Joanna Gaines, queen of shiplap, founder of modern farmhouse, and master of transforming shabby into sleek & chic. If you haven’t heard already, Joanna and her husband, Chip’s brand new fixer upper show is now streaming on Discovery+. And while I haven’t had a chance yet to binge-watch their brand new episodes full of what I’m sure are mind-blowing transformations, I do plan on starting a free trial of Discovery+ in the very near future just so I can see what my favorite fixers have been up to. But today I will be discussing how to decorate like Joanna Gaines, because if you love her and her shows, it’s probably because you love her dreamy industrial-chic, modern farmhouse style, and don’t we all wish Joanna would come decorate our home?

The next best thing, of course, is learning how to decorate like Joanna Gaines so you can do your own Fixer Upper-worthy transformations without having to find a Joanna clone.

Here’s how to decorate like Joanna Gaines:

 

Shop Vintage

Joanna has a warehouse full of one-of-a-kind pieces she’s picked up from flea markets, thrift stores, and antique shops. In every transformation she is always using vintage and antique pieces to add interest and give the spaces she’s created a homey, lived-in feel. Besides the aforementioned places to find vintage and unique pieces, also check craigslist, Facebook marketplace, Etsy, yard sales, and auctions.

 

Keep It Neutral

While I’m sure Joanna isn’t against bright colors, to give her spaces that sleek and modern farmhouse look, she almost always uses muted neutrals. Think toned-down greens, grays, and earthy tans with splashes of black, blues, and warm browns that show up in her furniture and flooring choices.

 

Distress

Joanna Gaines’ personal style includes lots of distressed pieces such as the first kitchen island she shared in her farmhouse in Fixer Upper. Joanna loves a worn out look. It seems one of her mottos may be “the more distressed, the better.” Easily distress items like a coffee table, counter stools, or a nightstand to add rustic, Joanna style to your space.

 

Go Industrial

One way Joanna achieves a modern farmhouse look is with her use of industrial furniture and decor. Industrial can include anything from Edison bulbs on a metal light fixture to shelving made with black metal piping, or even an alphabet letter LED marquee light. In nearly every design, Joanna makes her love of industrial style known.

 

White, White, White

While Joanna makes use of earthy muted neutrals like greens, grays, and browns, one of her signature looks is white, white, white. Painting walls white gives her spaces a crisp & fresh feel which is important when you’re using lots of textures, including  lots of rustic, distressed pieces. Decorating with white is one way Joanna keeps her designs feeling clean and cohesive–clean lines are what make a farmhouse look modern and relevant.

 

Quotes

Joanna loves to decorate with quotes, often making her favorite words focal points in her space. One of my favorites that she’s used and that’s been recreated over and over again is “Today’s A Good Day For A Good Day.” Applying a favorite quote to create a design statement is a modern and fun way to add personality to a farmhouse look.

 

Repurpose

Whether it’s using a toolbox for a planter, old windows as wall decor, church pews for seating, or vintage bottles as accessories, Joanna knows that repurposing is a great way to achieve a unique look that no one else will have.

 

Galvanized Metal  

Whether it’s a windmill, light fixture, planter, or tiered tray, Joanna Gaines’ designs are never without a good galvanized piece. Making use of galvanized metal is imperative for a true Joanna Gaines modern farmhouse look.

 

Shiplap

While shiplap is everywhere, I don’t think it’s going anywhere. One of the highlights of any Fixer Upper episode is when Chip and Joanna uncover hidden shiplap in one of their historic fixers. Because of that, shiplap is now the gold standard for farmhouse walls. And luckily, you don’t need an old house to get this look. These long planks of wood can be purchased at Home Depot and Amazon, but an easy hack is using the peel and stick version–a fraction of the price, easier to install, and the same sought-after Joanna Gaines farmhouse look.

 

I hope this article has helped you in your quest to figure out how to decorate like Joanna Gaines. If you want to see more farmhouse decor, check out Farmhouse Decor Under $20.

 

 

SHOP