It’s no secret: I love Chip and Joanna Gaines. While I have already made this abundantly evident in my existing blog posts, I can’t help but admire all things Gaines. And, while it started with their now very popular HGTV show “Fixer Upper,” the couple continues to hold my attention and ardent admiration 1) because they truly know how to “do it all,” and 2) because they interact in such a way that oddly reminds me of the dynamic between Cam and me.[1]
For those of you who don’t know[2], the premise of the show is that Chip and Joanna—who are based out of Waco, Texas—remodel homes that qualify as—surprise!—“fixer uppers.” In all actuality, many of the homes they remodel are so decrepit and disheveled that they should probably be condemned, but that doesn’t stop Chip and Jojo! Rather, the bigger the challenge, the more rewarding the outcome, and this “Magnolia Farms” duo truly has a passion and keen eye for how to transform the awful into the extraordinary.
Chip, the contracting “muscle” of the pair, lives for the infamous “demo day” where he gets to run around like a child hyped up on sugar and espresso, rip things up, and raze whole structures to the ground. Quite often, Chip engages in outrageous stunts that have him slamming into walls, jumping into and off of things, and doing anything else he can possibly think of to make Joanna cringe in fear not so much for his safety as for the safety of her beloved designs[3].
Joanna, on the other hand, is the “creative brain” of the pair. She is very particular, but not in a bad way: Jo knows what she wants, and she works like a boss to make it happen. I admire Joanna because she started her career as a writer in New York, and she took that passion for creativity and transformed it into something so distinctly and unarguably her own. You can tell that Jojo is fueled with drive and dedication and that she unwaveringly values hard work: She pushes herself hard to achieve without outstanding results.
Where has this drive and ambition taken them? How about everywhere. Well, at least everywhere south of the Mason-Dixon line, that is. One of the things I love about Chip and Jo is they have big dreams that they don’t strive to curtail or hold back. Here are just a few of the “projects” they are currently working on:
- The couple’s own residence: The “Farmhouse” is the product of an old home the Gaines took on as their own “fixer upper.” I respect that the Gaines “practice what they preach” and bought and restored a failing home of their own just like they do for their clients. Not only is the farmhouse flawlessly designed, but Chip and Joanna have also expanded the “Magnolia Farms” property to include a plethora of livestock so as to restore it to a fully functioning farm…with horses!
- HGTV’s show “Fixer Upper” (and all the renovations that come with it), which is in its third season and appears weekly during prime time
- “Magnolia Market,” the couple’s store that sells not only many of the same items you see staged in the show’s renovated houses, but also several of the t-shirts and accessories Chip and Jo commonly don on the show. You know, just in case you want to be like them.[4]
- Joanna’s Blog, where she routinely posts Martha-Stewart-like tips about baking, planting, decorating, etc.
- “The Silos,” AKA old grain silos Chip and Joanna recently purchased to expand their dynasty. I have to admit, the first time the silos were featured during an episode, I was more than a little skeptical… “You’re going to buy that hunk of junk? Really? Don’t do it, Chip and Jo, it’s a trap!” Alas, I was wrong. The Silos are now a fully functioning plaza-type venue, featuring their store—Magnolia Market, a garden, lawn games, and several local food trucks. It looks like a great place to spend an afternoon (and several hundred dollars buying decorative items from the market). [5]
- “Flour,” a coming bakery attraction of the Silos that will feature many of Joanna’s favorite recipes and baked goodies. I’m sure that, just like everything else she touches, it will turn to gold and be somehow both adorably precious and slightly edgy.
- “Magnolia House,” an old home Chip and Joanna bought and remodeled into a charming bed and breakfast. For a pretty penny, guests can stay there and revel in the prospect of feeling just like Chip and Jojo for a couple of nights. Shockingly (not), it has already been booked through 2016.
- Realty—you know, just in case they can’t get enough of homes, the couple owns a Real Estate Agency, Magnolia Homes, which runs out of Waco.
- “The Magnolia Story,” the Gaines couple’s very own book, is hot off the press come October! As an English major and lover of all things writing, I find this facet of their accomplishments most intriguing. Needless to say I know what I will be reading in October.
- …And, in case this wasn’t enough, the couple has four—count ‘em!— four adorable kids. The Gaines kiddos are seriously precious, particularly the youngest little girl, Emmie Kay.
Seriously, Joanna must have one organized, outrageously long to-do list. It’s all part of that “fixer upper” go-getter mentality that I admire so much: How can we take things as they are, and make something extraordinary out of it?
Perhaps it is unsurprising, then, that I have a serious case of “Fixer Upper” on the brain. Hey, there certainly could be worse things for me to fixate on. It has gotten to the point where I live for Tuesdays where I can go to the gym, plug in my headphones, and watch the magic unfold.
As per my loyal viewing, I have observed that the following design staples will appear—100% guaranteed—at some point during any given episode:
- Shiplap[7]
- Subway tiles
- French doors
- A farmhouse sink
- A giant clock (or two)[8]
- Pendant lighting
- A giant letter or family monogram[9]
- White: Lots of it[10]
- A trip to an antique store[11]
- Chip will hurt himself[12]
- Chip will show his belly[13]
- Kids + cupcakes[14]
However, don’t let this list fool you; while Joanna certainly has her “go-to’s” and definitive style preferences figured out, her styling capabilities are by no means stale or confined. In fact, both Chip and Joanna continue to grow as designers and business people, creating an exciting, anticipatory feel that leaves you guessing, “what will they think of next?!” When asked about her design preferences, Joanna’s three-word explanation was, “simple, clean, and unexpected.” And, let me tell you, she can do a lot with “simple, clean, and unexpected.”
Chip and Jo, I hope you see this and realize you should pay me to write for you. I’m not opposed.
Wow, this blog post is too long. If you don’t already watch “Fixer Upper,” I have probably scared you off with my obsessive ramblings. Truly, though, Chip and Joanna Gaines are legit; despite their newfound fame, they remain authentic and driven. Although business and creativity are important, family is first, and I greatly admire that they value and incorporate family time as an integral part of the show., What a pair of standup people. If ever I should have the chance to meet them, I will surely lose my shiplap-crazed mind.
[1] Hear me out: Chip is the loving, goofy “man of many hats,” gets-his-hand-dirty kind of guy who lives to make Joanna laugh and smile. Joanna is the Type-A, “I have a vision for this, and you are messing it up,” loving, and appreciative one who puts on like she can’t stand Chip’s antics when in truth she secretly loves them. The couple perfectly plays off one another, both in goofy and supportive roles. At the chance of sounding creepy, watching this dynamic unfold every Tuesday night is oddly comforting and fun to watch in the midst of a long-distance relationship where my “Chip” is in Oklahoma. Bet you won’t tease me for liking the show so much now, Cam.
[2] If applicable, you need to do some serious rethinking of your life! Tuesday nights on HGTV is a great starting point. Just saying.
[3] Just kidding: She adores Chip. It’s all part of their “love-love” relationship.
[4] What? Who said that?!
[5] Side note: It is one of my life goals to visit the Silos. I want to go so badly. In case you were wondering—yes, I checked—Waco is only 4.5 hours south of Oklahoma City… Shockingly, when we were in Austin for ACE December Retreat I similarly realized (read: stalked on Google maps) that we were only 2 hours from Waco: It was practically calling my name! I will sneak a trip in at some point …
[6] I have successfully managed to steer clear and navigate away from “fan girl” obsessions with Justine Beiber, One Direction, Twitter, Snapchat, etc. Relatively speaking, I’d argue that my fascination with Chip and Joanna is pretty harmless.
[7] What is “shiplap?” Admittedly, I didn’t know either before watching the show. Shiplap is basically wooden boards that fit together and “overlap,” usually on walls, fireplaces, etc. The only thing Joanna loves more than shiplap is painting it white.
[8] So gaudy. So not my style. It’s okay, Jojo: I still love you.
[9] Again, not my style. I don’t need a big “K” or “P” hanging on my wall to remind me that my name is Katie Puszka…
[10] ….but, Jo! Where is all the COLOR?! I will say, this is the one major “beef” I have with Joanna’s style decisions: She loves all thing white and very minimally uses color. Clearly someone needs to start reading my blog…
[11] Ahh… This is where it all started (and where I get my “antique brass” color tie in!) Joanna has a penchant for antique shopping. In fact, this is the staple for and foundation of all her designs. While I am a bit inexperienced in and skeptical of the process that is antique shopping, Jo tackles it like it’s her JOB (well, it is). Honestly, that woman can look through a hunk of metal crap and unearth the prettiest of treasures. In fact, many of the decorative items she uses were either found at antique malls or scrap yards: She is all about restoring things to their “original character” and charm and has a real knack for taking knickknacks and making them “work.” So here’s to you, Jo: This color-themed blog post is dedicated to you and all of the magic you can work with all things antique—brass or otherwise.
[12] ….Usually while trying to impress Joanna.
[13] Chip’s all about “that Dad bod” and has a weird proclivity for lifting his shirt and showing his, um, “moneymaker” (is not the right word…)
[14] Although a bit cliché, at the end of every episode without fail Chip will bring the kids by the renovated house with goodies in tow (usually Chipotle, pizza, coffee, or my recent favorite… cupcakes!) for a bit of design assistance and the kid/sugar-fueled “pick me up” that Joanna needs as she nears the end of the renovation process. Always something to look forward to.
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