This is my favorite hgtv show, but does anyone else get tired of seeing the exact same designs/decor for every house?
I know Joanna has said before that she loves French country chic because it's 'timeless,' but there's other ways to decorate timelessly.
There's only been one house that was somewhat different - the modern home - but she still decorated very country.
I get that it's her speciality but I hope she starts switching it up more.
I agree. When this show first started, I loved it and watched quite a few episodes. Now, I just watch occasionally. I honestly can't put my finger on why, but I know it has to do with the way the houses are decorated. Yes, they look great, but - I don't know if this makes sense - too "magazine-y?" They don't look comfortable to me, like I would be afraid to actually live in the place for fear of messing it up. I still enjoy the show, but it's kind of like Property Brothers, every house is styled the same.
shareand what was up with that one house where they put 12 clocks in the kitchen?
🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴
I hope one of the clocks was the kind that looks like a black cat and it's tail and eyes move back and forth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lyChWkScE4
shareI know what you and Brook mean. I found it interesting that Joanna has even referred to it has "staging" the houses when she decorates them. She does have a lot of signature touches, like the old books, candles, pillows, rustic chandeliers, etc. But I do love that she finds old pieces and repurposes them, and she comes up with some cool decorating ideas, like the old picket fence used as wall art.
I can usually find a few things in each house that I really like, unlike with Property Brothers. Their style is just too modern. Joanna's is warm and inviting, and I love that she goes for the neutral walls and keeps everything light and fresh. That being said, it would be nice if she mixed things up a bit, and added some richer colors and bolder touches here and there.
With all these HGTV shows, I notice that at first, they are quite good. Then, after a few episodes, the patterns emerge, and eventually I lose interest. I got over Love It or List It really quick, and Property Brothers followed soon after.
I've seen all the episodes of Fixer Upper, and so far I still really like it. But this show does have what the others don't, and that of course is the great relationship between Chip and Joanna, and their family. Really, could they be any cuter?
You're cruisin' for a beatin', Wheaton!
Yes, it seems way too magazine-staged. Some pieces just don't seem... practical, or something. Lol. Like she put these rusted out lockers in a living room, and it just looked really ugly. I like the idea of repurposing but stuff like that doesn't go in 'normal' houses. It's mostly for looks and not really functional, I guess.
I like how she uses light colors and overall I do like the rustic look. But I think after a while people will get tired of seeing the same thing every episode:
"Let's open up this wall which will cost $2,000" (ummm...)
"Insert big wooden beam here"
"Make every porch look the same with more wooden beams and no railings"
"Let's do open shelving in the kitchen!"
Still it's a great show but ughhh!
"Let's do open shelving in the kitchen!"
I can't imagine how dusty those dishes get from the open shelving. Ugh. And yes I cry every time red brick gets painted over, too! I'd consider red brick more 'classic' than painted brick. Also lets not forget- "we'll update the mantle by placing a wooden beam above it" lol
shareLol, the beam! And people go crazy for it, like it's so intricate. I do prefer a more traditional mantle, but I guess that's not country enough.
shareYes! I want to cry, too every time someone talks about painting brick.
"...fly away, fly away, fly away home..."
To be honest I think that she mostly does the rustic decor and French country chic because that is what her clients GO to her for and pick the Gaines because they are wanting that style in their homes.
shareI would agree with that. And of course, I'm sure there is much more discussion we don't see. When Joanna is talking about how she is going to redo the house, I would think if a client said 'Hold up Jojo, ain't no way you're painting over that cool brick" or "No thanks, we really don't want a pergola", I would hope that she would listen.
You're cruisin' for a beatin', Wheaton!
Oh I definitely agree that the house buyer discusses their style with Joanna before the process begins, we just don't see it. Also I don't think they'd go to her if they didn't like her style. But it's clear she decorating off her own preferences (look at her house).
I also read on her blog that she stages the houses: some of the buyers buy the furniture but most don't. So if that's the case, I'd rather see the house unfurnished and then maybe have a 'few months later' update showing the owner put their own style into the home. But it certainly explains why a lot of the furniture in the houses look similar.
Oh that's interesting. I assumed that the clients would change some things, but I didn't realize that most of it wasn't kept. I also assumed that it was all part of the package; I didn't know they had to pay extra.
shareWhen Joanna is talking about how she is going to redo the house, I would think if a client said 'Hold up Jojo, ain't no way you're painting over that cool brick" or "No thanks, we really don't want a pergola", I would hope that she would listen.
I'm definitely tired of the "stressed", country chic look... I can handle a little bit thrown in here and there - I have to guess that's her "signature" look, but then how does that make the client leaving a mark of their own in the new house if they're getting the Gaines' signature "country chic look"?
I still like the show because the hosts are married with 4 kids... I just appreciate that part and Chip is one FUNNY guy!
can't outrun your own shadow
I would love to buy a home in Waco and have Jojo redesign it in her style, then decorate it with my furniture and my "stuff".
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Be kinder than necessary. J.M. Barrie
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Candice Olson was the only designer HGTV ever had who wasn't hidebound to a particular style. If a client wanted French Country, that is exactly what they got. If another wanted Mid-century modern, they got it and it was beautifully done at that. A designer should be flexible to meet the needs of the client; a client should not be hampered or restricted in their choices for their own home by the preferences of a designer. At the same time, a home owner should never hire a one-note designer. If they are known for a particular style and that style is something you don't want, avoid them. In that sense, I guess everyone in Waco just loves French Country chic, since it is my understanding that clients who appear on Fixer Upper must agree to whatever Joanna wants to do---they are not allowed to say they don't like this or that particular design choice. [I hated that one time Joanna ripped out perfectly good original windows so she could install new windows lower on the wall. Meanwhile, a much needed master bath remodel had to be sacrificed. I would have thrown a hissy fit had I been the client] Joanna makes a few small concessions to the clients' tastes but overall it's HER design alone. I would NEVER hire a designer who seems incapable of giving me a choice in how my home is designed.
shareWow I did not know that about Joanna being so uncompromising. It's interesting because my sister works in the lighting industry and has a great design aesthetic, and I've often told her she should be an interior designer. She has said that one of the main reasons she wouldn't is because she would not want to compromise her work for the clients.
Get off the cross, we need the wood
Theres nothing wrong with being uncompromising if it works. Its just that the show has become a little predictable. Very formulaic they need to change things a little
Sweet family time ends with "Now kids Mom and Dad have to go look at some houses with clients"
three houses
A phone call while Chip is doing something
They choose one
Joanna shows them the plans she worked up at the farm and offers a cookie
Three options for 2500-3000
DEMO Day hilarity ensues
There's a problem that will cost 3-4000 to fix
SHIPLAP
Visit to antique shop
Visit to Clint
finish up repairs
Chip and the kids visit Joanna while she slaves away late into the night
Are You all ready to see your Fixer upper?"
"You're 30000 upside right"
They love the house
Repeat
I love the show and love Jo and Chip but maybe mix it up a little somewhat
NAILED IT.
Get off the cross, we need the wood
You left out the giant clock. Every house needs a giant clock.
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