10 Joanna Gaines Decorating Tips That Actually Work

When you think about decorating that feels warm and inviting, Joanna Gaines is probably the first person who comes to mind. She’s known for creating homes that are stylish without ever feeling untouchable.

The best part is that most of her go-to tricks are practical, easy to replicate, and don’t require endless trips to the store. If you’ve ever wanted your home to feel more put together without spending months on renovations, these tips are worth trying.

Layer Texture to Add Depth

Joanna is big on adding texture because it makes a neutral room come alive. Shiplap is her most famous choice, but beadboard, board-and-batten, or paneled ceilings do the same job. Texture keeps a space from looking flat, even if the color palette is toned down.

She also leans into natural textures—wicker baskets, chunky knit throws, or a worn wood table—to bring out that cozy, lived-in look. If your room feels “blah,” adding layers like these will instantly warm it up without relying on bold colors.

Mix Old With New

Instead of running out and buying everything new, Joanna often brings in vintage or thrifted items. An old farmhouse table, reclaimed doors, or antique mirrors can make a room feel unique and grounded. These pieces don’t have to be perfect; in fact, the wear and tear add character.

She’s careful to balance the old with newer pieces, so the room never feels like a museum. A mix of modern lighting or sleek chairs paired with a rustic table is exactly the kind of contrast that makes her spaces feel balanced and fresh.

Bring Greenery Indoors

If you’ve watched Fixer Upper, you know Joanna loves plants. From large fiddle-leaf figs to tiny potted herbs, greenery adds life to any room. It’s one of the cheapest ways to make your house look styled without trying too hard.

Even if you don’t have a green thumb, faux plants work too. She often layers greenery on shelves, mantels, and tables to soften edges and add color. A little bit of green goes a long way toward making your home feel welcoming.

Anchor With Meaningful Decor

Joanna rarely fills a room with random trinkets. Instead, she picks one or two meaningful anchor pieces for shelves or mantels. It might be a mirror, a clock, or a wreath that ties everything together. Around that, she adds smaller items like family photos or vintage finds.

The idea is that your decor should reflect your life, not just what was on sale at the store. This approach makes your home feel personal and avoids the cluttered look that comes from trying to decorate every empty space.

Keep a Neutral Base

A big part of Joanna’s style is her use of neutral colors—whites, creams, grays, and soft greens. These create a calm foundation that works with almost anything. By starting neutral, you can easily swap in seasonal decor or trendy accents without redecorating the entire room.

It also helps rooms feel larger and brighter, which is especially useful if your home doesn’t get tons of natural light. A neutral base is timeless, so you won’t feel pressured to keep up with color trends every year.

Highlight Architectural Features

Joanna often enhances what’s already there instead of covering it up. Exposed beams, brick walls, and original trim become focal points. If your house has these details, let them shine instead of hiding them.

Even in newer homes without historic character, she adds features like faux beams, sliding barn doors, or built-ins to create visual interest. Small upgrades like this give your home more depth and make it feel thoughtfully designed.

Use Open Shelving Wisely

Open shelving is a Gaines signature move. In kitchens, it breaks up long runs of cabinets and lets you display favorite dishes, jars, or plants. It makes the space feel less boxy and more custom.

The trick is keeping it styled but not cluttered. She usually mixes practical items, like plates or mugs, with decorative touches, like cutting boards or greenery. This keeps the shelves functional while still looking intentional.

Statement Lighting Matters

Joanna often treats lighting as jewelry for a room. Oversized pendants, farmhouse chandeliers, or sleek sconces can completely change how a space feels. Swapping out builder-grade fixtures is one of the fastest ways to elevate your home.

Lighting also sets the mood. Warm bulbs and layered light sources—like floor lamps paired with overhead lights—make a room feel more inviting. It’s an upgrade that pays off without major remodeling.

Make Rooms Flow Together

One of Joanna’s biggest strengths is creating flow from room to room. She repeats materials, colors, or finishes throughout the home so it feels cohesive. A wood tone used in the kitchen might show up again in the living room, tying everything together.

This doesn’t mean every room looks the same. It’s about subtle repetition that makes the whole house feel connected. If your spaces feel disjointed, repeating a few elements will bring everything into harmony.

Focus on Comfort Above All

At the heart of Joanna’s decorating is comfort. No matter how pretty a room looks, it needs to feel inviting. She uses oversized couches, cozy throws, and practical layouts so families can actually live in their homes.

The takeaway is simple: your house should work for the people in it. Style matters, but it should never come at the expense of comfort. That’s why Joanna’s homes look beautiful on camera but still feel like real places where real families live.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.