From Scrappy Barn to Modern Charm
On this episode of Fixer Upper: Welcome Home, we worked with Eddie and Lili to transform their old horse barn into a home for their oldest son.
Eddie and Lili are a husband and wife realtor team here in Waco, Texas, but they're also veterans of the armed forces, and we were so excited to help them with this special project for their family. Their son, Alex, started college this year and also has plans to join the army. They wanted to convert the unused horse barn on their property into a home for Alex so that he can enjoy his own space while he’s in school. Long term, Eddie and Lili have dreams of offering this space as a refuge for veterans who need a place to stay.
We wanted to take some creative chances with the design and transform this space into the open and inviting home the family had envisioned. The footprint of the barn itself wasn’t very big, but with an open concept living area, beautiful views, and an expansive front porch, this house is small but mighty, and we can’t wait for you to see how it came to life!
— Chip + Jo
Materials + Design Elements
Exterior: Before + After
what we updated:
- Fully enclosed the barn to create a designated entryway, added a front porch with pine ceiling and cedar beams, and installed all new landscaping
- Rebuilt the roofline to create a steeper peak and added a new metal roof to match the main home on the property
- Replaced siding with board and batten (painted in Pond StoneOpens in new tab, a cool charcoal hue with green undertones)
- Added three sets of French doors to the front of the home to allow for more natural light to filter in
- Added metal, industrial-style exterior sconces to both sides of the front door
Entry: Before + After
what we updated:
- Poured and stained concrete floors throughout the house
- Installed white oak exposed ceiling feature to add warmth and contrast to the concrete floors
- Incorporated mid-century elements like wall sconces and wall art to complement the overall style of the interior
Living Room: Before + After
paint on walls — Blanched - Interior Paint from Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines, paint on doors and trusses — Blackboard - Trim, Door + Cabinetry Paint from Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines
Dining Room: Before + After
what we updated:
- Added four custom metal trusses to the ceiling
- Installed a 12-foot-wide fixed window to provide more natural light
- Brought in a wood-burning stove and custom-built a metal log holder
- Added two sets of custom black plank barn doors with inset brass door pulls
- Hung a Sputnik-style antique chandelier above the dining table to help define the space and set it apart within the open concept living area
Kitchen: Before + After
what we updated:
- Added a glass side door from the kitchen to access the driveway and French doors to access the front porch
- Built three casement windows above the sink and installed new sconces above them
- Added all-new white oak cabinets with plank style doors and white oak floating shelves
- Installed infinity black quartzite countertops with a dry-stacked zellige tile backsplash
- Incorporated industrial-style, matte black finishes, including new plumbing fixtures, a metal vent hood, and raw steel cabinet pulls
Office: Before + After
what we updated:
- Painted the walls and trim a dark green hue to create dimension and depth in this smaller space
- Added a white oak tongue-and-groove ceiling to bring in warmth and texture
- Installed an oversized modern black light fixture for additional interest
Primary Bedroom: Before + After
what we updated:
- Painted the wall and trim the same color as the exterior to create consistency
- Added a white oak tongue-and-groove ceiling to add warmth and dimension
before + after photography taken by Lisa Petrole
