Chelsea and Cole DeBoer: A Journey from Reality TV Turmoil to Domestic Bliss
The story of Chelsea and Cole DeBoer is a compelling narrative of love, family, and career evolution, moving from the dramatic backdrop of MTV's Teen Mom 2 to the creative stability of their own HGTV series, Down Home Fab. Their relationship, which began in 2014, has blossomed into a partnership marked by four children and a successful television brand, showcasing their resilience and dedication.
The Serendipitous Meeting at a Gas Station
In the summer of 2014, Chelsea Houska and Cole DeBoer experienced a fateful encounter at a gas station in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Without exchanging words, they shared a mutual gaze while pumping gas, an instant attraction that Cole later described to HGTV in 2023: "I was getting gas one day, and [Chelsea] came pulling up and got gas at the pump next to me, and we just kept staring back and forth the whole time. I remember being like, 'Wow, she’s really cute.'" This silent moment led to Cole reaching out on social media, initiating a connection that would define their future.
Building a Life Together: Engagement and Marriage
After dating for about a year, Cole moved in with Chelsea and her daughter, Aubree, in July 2015. Their engagement followed in November 2015, with Cole proposing in a romantic woodland setting after seeking permission from Aubree, who was seven years old at the time. The couple married on October 1, 2016, in a small, private ceremony, later celebrating with a larger reception in October 2017 after the birth of their son, Watson. Chelsea expressed her joy in a 2016 interview, stating, "Cole is such a great guy, all the time. He’s so calm, even when I’m worried about something. He’s just so great to me, and to Aubree, so to be able to know that I can have that person forever is the best feeling."
Expanding Their Family
The DeBoers welcomed their first child together, Watson Cole DeBoer, on January 25, 2017. Their family grew with the arrival of Layne Ettie DeBoer on August 29, 2018, coincidentally Chelsea's birthday, and Walker June DeBoer on January 25, 2021, sharing a birthday with her brother Watson. Chelsea announced their third pregnancy in August 2020, emphasizing their focus on family. In November 2020, she left Teen Mom 2 after nearly 11 years, stating, "We’re parting on the best of terms and will stay in touch long after this. Our next chapter in life will focus on developing our brand and taking things to the next level with new endeavours and expanding family businesses."
Career Transition to HGTV Success
In January 2023, Chelsea and Cole launched their HGTV series, Down Home Fab, originally titled Farmhouse Fabulous. The show, renewed for a third season in May 2025, features Chelsea as the lead designer and Cole as the project manager, documenting their home renovation business. They expanded their brand in March 2024 with the opening of Down Home by DeBoers, a home goods store. This career shift highlights their ability to transform personal chaos into professional stability, resonating with audiences seeking authentic family narratives.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How old are Chelsea and Cole DeBoer? As of February 2026, Chelsea is 34 years old, born on August 29, 1991, and Cole is 37 years old, born on April 18, 1988.
- Are Cole and Chelsea still together? Yes, they remain married and continue to collaborate on Down Home Fab.
- Who are Chelsea and Cole DeBoer’s kids? They have four children: Aubree Skye, Watson Cole, Layne Ettie, and Walker June.
- How did Chelsea meet Cole DeBoer? They first met at a gas station in South Dakota in 2014.
- Does Chelsea get full custody of Aubree? Chelsea retained full custody of Aubree following legal proceedings with Adam Lind.
Chelsea and Cole DeBoer's relationship exemplifies a journey from the tumultuous early years of reality television to a grounded, family-oriented life in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Their story, marked by love, growth, and entrepreneurial spirit, continues to inspire fans through their television and business ventures.