12 Chip Gaines Home Renovation Ideas Even Fans Don’t Get

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Chip Gaines has us looking at home renovation in an entirely different light. Whether it be reviving shiplap walls or embracing rustic touches, he’s the kind of creative renovator who’s always surprising fans, even those who think they’ve seen it all. It’s more than renovations that Chip does, he reinvents the idea of home. But he also has some ideas that even the most ardent fans have to scratch their heads about — either because they’re too out there or just plain outlandish.

In this piece, we’re going deep on some of Chip’s more mysterious and sometimes controversial renovation choices. Whether you’re a fan or raising an eyebrow, you’ve got to admit these ideas demonstrate his dedication to doing things his own way and keeping the audience guessing.

Reclaimed Materials

Chip’s love of reclaimed materials is no secret, but sometimes they come out a little ‘lived in’ to the point that some fans aren’t too thrilled. Chip will take a piece of barn wood with scratches all over it, or brick that has a weathered and uneven look to it, and design with it. . Many agree, but some of his fans hope he buffs things up a bit more.

Mixed Metals Everywhere

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Chip Gaines’s trademark is combining different metal finishes, but fans are left scratching their heads when he does so. A bold design choice can be bronze with chrome or gold with brushed nickel, but it can be crazy chaotic. According to a study, “Mixing metals can increase perceived depth in a room,” which is exactly what Chip’s all about. While fans may not agree, Chip’s style is anything but predictable.

Odd Places Floor to Ceiling Windows

Floor to ceiling windows are great for amazing views or a light filled room. Chip sometimes puts them somewhere you would never think of, like behind the kitchen counter, or in the bathroom. This brings in light and makes spaces feel open, but fans occasionally find that it’s a bit too much exposure in private spaces. After all, Chip swears by the way it improves on the natural ambiance.

Statement Lighting in Every Room

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Chip won’t miss a statement lighting. Every room is suffused with a special glow, thanks to him hanging super big chandeliers in bathrooms, or putting pendant lights in hallways. These choices are fun, but not everyone is crazy about the additional attention any of these lighting fixtures require. For fans who prefer more subtle designs, they may see them as too over the top.

Paint Colors in Unexpected Rooms

Most fans expect Chip to stay neutral with palettes of soft whites, muted greys, and beige. He’ll throw wild color choices in every now and then, like navy ceilings in a bedroom or sage green cabinetry in a bathroom. His approach keeps his designs lively, but it can be jarring to fans who like his usual, toned down style. It’s definitely not for everyone, but Chip insists it brings personality.

Indoor Greenhouses or Plant Nooks

A dedicated indoor greenhouse or a plant nook is a dream to plant lovers, but wasted space to others. Chip regularly designs spaces rich with rich greenery, walls completely covered with climbing plants, or huge pots of fiddle leaf figs. He thinks it gives life and vibrancy to a home and purifies the air, but for the less green thumbed fans, it’s hard to see the point of so much indoor foliage.

Oversized Kitchen Islands That Double as Workstations

Chip likes big kitchen islands, sometimes as much bigger than most people would imagine necessary. These islands are also used as meal prep stations; he often includes some desk space, bookshelves, or a little seating nook. It’s a clever multifunctional thing, but some fans are overkill, especially when it takes up half the kitchen.

Unexpected Partitions in Open Floor Plans

Receiving rave reviews over the years, open floor plans have been a fan favourite but Chip usually throws a curve ball by adding partitions or even half walls in unexpected places. Wide, spacious layouts are what fans are used to, but Chip sometimes goes for nooks and crannies that create character — and a little privacy. The idea is all about setting up ‘zones’ within the open concept, which makes big rooms feel cozier and more functional. People might not be expecting that, but it comes with his charm.

Unusual Outdoor Space

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Chip often muddles the difference between inside and out, so patios feel like living rooms. These spaces are cozy, homey, with fire places, full sofas and even rugs, but they can be hard to keep clean with weather and dirt. There’s appreciated creativity but also questions of practicality in this indoor outdoor blend. For Chip, it’s about creating places that feel just as comfortable on the outside as they do inside.

Traditional Backsplash Selections

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As with kitchens, Chip fans hope that he will opt for classic subway tile or rustic wood. He’s often playful with tile but occasionally surprises with bold backsplashes made of metal, reclaimed wood or even mosaic tiles. It’s a new way to do things, but not everyone is buying into these untraditional options. It’s all about letting the kitchen’s personality shine through even if it’s a little unexpected, for Chip.

Unusual Bathroom Fixtures

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Chip doesn’t just renovate bathrooms; he makes them fun, quirky and unexpected. He loves adding touches that feel more at home in a farmhouse than a modern residence from vintage clawfoot tubs to sinks made from repurposed barrels. It keeps bathrooms interesting, but not everyone is into the ‘rough around the edges’ thing.

Rustic Beams in Modern Spaces

Chip’s love of rustic beams is well documented, but some fans still don’t quite get why beams are so cool in ultra modern spaces. And even in otherwise sleek and modern homes, he believes these beams add a touch of warmth and history. He’s using his way of grounding the space and making the old link to the new. This mix of styles is a bit jarring for fans used to nice clean modern lines, however.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.