A year ago, we purchased a house, and not long after, I stumbled upon the addictive world of home renovations thanks to the HGTV show Fixer Upper. If you haven’t watched it yet, consider yourself warned. You’ll find yourself racing to the nearest flea market to hunt for reclaimed wood shelving and, before you know it, you’ll be tearing down your walls, dreaming of discovering shiplap hidden underneath.
What’s shiplap, you ask? I had no clue either, but now I crave it. I need shiplap, subway tiles, a cozy warm-gray color scheme, and vintage lighting fixtures. I fantasize about shopping at Magnolia Market and loading up on all the goodies, despite the fact that it’s a staggering 1,898 miles away from my home. (Yes, I actually checked the distance.) Forget that; I’m ready to relocate to Waco, Texas!
No one else but Chip and Joanna Gaines could inspire millions of people to consider moving to Waco. It’s honestly incredible.
I’ve always enjoyed HGTV programming—the playful banter of Love It or List It, the exotic locations of House Hunters International, the charming Property Brothers, and the even more charming Cousins Undercover. But nothing ignites my DIY spirit quite like Chip and Jo. With every episode, it feels as if Jo has tapped into my dreams and created my ideal home. She understands my style perfectly.
I often daydream about Joanna walking into my home in her stylish attire, suggesting which walls to knock down. I can picture Chip breezing in, radiating his boyish charm and goofy humor, ready to overhaul our house while still preserving its 1930s character. If they knocked on my door tomorrow, I’d have no qualms about gutting the place and discarding everything that doesn’t align with Jo’s and my vision of domestic bliss.
Sure, the staging on the show is all for theatrics. And yes, the new homeowners are left to figure out what to do with all their belongings. Plus, let’s not ignore the fact that we don’t have $85,000 for a full renovation, especially given that housing costs in our area are three times what they are in Waco. But shiplap, people. That’s all that matters.
Home renovation shows like Fixer Upper can feel a bit tyrannical, can’t they? While I adore them, I know deep down that my love stems from their ability to play on our desires. Those HGTV producers are experts at tapping into our dreams. Beautiful homes, striking before-and-after transformations, and rooms meticulously styled down to the last book on the shelf—how could we resist? They make us yearn for it and convince us we can achieve it ourselves.
However, they rarely capture the true essence of home improvement. My partner and I have stripped a bathroom down to its studs, painted every room, redone moldings, and refinished furniture. Let me tell you, those projects take way longer than an hour, even with commercial breaks! The shows compress the process into unrealistic timelines and budgets. Why does a renovated kitchen cost $10,000 in one episode and $25,000 in another? And where’s the footage of the renovators making multiple trips to the hardware store for parts they forgot? Six weeks for a complete renovation? They must have a small army helping them to meet those deadlines. Do those crew salaries factor into the budget? I think not.
Of course, the shows throw in a little drama—a surprise asbestos situation or a load-bearing wall that wasn’t on the radar. For a brief moment, you worry that the project will stall. But then, as if by magic, someone finds the money to fix the problem, and everything returns to normal right after a commercial break! In reality, that would involve a week of phone calls, waiting for estimates, budget calculations, and potentially months of delays. But who cares, right? We adore the neatly packaged hour-long narratives and the big reveal at the end.
We’re drawn to Chip and Joanna because they embody the charm and style we aspire to. Joanna is stunning and exceptionally talented; Chip is the industrious, funny husband we all want; their kids are adorable; their farm is a slice of Americana; and we can’t help but want to live vicariously through their picture-perfect lives.
Maybe they make house calls? 1,898 miles isn’t really that far, is it? On their show, that distance would feel like a quick jaunt. Come on, Chip and Jo. Show me the shiplap. I’m ready for my own fixer upper!
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In summary, Joanna Gaines has become a symbol of inspiration for home improvement enthusiasts everywhere. Her ability to connect with viewers and create beautiful spaces is unparalleled, making her my ultimate design muse.