Because of shows like HGTV's Fixer Upper, a lot of folks nowadays have been inspired to become their own home designers just like Chip and Joanna Gaines. Richard Aiken - a jack of all trades of sorts - is among said people; and boy, did he do an extreme makeover for just "pennies".
The 64-year-old may be a man of many talents, but his fantastic building skills are of particular reknown among the DYI community. Let's find out how he transformed an old, decaying log cabin worth $100 into a charming country cottage that anyone would be proud to own.
Richard Has A Medical Degree, Two PhDs, And Sings Opera
Richard is a good husband and father who has a medical degree and two Ph.D.s under his belt. He can also belt out a good tune as a professional opera singer. Also, for a long time, he dreamed of buying a rustic retreat to get away from it all.
Wouldn't it be great to climb out of bed, walk out the front door, and be greeted with a vista of lush trees everywhere we look? To most of us, that sounds like paradise indeed, though such a home probably wouldn't be our first choice. Not for Richard though...
"I Want To Leave It All Behiiiiind"
Given how well he has done for himself in the city, Richard seems like the most unlikely person to want to strike out on his own in the woods. But then again, who can blame him for craving a change of pace from hectic urban life?
Initially, Richard assumed that acquiring a second home would cost him tons of money. But when a man from Missouri informed him of a rundown log cabin that could serve his purposes, the well-educated dad saw a chance to experience the idyllic lifestyle he envisioned.
The Ruin That Would Birth A Palace
The old log cabin was clearly long past its prime, and Richard quickly realized that he'd have a lot of work to do if he really wanted to live in this hazardous structure. It was filled with debris, and its roof had completely collapsed. Just looking in through the entryway felt unsafe.
Although the Missouri man offered to give it to him for free, Richard still chose to pay for the decrepit wooden property. He thought he should at least give the guy a hundred bucks, which may strike some of us as overgenerous for a heap of ruins.
The Cabin Was Barely Standing...
Richard first took the time to assess the structure before deciding whether he would devote his time to fixing up the ramshackle shack. After deciding against it, he then inspected the wood to determine how much of it could still be used to construct the new house.
Eventually, Richard concluded that most of the cabin's wood was so severely rotten that he would have to tear down the shack and rebuild it almost from scratch. Nonetheless, he collected every good piece of wood to preserve as much of the original structure as he could.
...But The Location Had Tremendous Potential
Richard's first step in tearing down the old cabin was to mark all the wooden boards forming the exterior. This way, he would know exactly how to reassemble them once he was done cleaning up the debris that had been accumulating inside for years.
As he went around marking and then disassembling the shack, Richard admired the stunning scenery surrounding the house. In fact, he may have wanted to live in this place instead of a deluxe house precisely because of the tremendous potential he saw in its scenic location.
Aiken Family Wrecking Crew Co.
Fortunately, Richard could count on his family to help him out with this massive project. It didn't take long for the Aiken family to discover, to their delight, that there was a natural spring nearby, which meant they could make their very own waterfront house.
Of course, the Aikens had to do a lot of digging to uncover the spring before they could use it to enhance the scenery of their new home. At this stage in the home remodeling process, the shack was dismantled, ready to be moved to the perfect spot.
First They Built A Pond & A Dock
As they were manually unearthing the spring, the Aiken family eventually reached the bedrock, whereupon they brought in bulldozers to excavate the rest of the pond they were building. The investment Richard had made in his dream home was already yielding an even better return than expected.
The dock attached to the pond is a lovely touch, foreshadowing the quality of the workmanship with which Richard would build the house. From the moment that he laid down the first few logs, not a single detail would be overlooked by the master builder.
Richard Laid The Foundation Stone By Stone
Once the family had fashioned a waterfront area even better than an infinity swimming pool, the head of the Aiken household was absolutely sure where to construct his new cabin: right next to the tranquil pond. We probably couldn't think of a more perfect location ourselves.
With that question settled, Richard was all set to start the reconstruction stage. Thanks to his careful planning in advance, he knew exactly what to do. In a painstaking process, he began executing his vision from the ground up, stone by stone and log by log.
Richard Wanted The New Cabin To Be Strong But Authentic
Richard's main goal in designing the house was to remain true to the character of the original structure he had paid for out of pocket. Over the course of the construction process, creating an authentic design turned out to be one of the project's greatest challenges.
On the plus side, the Aikens had hit the bedrock at about six feet below the surface, which meant that they could construct the cabin a few feet above the ground. This feature would further improve the views that the family enjoys from the house.
The Forest Provided The Raw Materials
After pouring concrete to construct the basement floor, Richard collected some more wood from the trees surrounding his property. It was a great advantage to be able to draw from abundant natural resources rather than worry about paying out more cash from his savings account.
The Aiken family utilized white oak to customize new floor trusses, as well as split cedar shakes to make shingles. This locally sourced wood enabled the new family home to blend in with its gorgeous surroundings. The rustic front porch helped tie the entire concept together.
What's A Cabin Without A Hearth?
Another vital feature that Richard needed to have in his dream log cabin was a hearth. After all, it wouldn't be a proper log cabin without one, not to mention that it greatly enhances the country-living appeal he was seeking to instill into the design.
The Aiken family intentionally picked out a Rumford inglenook, which was the most common hearth in log cabins between the years 1796 and 1850. This fireplace would tie all of the house's rustic design elements together like a neat little bow on a Christmas gift.
Stairway To Heaven
Richard's new wooden cabin had an upper story, so the family built a staircase to connect the two floors. The Aiken patriarch once again went out into the surrounding forest to look for a collapsed oak tree to turn into a flight of exquisite stairs.
By opting to utilize salvaged wood, Richard avoided not just dipping into his savings account once more but also chopping down any of the beautiful trees near his house. Plus, the aged wood gave the steps a lovely, characterful appearance that any carpenter would admire.
Time To Call In The Experts
As with everything else, Richard wanted the front door of his log cabin to be absolutely perfect. After all, it's going to be the first thing folks see as they enter the Aikens' humble abode, so it should set the tone for the woodsy decor.
This time, the Aiken family brought some supplies and designs to a trusted carpenter, who turned them into not only doors but also windows for the cottage. These small details further reflected the historic roots of this property that had been taken apart and then gloriously reconstructed.
Keeping The Design Organic
Richard constructed his family's cabin with organically wrought logs, so it wasn't possible for them to fit together seamlessly without ruining their natural appearance. But taking on these kinds of design challenges in construction projects is what makes a builder's portfolio all the more impressive.
The solution that the Aiken family came up with was to apply an outdoor sealant against a layer of chicken wire, thus filling in the breaches between the logs. Naturally, such a long, arduous process required the family to again work together as a team.
Everything Had To Have A Rustic, Old-Timey Feel
Once the exterior features of the log cabin were complete, the Aikens moved on to the interior, furnishing it with some rustic tables and chairs and providing their charming fireplace with lots and lots of firewood. This space was beginning to truly feel like home sweet home.
A large part of what makes the Aiken family's dwelling so remarkable is their smart decision to avoid modern home decor. Even though the home is brand-new, they have managed to achieve an authentic old-timey look, thus creating the perfect atmosphere for their rural sanctuary.
A Kingly Gift By Amish Friends
The Aikens have Amish neighbors who were kind enough to make them a harvest table out of a collapsed native white oak tree and a walnut tree. This piece of furniture turned out to be one of the best housewarming presents the family ever received.
The harvest table was designed to be lightweight and portable so the Aikens could bring it closer to their hearth during cold weather, which really came in handy because they didn't set up any heaters in their cabin. Now Richard and his family had everything they needed for their country haven.
Let There Be Light!
The Aikens' new rural home features a candle chandelier that functions as a great backup light source in case the power goes out. Another one of Richard's smart decisions was to give the cabin a peaked roof with a high window that allows natural light to stream inside.
Too many do-it-yourself home builders fail to incorporate sufficient lighting into their designs. This element is among the most important considerations whether we live in a cool mansion or a humble log cabin, so home designs should always include windows that let in enough sunlight.
No Shortcuts When It Came To The Bed Either
We all eventually need some shuteye, so Richard built a loft bed for his family. The Aikens' loft has a cozy, cradlelike feel to it, making it an ideal place to snooze the night away on a soft mattress while taking in some fresh air.
People often think that living out in the woods would require them to sacrifice comfort, but what Richard and his family have achieved proves that this doesn't have to be the case. The warm, comfy loft adds to the homey atmosphere of the Aikens' cabin.
A Hearth And A Kitchen All In One
There are no restaurants anywhere near the Aikens' remote cabin, but the entire family loves to cook their own meals anyway. Another reason they wanted a hearth in their new home was so they could use it to cook everything from hot drinks to full meals.
Thanks to the dual-purpose fireplace, the Aiken family didn't have to worry about fitting a full kitchen into their little log cabin. Besides, open-flame cooking is one of the hallmarks of country living, especially when we do it in the comfort of our own homes.
Behold, A Fixer Upper-Level Shack Renovation
As we admire Richard and his family's transformation of a rundown shack into a waterfront country cabin, it's hard not to think of a certain couple whose home remodeling and reconstruction skills are like no other. We're speaking of Chip and Joanna Gaines, of course, the hosts of the HGTV series Fixer Upper.
Whenever Chip and Joanna set their sights on a project, we can expect the results to be magical. But one of their most recent projects is unbelievable even by their high standards. This shack transformation makes people want to purchase terrible-looking fixer-uppers and create their own dream homes.
On Par With The Show's Previous Ultimate Challenge
During the fourth season of Chip and Joanna's home renovation show, the Matsumoto family approached them after acquiring a $12,500 home that was in ruins. The Matsumotos had really paid for the exceptional parcel of land, not the house that had become completely unlivable.
All it took was a quick glimpse inside the shack for Chip and Joanna to know that this would be a huge undertaking: new windows needed to be mounted, the cabin's wiring needed to be replaced entirely, and the floor and ceiling weren't even functional. That's why the end result is so miraculous.
Stripped Clean And Remade Into A Fabulous Façade
The façade of this cabin was once in sorry shape: its room had been caving in, its siding had been completely stripped, and its front porch hadn't seemed to be worth saving. But Joanna was able to convert the decrepit shack into a spectacular country home.
The famous mother of five showcased her great eye for home design by having a metal roof installed, a new porch built, and the house's windows replaced, adding some lovely shutters as well. Joanna also had the house placed on a foundation for much-needed stability.
How About A Stylish Kitchen Where There Once Was None?
Joanna's work on the small, dilapidated shack for the Matsumoto family proved beyond any doubt that she truly is a master of bringing out the full potential of a tiny space. The kitchen turned out amazing after she added gorgeous floorboards and fancy stainless-steel appliances.
To give the Matsumoto family some extra space, Joanna decided to add midlevel sweeping cabinets whose tops can function as shelves. The island in the kitchen can accommodate a few additional seats, making it perfect for entertaining visitors in this modern masterpiece of a home.
And A Sleek New Living Room While We're At It
As if reconstructing a collapsing house wasn't hard enough, the Matsumoto family was also expecting twin babies, which put them in a serious time crunch. With tiny feet soon to be racing around the house, an open plan was imperative for such a small space.
Joanna covered the walls with her famed shiplap design, then added off-the-floor shelving both to accent the living room's decor and to serve as ergonomic storage space. She decorated the floor with a charming area rug covered with the same hardwoods that run throughout the cabin.
Wait Until You See The Elegant Master Bathroom
One of the nice things about starting with a broken-down house is that each room can be designed from scratch. Despite the small size of the home, Joanna managed to craft a marvelous master bathroom that would appeal to anyone thinking about buying a home.
It's astonishing that a house most folks would have demolished can be turned into such a stunning space. The small but fine-looking master bathroom features a walk-in shower with its own clawfoot bathtub, as well as cabinetry that adds an incredible amount of storage space.
And The Royal Master Suite; But There's More...
During the renovation process, Joanna set out to give the Matsumoto couple a stylish new master suite. The ceiling is finished with raw wood that was recovered from the house, which is a great way to remind them just how much their home has changed.
The look is so striking that it would come as no surprise if turning old materials into new ceilings grew into a trend in the next few months. Who wouldn't want to crawl under fresh linens and recline against the fluffy pillows in this master suite?
A Little Girl's Tranquil Space...
One request the Matsumoto couple made at the beginning of the project was that their daughter would have a room all to herself. They wanted her room to be flawless, and it's clear to see that Chip and Joanna checked all the boxes on this one.
To create a sense of well-being, this room's decor features soft hues and sweet accents so the little girl can feel relaxed and comfortable. The windows to the right of the bed ensure that she wakes up to the lovely glow of sunshine every morning.
...And An Adventurous Boys' Room
For their two sons, the Matsumoto couple requested an interactive room where the boys would grow up having adventures together. Chip and Joanna carried out their wishes by incorporating ribbed metal wainscoting into the room's walls so the kids can have fun making noises against it.
This room also features bunk beds custom-made to look like the boys are sleeping in a little treehouse. The parents were both delighted when they saw how the room turned out. Any young boy would be sure to love this design crafted with so much care.
Finally, A Picture-Perfect Entertainment Area
The Matsumoto family also requested that their new house not have an indoor dining area, preferring instead to have an alfresco gathering space added onto their house. To fulfill their vision, Joanna settled on a design that was a mix of traditional and unconventional features.
And so Chip and Joanna created an outdoor get-together area with a dining table that's perfect for family dinners and can accommodate a more formal occasion. What kind of training program would we have to take to be as good at this job as they are?
Two Rooms, One Big Space
Joanna divided a large space in the house into the kitchen and the living room. Since no walls separated the two rooms, it was important to provide each one with its own unique look sure to bring smiles to the faces of all who enter the space.
This space may look amazing now, but it was a seemingly hopeless wreck at the beginning of the project. The wallpaper was peeling off, and there was debris all over the floor. Although the transformation was no easy task, it obviously was worth the effort.
Moving From The Big City To A Small Town
Before relocating to Texas, the Matsumotos lived in Los Angeles, California. Michael Matsumoto, the patriarch of the family, told Joanna in an interview that he'd never thought he would leave the City of Angels to go on a road trip bound for a home in the countryside, but he loved his new hometown.
The small town of Crawford, Texas, seemed to Michael like an ideal place to raise his children away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. And now the Matsumoto family has settled down in an idyllic renovated home that fits right in with the rural community.
Appearing In Front Of The Camera For Once
Before he was featured in an episode of Fixer Upper, Michael had been working as a producer in Hollywood. Since he was used to being behind the camera, stepping out in front of it was a very new and exhilarating experience for the expecting dad.
Michael is actually the producer of Fixer Upper, so he had already been working with Chip and Joanna on a regular basis. Part of the novelty of his appearance on the show was working with the couple in a completely different capacity as a client.
Can You Guess The Best Feature Of The New Home's Design?
When they appeared on Fixer Upper to see the beautiful new house that Chip and Joanna had constructed from the rubble, the Matsumoto family couldn't have been happier with the results. We can watch this episode of the show via streaming TV on HGTV’s website.
Michael loves the stunning yet functional design, but most of all he appreciates that the new house is childproof. This was one of the expectant couple's greatest concerns, and Joanna, a mother herself, was keen on designing the house to be a safe environment for children.
Michael's Advice For Prospective Homeowners
The Matsumoto family learned a lot from their experience, but one of the main lessons was to be bold. Michael and his wife could've had their pick of existing houses, but they now have the perfect dwelling because they visualized their dream home and made it a reality.
Michael acknowledges that it's not easy for people to see in their mind's eye everything from the basic structure of a home to the minute details of its decor, which can cause a lot of anxiety. Nonetheless, he encourages others to give it a try, pointing out that once inspiration strikes, the sky's the limit.
What The Aikens And Matsumotos Teach Us
This episode of Fixer Upper presented Chip and Joanna with one of their most challenging but also their most favorite renovation projects. Joanna says she still can hardly believe that the Matsumoto family relied on her to transform their tumbledown shack into a lovely home.
The Matsumotos and the Aikens were incredibly brave to invest in worn-out houses in order to make something beautiful out of them. Folks like Richard Aiken and Chip and Joanna Gaines should go down in the history books for inspiring others with their innovative home designs.