In May 2024, fans of HGTV’s “Down Home Fab” were treated to a fun “this or that” video on the network’s TikTok account. In the video, Cole and Chelsea DeBoer gave their best home design advice – and funnily enough, the couple disagreed on most things. However, it’s safe to say the two found a happy middle ground (which includes paint and hardwood floors).
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For HGTV’s TikTok, the DeBoers were asked to choose between a pool and a hot tub, tile or hardwood floors, paint or wallpaper, bungalow or ranch house, and whether they’d rather live on a lake or the beach. And like we said, it was surprisingly difficult to get the two to agree. In fact, the only thing they agreed on was that they’d choose a beach over a lake any day, which is pretty amusing considering they’ve long lived in landlocked Sioux Falls.
However, based on what we’ve seen of their home in other HGTV videos, we know the couple found a way to make it work. And luckily for fans who love the couple’s aesthetic, the areas they compromised on are easy to replicate (and in some cases, the alternatives they opted for may even be a more cost-effective copy).
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The DeBoers opted for paint instead of wallpaper
When asked by HGTV if they prefer paint or wallpaper, Cole DeBoer said he feels very comfortable with wallpapering, which is why he considers this wallpaper his first choice. His wife, on the other hand, revealed that she prefers paint, at least for now. Apparently, Chelsea DeBoer had the final say on this particular design element, because during a tour of her home for HGTV’s YouTube channel, the interior of her home was completely painted.
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The video of the home seemed to show that the DeBoers opted for an almost creamy shade, so there’s a chance it’s actually Alabaster by Sherwin Williams, which the brand describes as a “soft, warm, but balanced white.” Chelsea previously raved about the shade, telling Homes & Gardens of the hue, “It’s the perfect white and looks great in all rooms.” She also stressed that it adds a cozy vibe to any room—and based on what we’ve seen of her own home, that’s certainly the case. At the time of writing, you can get a sample of Alabaster on Sherwin-Williams’ website for around $11.
If you’re still debating whether paint or wallpaper is best for your space but are keen to make a Chelsea-approved decision, don’t worry. The pair have also collaborated with Wall Blush in the past, so you can be sure a pick from the site would get a thumbs up (plus, wallpaper lover Cole would probably be delighted).
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The DeBoers have hardwood floors (or hardwood-style floors)
Another area of home design where the DeBoers seem to have reached a compromise is flooring. Although Chelsea DeBoer told HGTV that her current first choice would be tile, Cole DeBoer wasted no time saying that he is a fan of hardwood. Based on touring their home in 2023, Cole seems to have come out on top. However, there is also the possibility that as parents of four children, they opted for the more durable alternatives. That would be luxury vinyl planks or engineered wood flooring.
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If you’re interested in trying one of the alternatives to traditional hardwood, know that our flooring expert says that luxury vinyl planks are generally a better investment than engineered flooring. However, engineered flooring has the huge advantage of being easy to install – plus it’s much cheaper than the real thing if that’s your only alternative. If you’re unsure, it’s never a bad idea to contact a local supplier for advice tailored to your home and budget.
Like most couples, the DeBoers had to compromise on the design elements of their home. Despite the compromises, there’s no doubt that they created something perfect for themselves — and it doesn’t hurt that it’s easy enough for fans to replicate.
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