How to Bring That Charming, Small-Town Feeling to Your Home

Don’t let the big, bad (busy) city get you down. There are plenty of ways to create a cozy, small-town feel in your urban abode. Just look to the eye-catching makeovers from Fixer to Fabulous. Dave and Jenny’s passion for heritage homes is all about honouring original charm, while creating spaces that have all the creature comforts of present day.

Fixer to Fabulous premieres Wednesday, November 24 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. It is also available on the new Global TV App, and on STACKTV with Amazon Prime Video Channels. HGTV Canada is available through all major TV service providers.

wrap around porch with a tree with pink flowers

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A Charming Wrap Around Porch

There are few things more charming than a wrap around porch! Not only does it scream small-town charm, but neighbours can literally scream (in a friendly manner, of course) to one another from the comfort of their porch rockers.

It’s no wonder that this historic home was a Fixer to Fabulous fan favourite.

renovated hallway with a vintage wooden door

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Inviting Vintage Doors

It’s hard to keep anything a secret in a small town, so why bother at all? Beautiful vintage front doors with glass panes not only look beautiful, they also flood an entryway with light. But be warned, it’s impossible to pretend you’re not home when neighbours pay an unexpected visit.

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Stately Standing Bathtubs

One of the perks of living in an old, small town are old, small houses. Old houses are often filled with charming features, like elegant standing bathtubs. To create a cozy, small-town feel in any city or suburb, a stately standing tub is a great step! It’s also the perfect spot to wind down after the sort of stressful days that only exist in a busy city.

And if you think this bathroom is memorable, see how Jenny Marrs styled the guest bathroom of the same Fixer to Fabulous makeover. It certainly raises eyebrows!

Painted tin ceiling in a country home kitchen

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Heart Eyes for Tin Ceilings

Another charming feature of older homes are tin ceilings. The style became popular in the Victorian era, when tin tiles were a cheaper alternative to intricate plasterwork. We love how Jenny painted this version white. It’s a modern twist on the historical design element.

modern living room seating area with neutral tones and art

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Support Local Artists

One of the most charming elements of a small town is the community. Whether you live in a small town or a big city, you can foster a sense of community and create a small-town feel by filling your home with art and decor created by local artists.

Bedroom with tall wood headboard and ivy plant on bedside table

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Be One with Nature

Small towns are nestled in nature, but if you’re hard up for a view from your concrete jungle, you can bring touches of nature indoors to create that small-town feel. Raw wood, like this insane floating bed, and lush greenery (hello bedside ivy), give the feel of a woodsy town just beyond the bedroom walls.

Bathroom with geometric tile shower wall

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Unique Tile

What’s more charming than a punch of design? A unique tile makes an eye-catching statement when introduced in small doses. Look for an opportunity for a feature wall, like in a shower or a small entryway floor. We love the geometric design Jenny Marrs chose for this modern-meets-farmhouse bathroom.

screened in room with dining table and couches

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Indoor/Outdoor Spaces for Lounging

Without the hustle and bustle of city living, small town homes offer an opportunity to sit back, relax and do absolutely nothing. And where better to do just that than in an indoor/outdoor space. Like a Muskoka room, a screened-in porch is incredibly inviting. Whether used for social gatherings, family dinners or games nights, spaces like these are undeniably charming.

Watch: Modern Cowboy Makeover

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Cue Nostalgia with a Swing Set

Nothing says small-town charm like a swing set. The very vision of it calls to mind the carefree days of childhood. A swing set in a yard (no matter how small) will have kids from all over the neighbourhood dropping by to take a turn. Better stock up your snack cupboard while you’re at it!

Make Your Home a Point of Pride

Whether you’re living in a charming town or a bustling city, we’re all part of the same country! Show your Canadian pride with a bright red and white flag, flapping at your front door. Dave and Jenny Marrs always hang an American flag on their makeovers from Fixer to Fabulous, and it’s a point of pride for the couple.