When Chelsea and Cole DeBoer transitioned from reality television stardom on Teen Mom 2 to launching a full-scale renovation enterprise in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, home design fans watched closely. Their series, Down Home Fab Season 1, chronicled this exact pivot. The show debuted on HGTV in January 2023, capturing the husband-and-wife duo as they tackled choppy ranch houses, outdated kitchens, and traditional layouts. They replaced old-fashioned floor plans with their signature mix of rugged rustic textures and clean, polished modern finishes.
The primary appeal of the show lies in its distinct aesthetic—frequently dubbed "ranch glam"—which pairs raw elements like natural wood and cowhide with sleek matte black fixtures, bold lighting, and open-concept layouts. Across six episodes in the inaugural season, viewers watched the couple balance raising four kids on a Midwestern farm while establishing a legitimate contracting business. If you missed the initial run or want a breakdown of how they executed these transformations, here is an in-depth look at what defined the DeBoers' breakout season.
Defining the Signature Down Home Fab Aesthetic
The core of the DeBoer design philosophy isn't just about throwing random rustic decor into a suburban box. It's a deliberate balancing act. Chelsea handles the creative vision—heavy on moody color palettes, unexpected textures, and high-contrast accents—while Cole manages the physical labor, custom woodwork, and construction oversight.
If you want to replicate this look in your own living space, you need to understand the foundational elements they used repeatedly throughout season one:
- Monochromatic Bases with Warmth: White walls and black trim serve as a canvas, offset by natural wood tones, leather furnishings, and rich textiles.
- Statement Fixtures: Oversized range hoods, brass or copper hardware, and sculptural lighting act as focal points in otherwise minimalist areas.
- Functional Textures: Cowhide rugs, stacked hearth-to-ceiling firewood, and custom built-ins add physical depth without cluttering a room.
Episode-by-Episode Breakdown of Season 1
Every episode of the first season brought a distinct set of structural challenges and stylistic choices. The DeBoers didn't shy away from structural overhauls or unconventional design requests from local clients.
Ranch Glam and Open Concepts
The premiere episode set the tone by taking a chopped-up ranch-style home and blowing out walls to create a unified flow. Chelsea and Cole replaced small, segmented rooms with a sprawling kitchen and living area, utilizing a dramatic floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace framed by raw wood storage. This episode proved they could handle major load-bearing changes while keeping aesthetics front and center.
Tackling Functional Family Spaces
Subsequent episodes focused heavily on practical updates for growing families. In the Craftsman episode, they redesigned a century-old home for a family of ten. The primary challenge was carving out a functional kitchen and living room footprint that could withstand heavy daily use without losing the home's historic 1920s architecture. They incorporated custom storage, mudroom drop zones, and durable countertops that balanced heavy traffic with clean styling.
Pushing Boundaries with Industrial and Maximalist Design
Not every project stuck to safe neutrals. When working with clients who embraced bold styles, Chelsea leaned into whimsical choices. In the French Glam Bungalow episode, they installed a pink fireplace alongside black velvet skull wallpaper for a close friend's 1920s home. Similarly, an industrial-themed episode for a pair of tall dentists featured a hotel-inspired master suite with an open-concept double shower that pushed local building norms.
Common Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid
Watching the DeBoers tackle these projects highlights several universal renovation pitfalls that homeowners often make when attempting a country-chic transformation:
- Over-Rústicizing a Space: Piling on too much reclaimed wood and heavy leather can make a room feel dark and cave-like. You must balance rustic elements with bright whites or sleek metal accents.
- Ignoring Flow for Aesthetics: Knocking down every wall sounds great, but losing necessary storage like pantries and mudrooms creates daily chaos. Always integrate functional drop zones near entry points.
- Choosing Trendy Over Timeless: While matte black fixtures and cowhide accents look incredible, tying every single square foot of a home to a hyper-specific trend can hurt long-term resale value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Down Home Fab filmed?
The series is filmed primarily in and around Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where Chelsea and Cole DeBoer live and operate their business.
Do Chelsea and Cole do the actual construction work themselves?
While Cole is heavily involved in hands-on building, demolition, and custom carpentry, they work alongside licensed local contractors and sub-trades to complete structural and mechanical updates safely.
How many episodes are in Season 1?
Season 1 consists of six episodes, each focusing on a distinct local renovation project ranging from ranch houses to historic bungalows.
Where can I stream Down Home Fab?
Episodes can be streamed on platforms like Max and Discovery Plus, or purchased digitally via major video-on-demand services.
