Fixer Upper: Behind the Design Season 1 Episode 8 The Morrison House

The episode titled "The Morrison House" is the eighth episode of the first season of Fixer Upper: Behind the Design. The episode follows the famous home renovation duo, Joanna and Chip Gaines, as they take on a special project of designing a house for their family friends.

The Morrison House is a special project as the home belongs to Joanna's lifelong friend, Jilly Morrison. The Morrisons have been living in the house for many years, and it holds a lot of memories. However, they wanted to revamp the house and make it more modern and functional while retaining the traditional charm of the property.

In this episode, the audience gets to see Joanna and Chip work their magic as they take on the challenge of bringing new life to the old house. The episode opens with Joanna walking the audience through the house, taking note of the elements that need to be preserved and the areas that need improvement. She points out the beautiful arches and the need for more natural lighting in the house. The audience also gets to see the Morrison family narrate their experience living in the house and the changes they want to bring about.

Joanna and Chip's design philosophy involves making spaces more functional and comfortable while incorporating the client's style and personality. In this project, they had to keep in mind Jill's love for the old-world charm while making the space modern and comfortable. Joanna's design plans included knocking down some walls to create an open living and dining space, getting rid of some of the dated fixtures, and adding more lighting to make the space appear more spacious.

The episode showcases the challenges that come with redesigning an old house. For instance, Joanna and Chip had to deal with the outdated electrical wiring and the plumbing systems that needed replacement. They also had to find a way to incorporate the unique features of the old house while making it more modern and functional.

As with all Fixer Upper episodes, the audience is treated to some inspiring renovation scenes. The episode highlights the beautiful transformation of the house's living space, kitchen, master bedroom, and ensuite. Joanna and Chip incorporate modern yet classic design elements into every part of the house, including beautiful wood finishes, stunning light fixtures, unique accent walls, and comfortable furniture.

Throughout the episode, viewers get to see the level of detail that goes into the renovation process. From sourcing materials to selecting the right furniture pieces, Joanna and Chip's attention to detail is unrivaled. For example, the Gaines' team sourced a kitchen sink that matched the old-world charm of the house while still looking modern.

Additionally, the episode reveals the emotional impact of the project on everyone involved. The Morrisons, particularly Jilly, were emotional seeing their old house transform into a beautiful, modern space that still held the treasured memories of their family. Joanna and Chip's determination to make their friend's vision a reality made the project an extra special one.

In summary, "The Morrison House" is an inspiring episode that showcases Joanna and Chip's design prowess and commitment to delivering client's visions. The episode reminds viewers why Fixer Upper was a staple renovation show and why Joanna and Chip were fan favorites. It also highlights the beauty of preserving the old-world charm while making spaces functional and comfortable for modern livability.