A household name, Chip Gaines, has turned ordinary homes into extraordinary spaces by sometimes breaking all the usual rules. You might know him as the hands-on fixer from HGTV’s “Fixer Upper,” but Chip’s creativity runs much deeper. Viewers often wonder whether he’s just making it up as he goes along, but his nonsensical approach to renovations time and again results in spectacular results.
In a world of knocking walls down and adding modern finishes, Chip has a knack for keeping things a little quirky without making homeowners unhappy. The results speak for themselves, but some of his choices might make traditional contractors scratch their heads. Here are 15 of Chip Gaines’ most daring home renovation choices: from salvaged materials to surprise design twists, these home improvement redefinitions have redefined what’s possible.
Practical, But Cozy
Chip can strike a balance between practical and warm, which is rare indeed. It’s not about aesthetics, it’s about making sure the space is working for the people that live in it. He designs a cozy, functional feel with families in mind. The idea is to make places where people can take their shoes off and live life.
Perfection and Charm
Chip is a little rough around the edges. He allows imperfections to enhance the home’s story, rather than the perfect polish. It’s all part of keeping his spaces authentic and relatable: whether a rustic beam with its original nails or a brick wall with uneven coloring. This might be a flaw to some, but Chip’s fans like the lived-in feel it creates.
Turning The Backyard Into an Extension of the Home
It’s another room that should have as much love as the interior, and Chip believes the backyard shouldn’t just be an afterthought. He’ll put in a fire pit, outdoor kitchen, or sitting area that mimics a living room extension. His outdoor spaces aren’t for show; they’re designed to be used all year round. In addition, a well-designed outdoor space can add more value to a home, making this a good practical choice.
Keeping Some of the Old
Chip is notorious for knocking down walls, but he’s a fan of keeping original features if they make the house better. If it has character, it stays: whether it’s an old fireplace, original wood floors, or a quirky built-in shelf. It can be the difference between a space that feels preserved or like a blank slate, and can help homeowners remember the story behind their walls.
Unexpected Room Conversions
One of Chip’s go-to moves is flipping a room’s purpose on its head. It’s like a garage that turned into a chic guest bedroom or an attic that’s been transformed into an airy office. But Chip sees potential in spaces that most would ignore or write off. He might install skylights and cheery walls instead of storing things in the attic, in place of making a little reading nook. However, it’s proof that every square inch in a house can be made to shine with a bit of imagination.
Turning Bathrooms Into Spas
Chip doesn’t think of bathrooms as just utilitarian spaces. Such extras as rain showerheads, freestanding tubs, and unusual tile patterns make them feel like places to chill out. He often upgrades with such. Designer Jonathan Adler seems to agree with the philosophy that bathrooms are a place where you can go a bit wild and transform these spaces into unexpected focal points, as Chip seems to agree.
Making Hallways Into Galleries
Chip turns hallways that most would see as paths through into art galleries or memory walls. He converts these spaces into spaces that are just as enjoyable as any other room by including family photos, artwork, or even peculiar wallpaper. It’s a reminder that every inch of a home needs a purpose, a personality you can feel as you move through the home.
Layering Textures for Depth
One of Chip’s secrets to giving a room a rich and inviting look is layering textures. He’ll place wood next to metal, stone with fabric, and offer a range of textures that will give the space depth. This approach doesn’t make rooms feel flat and one-dimensional. Instead, they have a warm, lived-in vibe that you want to sit back and stay awhile.
Mixing Modern With Vintage
Chip is a master at mixing new and old, making spaces that are fresh and classic. Imagine a sleek, modern kitchen next to an antique farmhouse table or an ultra-modern couch beside an ultra-modern fireplace. Combining these styles, Chip avoids the ‘catalog look,’ and each room feels as if it has been loved and lived in for years. He has a knack for mixing the old with the new, giving his designs depth and personality.
Reimagining the Mudroom
A mudroom may sound dull, but not in a Chip Gaines renovation. He’ll turn this normally overlooked space into a sleek and practical room that’s a pleasure to get through. Chip’s mudrooms have custom shelving, durable finishes, and sometimes a bright splash of color just to look good and to take a beating.
Embracing Local Influence
Chip always tries to pepper his designs with a bit of the local color. In Texas, it might be Southwestern or rustic; in the Northeast, nautical or vintage. He lets his spaces be shaped by regional influences, spaces that seem to be a product of the area and that speak to the homeowners.
Embracing Bold Patterns
Chip isn’t afraid to be bold, while many designers stick to neutral colors. He adds color and texture where you least expect it, from patterned wallpaper in odd places to vibrant floor tiles, in either daring or delightful ways. These choices give energy to rooms that may feel too staid, too conventional. Everything is about making a space that feels welcoming and alive, that feels like the homeowner’s personality in each corner.
Open-Concept With a Twist
Many people like open floor plans, but Chip doesn’t just tear down every wall he sees. Instead, he often fills in partial walls or installs sliding doors that can turn a space on a dime. It allows for open spaces when you want, but still gives you that cozy feeling. Homeowners have praised his approach for its versatility and warmth, and his approach gives families the option to separate rooms without feeling cramped.
Sliding Barn Doors in Unexpected Placements
Barn doors aren’t for the farm alone, and they’ve become a popular choice in homes all over the world, with Chip adding sliding doors to bathrooms, closets, and even bedrooms. This is a space-saving feature, and it adds a rustic touch to any room. Sliding doors are a little bit of drama and functionality that very few other design elements can match.
Salvaging Over Buying New
Chip likes to work with salvaged materials, so most renovators would go straight to a home improvement store. His designs include reclaimed wood, vintage tiles, or even an old farmhouse door, all of which lend each home an individual touch. This is a great way to add character, and it’s also a high-cost and waste-cutter. The EPA’s study of salvaged materials use in home renovations shows that the environmental impact of home renovations can be significantly lowered, which is the very thing that Chip believes in: taking old things and giving them new life.
