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Behind the Design of the Lakehouse

by Magnolia
Published on May 31, 2024

Chip and Joanna Gaines smile in front of their newest fixer upper, a lake house in Waco, Texas.

Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse premieres this Sunday! Here, we’re sharing how to watch the first episode, along with a glimpse into Chip and Jo’s approach to tackling their latest fixer and the design inspiration that brought it all together.

Chip and Joanna Gaines sit on a fireplace ledge against a white wall in their newest project, Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse.

This year marks one whole decade since Fixer Upper began. It only felt right that the cherry on top of our 10-year journey was a project unlike any other…a lake house in Waco! Chip has always wanted to flip one, but previous prospects have either been too pricey or sold too quickly. His long-held dream finally came to fruition when we found this property nestled among the trees of Lake Waco. Discovered at just the right time, there was something about this place that felt significant, like it was meant to be.

After more than eight months of renovations and working to uncover the home’s original design, we were reminded, once again, that it's not always necessary to reinvent the wheel. What’s been there from the beginning has a beauty all its own, and we can’t wait for you to see how that story unfolds this summer! –Jo

A Look Inside

Joanna Gaines stands next to Chip Gaines inside the home featured on Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse.
Joanna Gaines wades into a dirty pool, as seen on Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse.
Chip and Joanna Gaines talk inside their renovation project, Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse.

Built in 1965, this custom home combines two prominent design influences: Spanish Revival and mid-century modern. The property underwent a major remodel in the ‘90s and lost some of its original charm, but still had good bones. At the start of this project, Chip, Jo, and the team made it a goal to blend the first owner’s vision with new finishes and functionalities, using original blueprints and photos as a guide.

Surrounded by samples, Joanna Gaines works on selecting the design elements for Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse.

This retreat-like home spans over 5,000 square feet and sits on a 1.5-acre property, including a large outdoor area with a pool, patio, and plenty of gathering space. Without a specific buyer on the end, Jo imagined what family might live here someday and kept them in mind as she and the team made design decisions.

Materials + Design Elements

Samples of materials and design elements from Fixer Upper: The Castle sit on a beige background.

Inside and out, the lake house nods to mid-century style with minimalist, clean lines and a low-pitched roof, as well as Spanish Revival influence with arches and natural materials. Throughout the home, the furniture, millwork, color palette, and finishes were all chosen to reflect the ‘60s era in which it was built. Warm-toned paneling, terrazzo flooring, plastered texture, rich terracotta, and earthy green hues all come together to create an approach that’s equal parts fresh and familiar.

Magnolia Home Paint: The Lakehouse Collection

Inspired by the renovation, Jo curated a collection of nature-forward paint colors that capture the home’s lakeside setting and mid-century style. You can bring these seven bold, yet comforting, hues into your own space here on magnolia.com—or find them at ACE and Lowe's.

Seven paint cans.
SHOP LAKEHOUSE PAINT COLORS

Watch it Come to Life

Chip Gaines demos Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse.

Over the next three weeks, watch how Chip and Jo restore this unique home to its former beauty with a modern point of view. Two new episodes will premiere every Sunday at 8/7c on Magnolia Network and be available for streaming on Max and discovery+.