones
Joanna’s creative juices flowed while decorating this farmhouse. To keep the house’s classic and traditional look they painted it white and added some earthy tones. The wooden beams were a perfect choice, which accentuates the oak trees surrounding the house.
White With Some Earthy Tones
Let’s Have A Look Inside
The inside of the house matches the outside, with its white and neutral tones. As you walk through beautiful, wooden double doors you’re welcomed into an immaculately decorated and spacious entrance hall. Joanna really does have the magic design touch!
Let’s Have A Look Inside
Forget The Foyer
While you might expect a huge foyer for a home that houses five kids and two parents, but that isn’t the case here. Joanna commented: “Some people don’t have, like, this carved-out entry space. And so, even if that means a table, it doesn’t have to be this grand foyer. It’s just the idea that ‘Hey, I can set my keys down.’ It’s just like that nice, warm welcome.”
Forget The Foyer
Open Plan Areas – An Illusion Of Space
They had to knock down some walls and restructure some rooms in order to create a flow inside the house. The kitchen is always a family’s gathering point, so they built a breakfast bar to fit the whole family comfortably.
Open Plan Areas – An Illusion Of Space
Kitchen, Diner, And Lounge In One
Continuing the idea of open spaces that flow into each other, the couple has a lounge and diner that flows from the kitchen. Getting rid of the walls that would’ve separated these three rooms has created a bigger open space.
Kitchen, Diner, And Lounge In One
A Space To Relax
When you have five children running around, you definitely need a space to relax. The lounge, with its warm, cozy furnishings is the perfect place for that. Other than being practical, the way this room was designed is truly charming.
A Space To Relax
The Heart Of The Home
Although in the past the kitchen was the heart of their home, recently Joanna revealed that the living room has taken over as the heart of the living space, which is smaller than you’d think. She shared: “I didn’t have a ton of space to work with, but there’s something about that I love. You’ve got your couch, a couple little stools, but the pieces in here are really special.”
The Heart Of Their Home
The Beloved Laundry Room
While Jo considers the living room the heart of the home, her favorite room in the house may surprise you. The laundry room is the one she loves the best, as it is her little haven. In addition to laundry, she says: “This is where I read, this is where I write. This is kind of my space.”
The Beloved Laundry Room
Finer Details That Add To The Feel
Everywhere you look, you will see Joanna’s touch throughout the house. Her flair for design really shows in the finer details. Most of the items they used, you will be able to find in their home decor store, Magnolia Market.
Finer Details That Add To The Feel
The Master Bedroom Is A Masterpiece
The master bedroom was the only extension added to the existing two-bedroom farmhouse. The rest of the house was extensively renovated and repaired where necessary, to suit their needs. They kept the original hard-wood floors to maintain its original charm.
The Master Bedroom Is A Masterpiece
A Sanctuary For The Couple To Escape To
Because Chip and Joanna are always on the move with numerous projects on the go at any particular time, they need a space to retreat to for some peace and quiet. Their little nook in their bedroom is their little sanctuary.
A Sanctuary For The Couple To Escape To
Nothing Better Than An Ensuite Bathroom
From the wooden double doors to the extravagant free-standing tub, we can see that their ensuite bathroom is a feature of its own. Joanna spent weeks searching for old doors for this house and it has truly paid off.
Nothing Better Than An Ensuite Bathroom
Inside The Luxurious Master Bathroom
What we like best in the master bathroom is the wall to wall his and hers sinks. The chandelier gives the bathroom a romantic feel, together with the continued theme of neutral, earthy tones that flow throughout the entire house.
Inside Luxurious Master Bathroom
A Room Fit For A Pair Of Princesses
Chip and Joanna have two precious girls aged 11 and 8. Emmie is the eldest, and Ella Rose is the youngest. The girls’ room is elegant yet playful and matches the house as it’s predominantly white with shades of pink.
A Room Fit For A Pair Of Princesses
A Room For The Boys
The couple also has three adventurous boys, Drake, Duke, and baby Crew. Their room has two sets of bunk beds to accommodate all three, plus an extra friend. Or who knows, maybe the couple is trying for a fourth son.
A Room For The Boys
Boys Can Be Boys In Their Room
Chip and Joanna had made sure that both bedrooms for their children were adequate and allowed them enough space to play and just be kids. Once again, the boys’ room kept to the flow with white and added grey tones.
Boys Can Be Boys In Their Room
The Baby’s Nursery
While most people like to deck out their newborn’s nurseries with either blue or pink and baby motifs as decor, Joanna wanted to keep things simple. She said: “I love when nurseries can be pretty neutral and soft. I love antiques, I love a little bit of the modern elements and so that’s all kind of tied in there.”
The Baby’s Nursery
Family Is Everything To Them
This farmhouse was renovated with the heart of their family in mind. You will find evidence of their love for one another in every corner of the house. They have a wall full of family photos which says it all.
Family Is Everything To Them
Their Own Little Coffee Corner
It’s evident that Chip and Joanna definitely love their coffee, so much so that they made sure they built a cafe in their own home. This is where they spend most of the time connecting over a hot cuppa java.
Their Own Little Coffee Corner
A Place To Get Creative
The couple’s kids also share their love of all things crafty, so they built a space just for that. This is the craft room where they can get in touch with their creative sides and do their arts and crafts.
A Place To Get Creative
One Crafty Area Is Not Enough
There’s no surprise that this creative family needs more than one crafts room. The kids have their own craft room, but this room is for Joanna. Here she has her own space where she can let her creative juices flow.
One Crafty Area Is Not Enough
Let’s Take A Look Outside
In their massive garden, they have created an ideal place for hosting parties and social get-togethers with family and friends. Even the outside of the house and the entertainment structure and benches elegantly match with the rest of the house.
Let’s Take A Look Outside
Farm Life Suits Them
They adore their little farmhouse especially the 400 acres of land that comes along with it. They made no changes to outbuildings and plan on filling their coop with chickens soon, as well as bringing some animals to the mix.
Farm Life Suits Them
A Beautiful Greenhouse
The greenhouse is certainly one of the standout features on the farm. They can grow vegetables, herbs or their favorite flowers. What a great opportunity for the kids to learn about plants and life cycles by planting some seeds themselves.
A Beautiful Greenhouse
Outdoor Entertaining
With all of the efforts Chip and Joanna put into the outdoor space of their home, they certainly can entertain outside when the weather is nice. They tend to spend time together with the kids outside as well in order to eat, craft, study, or just enjoy the great outdoors.
Outdoor Entertaining
What’s A Farmhouse Without A Porch?
Chip and Joanna renovated the porch in a way that maintained the authenticity of the house by simply replacing the wooden boards. You can be sure they’ll all be enjoying many relaxing moments on this porch, even the family dog.
What’s A Farmhouse Without A Porch?
Exterior With Intention
In an interview with Jenna Bush Hager, Joanna explained her philosophy about designing a front porch. She said: “I think little things like potted plants, sconces, front door mat — little things that just when you walk in just feel intentional.”
Exterior With Intention
Maximize Curb Appeal
Jo also explains that improving your home’s curb appeal doesn’t have to cost you a fortune or take months of renovations. In an interview with Architectural Digest, she explains: “Freshening up the landscape, adding new shutters, and wrapping dated columns with redwood or cedar wood. These are all things you can tackle over the weekend and without killing your budget.”
Maximize Curb Appeal
The House Is Marked With Words Of Wisdom
Throughout the house, you will find inspirational quotes and words of wisdom. This house is their canvas to express their love for family and life. A quote about decorating your home greets you as you enter into the entrance hall.
The House Is Marked With Words Of Wisdom
A Cozy Nook
Another space in Chip and Joanna’s home that features an inspirational quote is this beautiful and cozy nook. It can be found on the ground floor right past the kitchen. The bold chandelier makes a statement while not overpowering the room, which continues the neutral theme of the rest of the home’s decor.
A Cozy Nook
Plenty Of Room For Everyone
Family is everything to this couple and they succeeded in creating a cozy space to accommodate everyone the way they renovated their farmhouse. They even personalized each space to individual tastes. The kids are clearly happy in their new home.
Plenty Of Room For Everyone
No TV Found Here
The Gaines’ living room is elegant and clean while also feeling cozy and rustic. They’re known for not allowing a TV in the house, and the living room is no exception. The reclaimed shutters provide wall art and is offset by neutral furniture.
No TV Found Here
Chip And Joanna’s Workspace
The couple really did think of every little detail when designing this house. They incorporated a desk and chair in almost every room, so they could both work from home. Which makes this home not only practical but functional too.
Chip And Joanna’s Own Workspace
Nothing Better Than A Fireplace In Winter
It gets pretty hot in Texas in summer, but winter can be pretty chilly too. They’ll certainly be able to keep warm and cozy by this fireplace, which is the original fireplace. All they did was add their decorative touch.
Nothing Better Than A Fireplace In Winter
A Garden Full Of Plants And Flowers
Joanna loves plants and flowers so she decided that a greenhouse wasn’t enough and built a small garden too. You can see this family truly loves all things outdoors. She built a fence to keep any animals from destroying her garden.
A Garden Full Of Plants And Flowers
The She-Shed
What’s a she-shed? That’s a shed for the ladies only, no boys allowed! Well, we’re sure Jo lets her boys visit from time to time…this incredible shed has everything needed to keep Gaines’ gorgeous lush vegetation fresh and growing. Jo said: “For us, this farm represents home — the kind of lasting place that gets passed from generation to generation.”
The She Shed
Joanna’s Dream Kitchen
The couple’s personal touch is all over the house and the kitchen is no exception. The theme of the house also flows into the kitchen. She’s also added some humor by hanging a sign that says “Supermarket” by the sink.
Joanna’s Dream Kitchen
An Open Concept
It’s clear that a huge part of Joanna’s vision for the kitchen was the communal feel that the open concept provides. The blending of the kitchen with the dining space and the living room provides an inviting space for the entire family to enjoy time together.
An Open Concept
Kitchen Details
Let’s get real — kitchens get messy. There’s just no avoiding it. But Joanna’s brilliant design helps minimize the feeling of mess. The use of the color white provides a fresh and clean feel. The big island gives useful space while the open shelving helps give the kitchen character by displaying pretty pieces.
Kitchen Details
The Inviting Dining Room
We can see from many of the rooms found in Chip and Joanna’s home that these two simply love open concept design. This applies to their minimalistic yet inviting dining room, which has enough space for a giant 13-foot Christmas tree during the holiday season!
The Inviting Dining Room
Everything Has Its Place
The couple has made sure that everything has its place around the house by adding shelves, chest of drawers, and cabinets in every room. This helps set a good example for the kids to be tidy and organized as well.
Everything Has Its Place
Plenty Of Room For Playtime
Because the couple has five children, they had to make sure that they designed the farmhouse with enough space for the kids to play, and that’s what they’ve done. They encourage the kids to enjoy every corner of the house.
Plenty Of Room For Playtime
The Ideal Reading Corner
Every little corner of the house has a purpose and a function. They have utilized available spaces around the house to the maximum wherever possible. They created a small area into a reading nook by adding some pillows and blankets.
Ideal Reading Corner
Before And After Photos
True to every successful home makeover project, you can hardly believe that it’s the same house. The couple had a vision of how they wanted the farmhouse to look and they most certainly achieved everything they set out to do.
Before And After Photos
The Gaines Family
All their hard work paid off and now the Gaines family have an exquisite home that is big enough for everyone to live comfortably. They also have more time to spend time together as a family in the huge yard.
The Gaines Family
Would They Ever Consider Selling The Farmhouse?
The whole family is so happy in their new home that they’ve no intention of selling. Even if their ever-growing family continues to expand, they’ll just make more room to accommodate them all. But who knows what the future holds.
Would They Ever Consider Selling The Farmhouse?
A Strong Family Bond
Chip and Joanna have now been married for over 15 years, and their bond has never been stronger. On their 16th wedding anniversary, Joanna shared an adorable Instagram post captioned: “16 years and it feels like we’re just getting started.”
A Strong Family Bond
Joanna’s Parents
Jo is extremely close with her parents and shared their touching story in an Instagram post: “My parents met in 1969 when my dad was stationed in Korea and their story is one you hear about in the movies. All the odds were against them but they fought through and became an example of how to love, fight for, extend grace to, and honor each other amidst all their many differences.”
Joanna’s Parents
Their Growing Family
Chip and Jo have four young kids and one newborn baby. Their first four kids, Drake (who is 14 years old), Ella (13 years old), Duke (11 years old), and Emmie (9 years old), recently welcomed a baby brother to their clan!
Their Growing Family
Their Newest Addition
The couple’s newest little addition was welcomed to the already-large and tight-knit family on June 21st, 2019. The baby boy, who’s named Crew Gaines, sure is a smiley one! He’s become an instant Instagram favorite, and every time Jo posts new photos of him, the posts garner thousands of likes!
Their Newest Addition
