10 Joanna Gaines Decor Ideas We Learned From 'Fixer Upper'

Whether a cool, mid-tone blue or a mossy green, Gaines-designed kitchen islands are rarely the same color as the rest of the kitchen. Instead, they’re often a happy, not-too-bright hue—a distinct departure from the otherwise neutral palette.

What a fabulous way to get a rustic but polished look. Joanna regularly enhances (or even fakes) joists with the addition of natural wood casing. And ceilings aren’t the only place to try this signature look: Go for a warm honey hue on mantles, pergolas and pillars.

A self-professed plant addict, Gaines would never go for a single vase or planter when she could cluster two or three together to create a lush look. And that look need not be fussy—Jojo’s a big fan of picking some greens from the backyard rather than shelling out a fortune for a fancy bouquet.

One great design trick we’ve learned from Gaines is to echo textile patterns throughout a room. In this house, for example, the trellis pattern of the rug is mimicked in the buffet facade, twin lamp bases and wreath frame.

Or, sometimes, even no cabinets up top at all. With seriously smart, storage-minded cabinetry on the bottom, Gaines often opts to skip the bulky uppers. The kitchen counterpart of the open floor plan, floating shelves play up a light, bright, airy and uncluttered vibe.

Who knew that cool, metallic lines and cozy, country vibes played so well together? Joanna Gaines did. In her world, shiny steel, burnished black piping and other gritty decor elements intermingle with shiplap, slipcovers and farmhouse wood tables.

The one trick to creating those cozy signature seating areas is to pull couches and armchairs away from the walls, and to group them together mid-room, facing toward each other, with a rug to define the space. Voilà: Insta-intimacy.

So that uniform spines face outward. A go-to Gaines favorite, this whitewashed bookshelf styling trick creates spaces that are calming, clean and cohesive. (But good luck finding your copy of Love in the Time of Cholera.)

Ever the upcycler, Gaines is always thinking beyond the typical basket when it comes to her storage vessels. We love seeing shipping palettes used as wine racks, soda crates for pillows, wooden spools for tables and vintage trolleys for plant display.

If your walls and budget can take it, this Gaines-approved add-on blasts every space open with light, air and movement, and melds indoor with outdoor living. (Collective swoon.)