What you can copy from Joanna Gaines that’s easy to do cheap

Joanna Gaines has a knack for making every space feel warm, intentional, and high-end without losing that approachable, lived-in comfort. What most people don’t realize is that a lot of her signature looks don’t require a big budget or custom furniture.

They come down to smart styling and timeless materials that anyone can pull off. You don’t need shiplap walls or designer pieces to capture that “Fixer Upper” charm—you just need to focus on a few easy-to-copy details that make a real impact.

Add Warm Woods and Neutrals

Joanna’s spaces always feel balanced because she mixes textures and tones while keeping the color palette soft. You’ll see natural wood, beige, white, black, and soft green—colors that make everything feel grounded and cohesive.

You can recreate that without a remodel. Start with one warm element, like a wood frame mirror, a jute rug, or open shelves. Stick to matte finishes and natural materials, and suddenly your space feels curated without spending much.

Use Oversized Wall Decor

Joanna doesn’t fill walls with a bunch of small, mismatched pieces. She leans toward large art, clocks, or framed prints that make a statement. That scale instantly makes a room feel designer without feeling cluttered.

You can find huge digital prints online for under $10 and frame them in thrifted or Target frames. Focus on calming scenes, line art, or black-and-white photography—anything that keeps things neutral and clean while adding visual weight.

Add Greenery Everywhere

Whether it’s faux or real, greenery is one of Joanna’s favorite tools for softening a room. Plants add movement, color, and life without looking busy.

If you’re not great with real plants, high-quality faux stems or eucalyptus branches from Amazon or Hobby Lobby look just as good. Stick them in a glass jug, crock, or ceramic vase, and your space instantly looks intentional and refreshed.

Incorporate Black Metal Accents

A little black goes a long way. Joanna often uses black accents—curtain rods, cabinet pulls, or light fixtures—to ground lighter rooms and make them feel polished.

You don’t need to swap everything out. Try spray-painting existing hardware or adding a black-framed mirror. Even a few dark touches give your space that contrast designers rely on to make rooms look finished.

Layer in Textures

One of the easiest things to copy from Joanna is her love for texture. She layers soft fabrics, natural fibers, and cozy materials to make spaces feel inviting.

You can do this with affordable items—think a chunky throw blanket, linen-look pillow covers, or woven baskets. Stick with neutral tones so everything works together, and your space will feel warm and expensive without the designer price tag.

Style With Everyday Items

Joanna has a way of making everyday objects look intentional. Things like cutting boards, cookbooks, or wooden spoons double as decor when displayed neatly.

Instead of hiding everything away, arrange your prettiest kitchen or bathroom items in groups of three on trays or shelves. It feels natural and lived-in but still pulled together—a signature Gaines move.

Add a Farmhouse Light Fixture

Lighting is one of the easiest swaps to make if you want a big change for little money. Joanna’s homes often feature lantern-style pendants, woven shades, or farmhouse sconces.

You can find stylish versions at Walmart, Amazon, or Menards for under $60. Replacing outdated light fixtures instantly changes the whole feel of a room, especially when paired with warm LED bulbs.

Create Open Storage Moments

Open shelving, peg racks, and floating hooks are all staples in Joanna’s designs. They’re practical but also create display space that adds personality.

You can use inexpensive shelves or install a wooden rack in your entryway or kitchen. Keep what’s on display minimal—folded towels, mugs, or baskets. The goal is to mix function with charm.

Use Large Rugs to Define Spaces

Joanna’s rooms always look cohesive because every area feels defined and anchored. Large rugs help do that, even in open layouts.

You can find 8×10 or 9×12 woven rugs for under $150 that completely change how a room feels. Go for soft neutrals or subtle patterns. When your furniture sits fully on the rug, the whole space feels more intentional and high-end.

Keep Decor Symmetrical

Symmetry is a small detail that makes a big visual difference. Joanna often uses pairs—lamps, frames, nightstands, or chairs—to create balance.

You can copy that for next to nothing by rearranging what you already have. Matching lamps or centered wall art give a sense of order that feels instantly more “styled,” even if you didn’t buy a single new thing.

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