Ep 15. Rustic Italian Dream Home

In Fixer Upper season 4 episode 15, viewers are given a glimpse into a Rustic Italian Dream Home renovation. Chip and Joanna Gaines take on the task of revamping a 1940s-era house that has potential, despite its current state of disrepair. The homeowners are a couple who are from Italy, and they want their Texas abode to have elements of their native land.

The Gaines' initial evaluation of the home reveals that it has some good bones, but it is in dire need of significant changes. The dark exterior has no real character, and the interior is cramped and lacking in the openness that the owners desire. The renovation will, therefore, need to focus on creating a rustic Italian-inspired design while opening up the spaces and maximizing flow.

Joanna's design plan begins with brightening the house's exterior using light-colored paint and adding warm wood accents. The couple already has an envy-inducing porch, but Joanna enhances it by adding comfortable outdoor seating and greenery that creates a natural oasis. The porch is the perfect spot for guests to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Inside the home, the Gaines' strategy is to open up the cramped spaces by removing walls and adding more windows to let light in. Joanna's design incorporates warm, earthy tones completed by selecting stone and wood elements, all of which lend an Italian-inspired feel to the design. A key aspect of Joanna's design is giving the homeowners the high-functioning kitchen they so desperately desire. The custom island has the necessary storage and seating while serving as a central gathering spot for family and friends.

With the design finalized, it's time for Chip to get to work. He braves the Texas heat and begins the outdoor renovation, laying bricks to create a grand entrance. The transformation begins to take shape, and by day's end, a stunning archway is formed that rivals the Tuscan villa-style homes that inspired Joanna's design.

Once the exterior is in place, Chip moves onto the interior renovation. He tears down walls, removes the dated stonework in the fireplace, and ensures that the natural light floods into each room. Throughout the process, the couple remains excited and invested in the renovation, with the husband even lending a helping hand here and there.

As progress is made, the homeowners start to see their Rustic Italian Dream Home vision come to life. Joanna's design elements, such as the fireplace's new stone mantle and the open floor plan, bring the warmth and coziness desired. The kitchen is the shining star, however, it is a central focal point with all of the necessary storage, working surfaces, and appliances. The bifold doors in the living room, which lead to the porch, give an authentic touch and create the perfect space for entertaining guests.

As the project nears completion, the couple is thrilled with their Rustic Italian Dream Home. With its cozy, inviting spaces, the house is the perfect blend of Italy and Texas. Every room in the home has a distinctly Italian feel, thanks to Joanna's and Chip's collaborative work on the renovation. The homeowners have been on quite a journey with Chip and Joanna, and as they walk into their new home, they know that they have the perfect Texas plus Italy oasis.