Fixer Upper star Joanna Gaines is known for her enthusiasm when it comes to home renovation, but some projects are just a tough nut to crack as the star admitted in her latest edition of The Magnolia Journal. The interior designer weighed in on one of her latest projects in the release, detailing how it took a toll on her and husband Chip Gaines.
The journal featured an essay Joanna penned about renovating a 1913 castle her husband bought in their hometown. She also highlighted these renovations in the latest season of her spin-off, Fixer Upper: The Castle.
Joanna recalled how Chip recognized the potential of the property from the onset. Even after remaining run down and vacant for years and becoming an abode for animals, with walls covered in graffiti, the 47-year-old remained passionate about undertaking the daunting task of making it into a home.
Despite Chip’s determination, he worries more about the unavoidable home renovation process that must follow the acquisition of such properties, especially one with years of history and backstory attached to it. Although the couple submitted several bids for the property every time it hit the market in the last 20 years, it only became theirs in 2019. She explained:
“With every offer that wasn’t accepted, I took a breath of relief. Not because I didn’t want Chip’s dream to come true or because I didn’t want to step into this castle’s legacy and write our own chapter in its unfolding story. That’s the kind of work Chip and I live for.”
Joanna Gaines Talks Home Renovation Process On The Magnolia Journal
Joanna Gaines explained that she returned to the building’s German origins throughout the home renovation process. She studied the German castle that served as the model for its original design and constantly sought ways to maintain the captivating details while making it modern and fit for a family.
Compared to her previous renovations on Fixer Upper, which had actual families, she had to make up an imaginary family to suit the narrative she wanted for the home. The family she made up was that of an elderly couple who enjoyed hosting visitors and playing cards while sipping wine. Focusing on this family helped her figure out the ideal reinvention the space needed. Overall, the tasking journey taught Joanna and her husband an important lesson, which she rehearsed:
“Sometimes, the things forgotten in life don’t need a reinvention but just a little dusting off. And the deep-seated dreams within you and me are worth holding on to. Yes, even the ones 20 years in the making.”
The spring edition of The Magnolia Journal will hit newsstands and online platforms on February 10, 2023, with a more insightful look into the star’s journey of flipping properties.