Joanna Gaines is a force to be reckoned with in the interior design world. She spearheaded the wildly successful Fixer Upper franchise with her husband Chip, founded Magnolia Network, launched two furniture and decor collections, wrote several books, and much more. Though her success can be measured in many ways, it just takes one look at her design portfolio, compiled over the years, to recognize her interior design prowess.
We've written about loads of Joanna's finished spaces, and each one impresses more than the last. To celebrate the modern-farmhouse-inspired fixer-uppers from the Gaines archive, we had a look through the designer's most iconic properties. This is what you need to know about each space, and a bit of inspiration to take away – no matter your own interior design style.
A look inside 7 of Joanna Gaines' most celebrated spaces
From a 1920s hotel, to a '70s-inspired lake house, Joanna and crew have truly done it all. Here's a glimpse into seven of the designer's most iconic spaces, including her own home and the Fixer Upper greats.
Joanna's House
It's no surprise that Joanna's own home is a stunning show of her signature modern farmhouse style. From the very beginning, a classic black-and-white front porch welcomes guests inside, while greenery and a wood-paneled base soften the entrance look.
Each room of the Texas home is a work of art in its own right, but the 'California casual' living room exudes elegant, laid-back charm. With room built in for the entire family, each living room corner has been transformed into a fresh, functional space.
Even the most utilitarian spaces of the Texas estate are beautiful and considered. The laundry room, for example, is a plant-filled oasis, with loads of natural light and a much-used table. Joanna regularly escapes to this relatively pared-back space, pictured above, to think and write. And over to the bathroom, a whimsical pattern featured on the powder room's wallpaper (scenic, sketched clouds) shows the eclectic side of Joanna's style, and
The kitchen, too, isn't just a space for cooking. It's a gathering hub in the home, where Joanna whips up countless family meals and creative recipes. With bold kitchen cabinets and an antique focal point – a repurposed communion table that now grounds the space – the space itself is a masterclass in modern farmhouse style.
Joanna's Garden
Joanna's design talents aren't limited to the inside of the house, as is proven by her sprawling Texas garden. Checking in on the garden is a favorite post-travel ritual of the designer's, and many of the harvest's fresh-cut flowers end up within her elegant Waco home. Plus, she's known to indulge in flower pressing from time to time, all with the help of her lush garden right outside.
The layout and landscape design of the impressive garden can't be overlooked. It contains large, symmetrical planting beds galore, light gray pebble-covered walking paths, and hanging plants that bring the scenery to life. The summer bloom is something to marvel at, and when maintenance is necessary, a beautifully organized garden shed lies in wait nearby.
The indoor-outdoor spaces don't stop there, though. A sophisticated greenhouse offers a warm, welcoming escape, and the space is full of rich, abundant greenery to enjoy. And an expansive garden cottage – complete with a large wooden table, characterful shelving, and natural light pouring in – is one of Joanna's favorite spots of the whole home.
The Lake House
The Gaines' most recent Fixer Upper project was an idyllic lake house with stunning views of Lake Waco. Ahead of the space's final reveal, Joanna told H&G that the project and an accompanying paint collection with KILZ were inspired by nature's beauty.
In many ways the finished home departed from Joanna's signature modern farmhouse style, instead leaning into a beautiful, timeless '70s-meets-Spanish-revival aesthetic. The retro Lake House is packed with character and charm, and each room delivers on this season's hottest design trends (while still feeling classic and enduring). A whole-home color palette of '70s-inspired shades takes all the best parts of the era's design style, while leaving behind the over-the-top, now-dated vestiges.
The lake house's mid-century modern living room is packed with retro inspiration, featuring classic furniture, natural wood finishes, and quirky light fixtures. A statement fireplace brings in Spanish revival style, and lake and forest views elevate the entire space.
In the kitchen, old-money style dominates, with bold veined marble and intricate fluted detailing taking center stage. A glass door leading to an outdoor pool makes the room even more appealing. And just off the entryway, a stylish home library provides the perfect space for reading, relaxing, or gathering with the whole family. The whole home, now sold to a lucky Texas family, is a serene retreat chock full of design inspiration.
The Castle
The grand finale of Fixer Upper: The Castle aired in 2022, and we're still not over the grand, elegant Tudor-style chateau unveiled by the Gaines. On the show, Chip referred to The Castle as the 'fixer-upper of all fixer-uppers,' and with nearly 4,500 square feet to renovate, he wasn't exaggerating. Each room of the stately property is gorgeous and worthy of its historic home, which was auctioned off to a lucky buyer last year.
From the first steps into the castle's entryway, characterful wall paneling and a nature-inspired color palette greet visitors with style. Architectural details ensure that the home retains its historic charm while leaning into modern-day design trends. Even the bathroom feels historic and important, featuring intricate windows, a standing tub, vintage-inspired cabinetry, and Art Deco-style accessories.
Joanna has called the kitchen one of the 'dreamiest rooms' of the whole home, and its organic color scheme exudes calm and serenity. The next-door pantry's moody, dark cabinetry makes the room feel like a world of its own, and wood-paned windows and a clean marble countertop reflect nature's unmatched beauty. While feeling contemporary and fresh, it's also a lesson in classic modern farmhouse style.
The Hotel
Last year, Chip and Joanna took on their biggest project yet, a 50,000-square-foot hotel remodel with Fixer Upper: The Hotel. The property, built in 1928, was a local Waco landmark in need of a worthy refresh, and the Gaines were up to the task. But with 33 rooms, a restaurant, a ballroom, and a rooftop terrace, Hotel 1928 was no easy feat.
The final reveal, a considered blend of Joanna's signature look and Art Deco-inspired flair, is moody and characterful, fit for a beloved historic property. With loads of bookshelf-wealth inspiration to go around and a notable mid-century modern influence, the result is timeless and elegant. Every detail is well-considered, from intricate ceiling paneling in the restaurant to carved gold mirrors providing a backdrop to the bar.
The Gristmill
Because much of Joanna's life takes place in front of a camera, she also has an on-set home inside a gristmill built in the 1800s. The Gristmill, as she calls it, features an all-neutral living room with rustic beams and black-framed windows that divide the open-plan space. A classic white sofa and armchair provide the perfect place to relax in between takes, and a lush area rug in the same hue grounds the space.
The kitchen, where Joanna films her cooking show, Magnolia Table, is a stunning modern rustic space. Complete with unpainted kitchen cabinetry, natural stone storage alcoves, a white plaster range hood, and a vintage island, the space is a chef's dream brought to life.
'I was told early on that most cooking shows are filmed in studios where variables like lighting and sound can be controlled, which all makes sense,' Joanna wrote in a blog post unveiling the space. 'But I struggled with the idea of it. I’d imagined something different – space that felt authentic, that radiated with the same warmth and familiarity of my own kitchen at home.'
The 'Mini Reni'
The Gaines don't just take on sprawling spaces – the pair's series of small, no-demo renovations as chronicled in Magnolia Network's TV special Mini Reni. The show follows Chip and Joanna as they renovate three rooms in one week, all with a limited budget. The final reveal is just as gorgeous as the rest of the Gaines' portfolio.
The living room is 1930s-inspired, complete with a light green hue on the molded walls, green tile trim on the fireplace, and classic, timeless furniture. It's a luscious retreat, with natural light and plenty of greenery.
The Mini Reni dining room takes on a similar color palette, featuring characterful green wallpaper, a light blue built-in china cabinet, and a nature-inspired dining setup that's sure to endure past the trends. The last renovation was a controversial bedroom remodel, which transformed a big white box into a sophisticated, wallpaper-clad den that feels cozy and cocooning.
We're sure there are more stunning remodels to come from Joanna Gaines. Her signature modern farmhouse look might have accumulated some twists along the way, but the design style is only growing better with time.
