Chip Gaines Kids: Why the Magnolia Story Still Matters

You’ve seen the shiplap. You’ve probably seen the Silos. But if you’ve been following the Magnolia empire since the early HGTV days, you know that the real heartbeat of the Gaines family has always been the chaotic, charming energy of the chip gaines kids.

It’s actually wild to think about. When Fixer Upper first aired, the kids were basically just tiny background characters running through half-demolished kitchens. Now? We are looking at a house full of actual adults and teenagers. It’s a lot to keep track of, honestly.

The Current Roster: Where They Are in 2026

If you’re trying to do the math on their ages, don’t worry—I’ve got you. As of early 2026, the family dynamic has shifted from diapers and dirt bikes to college dorms and professional design debuts.

Drake, the oldest, is now 21. He’s been out of the house for a while, making his way through the college years. Fun fact: he’s a serious baseball player. In fact, he’s spent time as a pitcher for the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Watching him go from the kid helping Chip haul lumber to a college athlete has been one of those "feel old yet?" moments for long-time fans.

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Then there is Ella Rose, who is 19. If anyone is the heir apparent to the Magnolia design throne, it’s her. She recently made her big TV debut on the spinoff Fixer Upper: Colorado Mountain House. Joanna actually handed her the reins to design the property’s guest cottage. And yeah, she’s good. She’s currently juggling her own college journey with these professional side quests.

Duke is 17 and largely stays out of the spotlight compared to his sisters. He’s the "Chip Jr." of the group, often spotted in the background of social media clips helping with the farm chores or hanging with the animals.

Emmie Kay, now 15, just recently hit that massive milestone: getting her driver’s permit. Joanna’s been pretty open about how "lovely and fun" EK is, often sharing clips of them doing pottery together or working in the garden.

And finally, there’s Crew. The "surprise" fifth child is 7 years old now. He’s basically the star of Joanna’s Instagram. Whether he’s wearing a tiny tool belt or "helping" plant the spring garden, he’s the one still keeping the house noisy while the older kids head off to find their own paths.

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The Design Debut: What Happened in Colorado

For a long time, Chip and Jo were pretty strict about keeping the kids away from the "work" side of things. They wanted them to have a normal childhood. But something shifted recently.

The Colorado Mountain House project was a turning point. Joanna mentioned on the Business of Home podcast that Ella had been interning with the Magnolia team. This wasn't just a "bring your kid to work" day. Ella was actually in the meetings, taking notes, and offering vision.

When it came time to renovate the Colorado property—their first major project outside of Texas—Chip had the idea to let Ella take the lead on the cottage. She "accepted the challenge," and the results were surprisingly sophisticated. She’s got her mother’s eye for detail but with a slightly more modern, youthful edge.

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Growing Up Magnolia: The Privacy Balance

It’s not all shiplap and sunshine, though. Growing up as the chip gaines kids means growing up in the public eye, even if your parents try to shield you.

Chip and Joanna have been vocal about the "no TV" rule in their house for years. They wanted the kids to be present. But as the kids got older, the world got louder. There’s been some pushback lately regarding how much the family shares. In 2025, the Gaineses faced some social media heat after featuring diverse family structures on their network, which sparked a bit of a "traditional values" debate among their core audience.

Through it all, the kids seem remarkably grounded. Maybe it’s the Waco bubble. Maybe it’s the fact that they still have to clean the chicken coops. Whatever it is, they haven’t turned into the typical "reality TV" kids we usually see.

What Most People Get Wrong

People often assume the Gaines kids are just "mini-mes" of their parents. While Ella is definitely following the design path, the boys are carving out very different identities.

• Drake isn't a builder. He’s a ballplayer. His focus has been on the mound, not the miter saw.
• They aren't "spoiled" celebrities. By all accounts, including stories from Waco locals, the kids are polite, hard-working, and surprisingly normal.
• The "Magnolia Brand" isn't mandatory. Joanna has said repeatedly that she wants them to find their own "thing," whether that’s in a woodshop or a science lab.

What's Next for the Gaines Family?

As 2026 unfolds, the "empty nest" is becoming a real threat for Chip and Jo. With Drake and Ella out, and Duke right on their heels, the farmhouse is getting a lot quieter.

Expect to see more of Ella in the professional space. There are already whispers that she might have a larger role in future Magnolia Network programming. As for the younger ones, they’re still just kids in Waco, likely trying to figure out how to drive a tractor without hitting the fence.

Actionable Insights for Fans:
If you're following the Gaines family journey, keep an eye on the Magnolia Network's newer "Next Gen" segments. While the chip gaines kids are gaining independence, their influence on the brand's aesthetic is starting to show up in the new collections at Target and the Silos. If you're looking for design inspiration that feels a bit more "2026" and a bit less "2015 farmhouse," Ella's projects are the ones to watch.

The era of Fixer Upper might have started with Chip and Jo, but the next chapter is clearly being written by the kids.