Fix This Barn Into A Home | Season 7

Written by Jenny Marrs on January 29, 2026. Posted in Fixer to Fabulous, Season 7.

From the moment we met Amber, it was clear how special she is. We were so grateful for the opportunity to partner with Habitat for Humanity and help her achieve the dream of homeownership. Amber worked incredibly hard, putting in countless hours of sweat equity to earn this home for herself and her kids.

What began as a plan to turn an old barn into a house for Amber, her twelve-year-old daughter Addie, and her toddler Andrew eventually took a different turn. We changed course and built a brand-new three-bedroom, two-bathroom home designed for this season of their lives.

I love how this house turned out. It’s a classic, all-American family home, and Dave and I are so excited for the memories we know Amber will create here with her children.

Exterior

BEFORE

Originally, the plan was to renovate the old barn by removing the metal siding and using its existing metal beams as the frame for the new house. But we ran into an issue when we learned the sewer line sat at the same level as the barn, which meant we needed to raise the home’s foundation. In the end, we had to remove the barn structure entirely and start over with a new build on a raised foundation.

It wasn’t what we had planned, but it turned out to be for the better. Starting fresh allowed us to design a traditional Craftsman home, which we painted a modern deep blue we knew Amber would love. The white trim and classic brick bring warmth and contrast, grounding the home while still keeping it fresh.

We added a classic front porch with rocking chairs and a swing. I can easily picture Amber sitting with her kids, enjoying the view of the new tree they planted together in the front yard. There’s plenty of room for Andrew to run and play and for Addie to practice soccer. The front steps include two special bricks—one with their names and another with the year the house was built. My hope is that these small, personal touches help this house feel even more like home for Amber and her kids.

AFTER

SOURCES

Flag | Allegiance Flag Supply

Exterior Lanterns | Kichler

Windows | Simonton by Cornerstone Building Brands

Ductless HVAC Unit | Daikin

HVAC Installation | Bud Anderson

Siding Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal

Trim Paint Color | Benjamin Moore White Dove

Kitchen

The kitchen has a farmhouse feel, with stainless steel appliances, stone countertops, a large island, and a tiled backsplash. Amber didn’t ask for anything specific, but as we got to know her, we learned she loved the color blue. We chose a soft blue for the cabinets and paired it with a cream-colored, checkered square backsplash for a classic farmhouse look.

A farmhouse sink, brushed nickel hardware, a mini window curtain, and a sweet scalloped light fixture overhead help the space feel cottagey and cozy. Thank you again to Clutter Away, who donated organizational items and helped set up the kitchen.

SOURCES

Pendant Light | Amazon

Range | THOR Kitchen

Range Hood | THOR Kitchen

Refrigerator | THOR Kitchen

Dishwasher | THOR Kitchen

Microwave Drawer | THOR Kitchen

Countertops | Santa Margherita

Cabinets | Premiere Wood Concepts

Cabinet Knobs | Amazon

Tile | Daltile

Flooring | Tarkett

Art | Juniper Print Shop

Runner | Turkish Trunk

Organization Materials & Installation | Clutter Away NWA

Counter Stools | Gathered Goods

Cabinet Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Storm Cloud

Wall Paint Color | Benjamin Moore White Dove

Living Room

The living room was designed as a cozy hangout spot for everyday life. We used durable, kid-friendly LVP flooring so the space could stand up to real use. Dave built a large chalkboard, similar to the one we have at home, where Amber can write birthday messages and mark the first and last days of school for the kids. A beautiful statement chandelier anchors the room, while double doors lead out to the yard, making it easy for the kids to run in and out while Amber is nearby in the kitchen or living room. Warm, natural tones are mixed with modern metals, leather, and white finishes. Since this is a new build, we added photos of Amber and the kids to bring more of their personality into the space and help it feel more established.

SOURCES

Ceiling Fan | Fanimation

Furniture | Gathered Goods

Blinds | Amazon

Curtains | Amazon

Curtain Rod | Amazon

Flooring | Tarkett

Art | Shea Frakes Art

Wall Paint Color | Benjamin Moore White Dove

Girl’s Bedroom

For Addie, we wanted her bedroom to reflect who she is, and knowing she loves soccer gave us the perfect starting point. Gather Goods generously donated the furniture for this room, including the cutest bed and dresser. We mixed traditional and modern elements, then added personality with the fun soccer ball wall light and a crocheted swing. The result is a sweet space that doesn’t feel overly girly, making it just right for a pre-teen.

AFTER

SOURCES

Ceiling Fan | Fanimation

Furniture | Gathered Goods

Curtains | Amazon

Curtain Rod | Amazon

Flooring | Tarkett

Art | Kelly Ventura

Wall Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Drop Cloth

Boy’s Bedroom

Like most little boys his age, Andrew loves cars. Dave made a one-of-a-kind car bed just for him, which became the centerpiece of the room. We painted the walls a darker shade to create contrast with the lighter, natural elements throughout the space, giving the room a cozy feel that still feels playful and fun.

SOURCES

Ceiling Fan | Fanimation

Rug | Gathered Goods

Blinds | Amazon

Flooring | Tarkett

Art | Kelly Ventura

Wall Paint Color | Farrow & Ball DeNimes

Kids Bathroom

Green walls and white countertops set the tone in the kids’ bathroom, with a mix of black and gold fixtures throughout. For the flooring, we used black-and-white mosaic tile in a striped pattern along the floor and shower walls. It came out so fun.

SOURCES

Vanity Light | Capital Lighting

Mirror | Amazon

Countertop | Santa Margherita

Cabinets | Premiere Wood Concepts

Cabinet Knobs | Amazon

Wall & Floor Tile | Daltile

Wall & Cabinet Paint Color | Sherwin Williams Dried Thyme

Main Bedroom

Amber is so selfless. When we asked what she wanted for her bedroom and bathroom, she told us she was happy with anything and just wanted everything to feel special for her kids. Knowing how hard she worked to make this house a home, we wanted to do something special just for her. We added paneling to all the walls to give the room more intention and character, then softened the space with shades of pink in the rug, pillows, and dresser. Those warmer elements are balanced by the modern ceiling fan and window treatments.

SOURCES

Ceiling Fan | Fanimation

Furniture | Gathered Goods

Curtains | Amazon

Curtain Rod | Amazon

Flooring | Tarkett

Art | Tanja Starr

Wall Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Drop Cloth

Main Bathroom

We continued the wood paneling in here to keep the flow consistent throughout the home. Mosaic tile was used on the floors, with marble subway tile surrounding the bathtub. A mix of gold fixtures and black accessories brings in contrast, and the brushed gold faucet paired with a clean-lined mirror reinforces the balance between modern and classic.