Ep 2. Home Away From Home

In season 3 episode 2 of Fixer Upper, entitled "Home Away From Home," the dynamic duo of Chip and Joanna Gaines take on a big project for a family that is about to welcome their mother home from Thailand. The family currently lives in a four-bedroom house but needs more space to accommodate their mother's arrival, so they purchase a five-bedroom home that is a bit outdated.

The house is designed in a colonial style with traditional architecture, including exterior columns and dome-shaped roofs. But inside, the design is stuck in the '90s with lots of brass fixtures, dark paint, and wall-to-wall carpeting. The family enlists Chip and Joanna to bring the home into the present, while still maintaining its classic charm.

The Gaines' first order of business is to open up the living space, which currently has a formal sitting room and a separate family room. They decide to knock down a wall between the two rooms to create an open-concept space that is perfect for entertaining. Joanna designs a custom-built-in shelving unit that will help define the space and give the family a place to showcase their treasures.

Next, the Gaines' focus on the kitchen, which is dark and closed off from the rest of the house. They decide to remove a wall that separates the kitchen from the dining area to create an open floor plan. Joanna's design for the new kitchen is light and airy, with warm wood floors, white cabinets, subway tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances.

The master bedroom is another important space for the family, as it will be where their mother will stay when she comes to visit. Chip and Joanna decide to add a fireplace to the room to make it more cozy and inviting, and Joanna designs a custom headboard and bedding to give the space a luxurious feel.

Throughout the house, Chip and Joanna work to update the finishes, including new light fixtures, fresh paint, and updated hardware. They also add a new deck in the backyard for the family to enjoy.

Overall, "Home Away From Home" is a heartwarming episode that showcases Chip and Joanna's talent for transforming outdated spaces into functional and beautiful homes. The family is thrilled with the results, and viewers will be too.