Fixer Upper: Behind the Design

Fixer Upper: Behind the Design is a splendid show from HGTV that first hit the screens in 2018. It is a companion series to the popular Fixer Upper and offers a detailed, behind-the-scenes viewpoint into the design strategies, process, and execution used by Joanna Gaines, half of the dynamic Gaines duo.

Joanna Gaines is famed for her unparalleled aesthetic vision, incredible creativity, and unwavering commitment to rejuvenating homes in dire need of transformation. From dilapidated houses to those merely tired and requiring an upgrade, Gaines treats all the properties with the same dedication and enthusiasm, making it possible to reveal their hidden potential and bring forth something fabulous from the ordinary.

As the title suggests, the series goes behind the scenes to present an intimate look at how Joanna brings her distinctive, laid-back, and chic design sensibility to the homes featured on the show. This fascinating dive into her design process makes the show a must-watch for homeowners, interior design enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Within each episode of Fixer Upper: Behind the Design, viewers are privileged to view how Joanna unearths the story of each home and its owners, discovering their unique requirements, hopes, and dreams for the property. She then uses these insights to plan her design strategy, taking into account the owners' lifestyle, the home's architectural elements, and the historic or cultural background of the house or its location.

Besides Joanna's in-depth discussion about the design elements and an individual room’s transformation, the show also provides an exclusive look at how she works with her dedicated team of professionals to address every nitty-gritty of home design. They tackle everything, from selecting the color schemes, textiles, furniture, fixtures, and focal points right down to the tiniest details like drawer knobs!

Viewing Fixer Upper: Behind the Design is truly like getting a personal masterclass in home renovation and design. It sheds light on the importance of having a holistic, comprehensive design perspective while also emphasizing the details that add personality and soul to a room. Also, throughout the series, Joanna shares tips and ideas that viewers can use in their homes, regardless of their design style or budget.

Each episode includes a pre-reveal tour with Joanna, where she addresses the challenges posed by each home. Post-reveal segments focus on the specific design elements in each room. At times, specifics such as custom built-ins, exquisite bathrooms, impressive kitchens, transformed outdoor spaces, incredible carpentry elements, or restored original features of the home, are given detailed focus.

It's not just Joanna's design prowess and inspirational execution that make this show memorable. The Gaines' beloved hometown of Waco, Texas, is the backdrop for the design transformations, which often epitomize her signature style defined by subtle color palettes, rustic yet refined furnishings, and the incorporation of innovative and repurposed materials.

The warmth and love that she and her husband Chip have for their community and their clients are evident throughout the series. Their camaraderie and shared passion for making people’s dream homes come true create an emotional connection that has viewers rooting for every client's home transformation.

Fixer Upper: Behind the Design is not simply about transforming houses into picture-perfect homes. It's about creating spaces that reflect the people living in them, their memories and dreams. It's about the belief that there is a potential charm and beauty in every home, even the ones that seem beyond repair at first glance.

The show offers a captivating insight into Joanna's design process, decisions, and nuances. It provides a unique window into this world, dispelling the notion that design is an opaque and unapproachable realm. Instead, Fixer Upper: Behind the Design positions home design as something accessible and enjoyable, regardless of one's prior knowledge or experience.

To sum up, this delightful series brings design enthusiasts closer to understanding the art behind gorgeous, functional, and comfortable spaces. It's a treasure trove of design inspiration, expert advice, and tasteful creativity. Much more than a simple behind-the-scenes show, Fixer Upper: Behind the Design is a celebration of the transformative power of imagination, thoughtful design, and hard work in turning houses into "homes".