Chip and Joanna Gainesjust aired the finale of their show “Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse,” and they brought along some famous friends to mark the occasion.
On the episode “Jo’s Surprise on Fixer Upper’s 10th Anniversary Reveal,” the Gaineses complete construction on the lake house, stage it, and tour the property with dozens of their friends and reunited “Fixer Upper” collaborators, including woodworker Clint Harp.
Also in attendance are pro football players Tim Tebow and Robert Griffin III. Both athletes did charitable renovation projects in previous seasons of the show and wanted to recognize all that this Waco, TX, couple has built in the 10 years since “Fixer Upper” debuted.
“’Fixer Upper’ is not just about homes,” Tebow says. “It’s about people’s lives and what y’all have done for hundreds and hundreds of families—you guys are an inspiration to so many.”
After Tebow and Griffin III roll back the giant reveal-day billboard that the original “Fixer Upper” show was known for, the group gets to explore the finished five-bedroom, five-bathroom, 5,100-square foot property overlooking Lake Waco.
While the lake house has sold, this show allows you to take a peek at how the lake house looked just before the sale. There are plenty of pro decorating tips Joanna drops during staging, and even more renovation lessons to learn from the final build that can be applied to your own home remodel, whether you plan to flip it or stay put.
Start with the rug when decorating
Once construction wraps, Chip passes the baton to Joanna, who gets going with her team on staging.
They start by debating which antique rug to place in front of the enlarged windows in the living room to complement the natural view. One is neutral, while the other is dark and rich in color. Both work—but tell “two very different stories.”
Ultimately, Jo thinks the colored one gets the vibe right.
“That’s why a rug is so important,” she notes. It “sets the tone for any space, and then you layer on all the pieces.”
So if you ever get stuck on where to begin when decorating, Jo’s go-to starting point in a room is the rug.
Landscape with longevity in mind
Outdoors, Joanna goes over the placement of the gravel and approves a formation of potted plants “that feels substantial” when grouped together.
In the backyard, she arranges a row of cacti plants and yellow flowers against the brick wall that frames part of the pool.
The hope is that as it all “grows up in the next three, five years, it’s this huge, beautiful statement that’s simple but ties to everything that’s going on with this home.”
This serves as a good reminder that you don’t need completely mature plants to create an impactful landscaping moment. Starting small and looking toward the future is a thoughtful strategy that literally grows with the home.
Highlight what the house already has
The running theme of this entire renovation has been restoring the lake house back to its 1960s aesthetic by way of modern upgrades to its existing features.
Joanna very deliberately kept many existing design features, including the “cherry wood shelving that’s a nod back to that midcentury design;” the living room fireplace that “already had that arch;” the old school “water fountain;” and the pool, which the Gaineses rehabbed instead of replacing.
In fact, Jo points out, “The pool was symbolic of the rest of the house—it’s like, work with what you got.” It’s sage advice for honoring the history of a home and saving money on a remodel.
Pop in a surprise pantry
While staying true to the lake house’s midcentury modern heritage, Joanna manages to incorporate a unique feature in the kitchen—a secret pantry.
The kitchen’s working wall comprises the refrigerator, storage, and a tucked-away walk-in pantry you wouldn’t know is there unless someone tips you off.
When Jo “was studying all this midcentury stuff, it was very minimal and clean but also super functional.”
The hidden pantry is all of those things—plus, it’s fun! And, it’s worth a try if you’d like an out-of-view spot to stash your mess.
Wood-paneled walls are groovy (again)
The recreation room is where Chip and Jo asked themselves, “How do we really play up midcentury so that when you step in, it feels like you’re stepping back in time?”
The answer? Wood paneling that was first in vogue in the 1960s and 70s.
Like most trends that skyrocket in popularity only to then fall out of favor, what goes around comes around; and the Gaineses absolutely embrace the return of wood-paneled walls in the rec room. They go with a beautiful cherry wood paneling and do a curved radius in the corner.
Combined with the corner fireplace and built-in seating that’s upholstered green, the wood panels bring the vintage 1960s lounge vibes to life. Plus, this design decision proves iconic styles from the past can feel contemporary once again.
Run design details through multiple rooms
Some elements of the lake house’s overhaul are more subtle—but no less transformative.
Joanna hangs the same textured wallpaper in several rooms throughout the home and uses brass rods in multiple spaces, such as the library’s gridded display wall and within the floating stairs.
Those unifying details add “that extra special thing that ties” everything together.
After showing off the finished property, Chip and Jo reflect on the significance of this project coinciding with the 10-year anniversary of “Fixer Upper.”
Jo declares “what a ride” it’s been, while Chip suggests they’re just getting started: “To 10 more years of ‘Fixer Upper’—and beyond!”
With the lake house now sold, these home renovation superstars certainly have plenty to celebrate.
“Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse” airs at 8 p.m. on Magnolia Network and HGTV and streams the same day on Max and discovery+.
