Fixer Upper Best Home Decor Tips
Who says you need to be on the Fixer-Upper show to get that farmhouse-chic charm?
Whether you’re in a city apartment or a country cottage, these styling tips from Chip and Joanna Gaines will help you create a cozy, stylish, and functional space.
Their signature blend of rustic, modern, and timeless elements can be incorporated into any home.
From neutral palettes to vintage-inspired lighting, we’ve got the best tips to bring Fixer-Upper magic into your space. Let’s start right away.
Start with a Neutral Base
Joanna loves a soft, neutral palette and she recommends it to her clients as well. Think warm whites, greiges, and soft grays. Why neutral? According to Joanna, a neutral base keeps your space airy, timeless, and easy to layer with decor.
It also allows you to switch up your accent pieces without a major overhaul. The key is to use different shades of neutrals to create depth while keeping things cohesive.
Mix Textures for Depth
Rustic wood beams, cozy knit throws, and metal fixtures, layering textures make a room feel inviting and lived-in. Don’t be afraid to mix wood with metal, soft fabrics with natural stone, or matte surfaces with shiny ones.
Think of elements like linen drapes, leather furniture, and woven baskets. Adding texture doesn’t just make a room feel cozier, it gives it the curated, high-end look Joanna is known for.
Bring in the Greenery
No Fixer Upper home is complete without plants. Freshen up your space with real or faux greenery—olive trees, fiddle leaf figs, and cascading pothos are all Joanna-approved.
Plants add life and vibrancy to any space while improving air quality. If you don’t have a green thumb, opt for low-maintenance varieties like snake plants or succulents. Display herbs in mason jars on your kitchen counter for a farmhouse touch.
Open Shelving for Style & Function
Swap upper cabinets for open shelving in your kitchen or living room. It keeps things airy while allowing you to display your favorite dishes, books, and decor.
Use decorative baskets to hide clutter and mix in framed art or greenery for a curated look. Moreover, choose wood shelves for warmth or metal for an industrial touch.
Slide into Barn Doors
Barn doors aren’t just for the farm. Use them to separate spaces without sacrificing charm. They save space and instantly add a Fixer Upper touch.
Whether you go for reclaimed wood for a rustic look or a sleek painted finish for a modern vibe, barn doors add visual interest. They work great for pantries, bathrooms, or even as a decorative feature.
Plus, they’re a perfect DIY project if you want a weekend makeover with maximum impact.
Repurpose & Upcycle
Fixer Upper goal is all about giving old pieces new life, whether it’s turning antique doors into a headboard or using vintage crates as storage.
Before tossing that old dresser, think about how you can repurpose it. A little sanding and paint can turn it into a chic bathroom vanity or an entryway console.
This approach adds character to your home while being budget-friendly and eco-conscious.
Statement Lighting is Key
From oversized pendants to wrought iron chandeliers, lighting is a game-changer. Joanna always recommends opting for layered lighting.
Choose unique fixtures that make a statement while keeping your space warm and inviting. Further include sconces to create cozy nooks or a bold pendant light over your dining table for drama. Mix metals like brass, black, or copper for a layered effect.
Vintage Meets Modern
Joanna Gaines has mastered the art of mixing old and new. It’s all about contrast.
Think of a crisp white sofa with a reclaimed wood coffee table or pairing a classic farmhouse table with sleek modern chairs. A high-end kitchen with rustic open shelves that look straight out of an old barn? So Fixer Upper.
To get that signature look, mix in vintage finds like distressed picture frames, antique mirrors, or even salvaged doors repurposed as decor.
Create a Cozy Entryway
Your entryway is like the opening scene of a Fixer-Upper episode, it sets the whole vibe. Start with a sturdy bench (bonus points if it’s reclaimed wood), add some farmhouse-style hooks for coats and bags, and roll out a cute welcome mat that makes guests smile.
Want extra charm? A vintage-inspired “Welcome Home” sign or a cozy lantern works wonders. Keep it functional with woven baskets for shoes and a simple console table for keys and mail.
Layer Rugs for Warmth
Rugs are like cozy sweaters for your floors, layering them takes it to the next level. Try a neutral jute or sisal rug as a base, then top it with a patterned vintage-style rug for that signature Fixer Upper charm.
This trick also works wonders in open floor plans by helping define spaces. Think of a layered rug moment in the living room to separate it from the dining area.
Architectural Details Matter
Ever wonder why The Fixer Upper homes have that effortlessly cozy, lived-in charm? It’s all in the details.
Shiplap, wainscoting, and exposed beams add instant character, making a space feel custom and timeless. But if your home didn’t come with these built-in beauties, don’t worry, you can fake it like a pro.
Use peel-and-stick shiplap to add texture without a major reno. Even simple molding on plain walls instantly adds charm to any room.
Farmhouse Tables Are Forever
A rustic farmhouse table is ideal for family dinners, game nights, or a spot to spread out and tackle a DIY project, this staple never goes out of style.
Go for reclaimed wood or a distressed finish to nail that timeworn, lived-in look. Want to mix things up? Pair it with modern metal chairs or an eye-catching chandelier to keep things fresh.
The best part? A farmhouse table is effortlessly stylish yet completely functional, making it a forever favorite in Fixer Upper-inspired homes.
Personalize with Meaningful Decor
Joanna makes sure her client’s home feels lived in, not like a catalog. The best way to achieve that? Incorporate personal touches.
Think framed family photos, vintage finds with history, DIY artwork, or souvenirs from your favorite travels. It can be a rustic clock gifted to you by your grandparents or a handmade sign with your favorite quote.
Even thrifted finds with old-time charm can be meaningful decor for your space.
Open Floor Plans FTW
Joanna loves an open, airy layout, so if you can knock down a wall (safely), go for it. But if a major reno isn’t on the table, don’t worry. You can still create that spacious, connected vibe with a few simple tricks.
Use light, cohesive colors to make rooms flow seamlessly. Define spaces with area rugs or furniture placement while keeping the overall layout open and inviting. Check out fresh ways to arrange furniture in open homes so it doesn’t look cluttered or disconnected.
Create a Cozy Reading Nook
Every Fixer Upper-inspired space needs a cozy corner, and a reading nook is the perfect way to add charm and function to your bedroom.
Find a comfy accent chair, add a soft throw, and place a small side table for your coffee or tea.
A stylish floor lamp or sconce gives just the right amount of glow, and a woven basket filled with books or magazines completes the look.
Even if space is tight, you can create a cozy reading nook in the living room with simple ideas for that inviting, Fixer Upper-inspired vibe.
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