21 Joanna Gaines’s Living Room Ideas
If you’re obsessed with Joanna Gaines’s effortlessly cozy, timeless, and modern farmhouse aesthetic, you’re in the right place. Her signature living room designs blend rustic charm, modern elegance, and personal warmth, making any space feel like home. Whether you’re dreaming of a Fixer Upper-style transformation or just want to add a few Joanna-inspired touches, these 21 ideas will guide you through creating a stunning, functional, and cozy living space.
1. Neutral Color Palette With a Cozy Vibe
Joanna Gaines is the queen of neutrals—but don’t mistake that for boring! She layers whites, beiges, grays, and soft pastels to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The trick? Texture! Think linen sofas, chunky knit throws, and woven baskets to add depth to a neutral space.
According to Zillow, homes with neutral colors sell for up to $2,000 more than those with bold hues—so this isn’t just stylish, it’s smart!
2. A Statement Fireplace That Steals the Show
Joanna often makes the fireplace the focal point of the living room. Whether it’s a rustic reclaimed wood mantel, a shiplap backdrop, or an exposed brick surround, a fireplace adds instant coziness.
Pro tip: Even if you don’t have a built-in fireplace, an electric or faux fireplace can still create that charming Fixer Upper look.
3. Shiplap Walls for Instant Farmhouse Charm
Love it or hate it, shiplap is synonymous with Joanna’s design style. Adding horizontal wooden panels to your walls gives them texture and character without overpowering the space.
Shiplap is also a budget-friendly way to refresh your walls without a full renovation. A standard 8-foot wall can cost as little as $200 to $300 to DIY!
4. Oversized Comfy Seating for Family Gatherings
Joanna’s living rooms are made for conversation and relaxation. She opts for oversized sectionals, deep sofas, and plush armchairs that invite people to sink in and stay awhile.
Look for sofas with performance fabrics—they resist stains, which is perfect for households with kids and pets.
5. Vintage & Antique Accents for Personality
A Joanna Gaines living room isn’t complete without a touch of vintage charm. She loves incorporating old trunks, antique mirrors, and repurposed furniture to add character.
Hot tip: Thrift stores and flea markets are goldmines for one-of-a-kind vintage finds at a fraction of retail prices.
6. Large Area Rugs to Anchor the Space
One of Joanna’s best-kept secrets? A large area rug can pull an entire room together. It defines seating areas and adds warmth, especially if you have hardwood floors.
Choose natural fiber rugs like jute or wool for that organic, lived-in feel.
7. Open Shelving With Thoughtful Styling
Joanna uses open shelving to display a mix of functional and decorative pieces—think books, vases, framed photos, and small potted plants.
A good rule of thumb? Stick to the 60-30-10 rule:
- 60% books and practical items
- 30% decorative objects
- 10% empty space for balance
8. A Mix of Old and New for a Lived-In Look
Instead of buying everything brand new, Joanna loves to mix modern pieces with vintage finds. This creates a curated, timeless aesthetic that never feels too “perfect.”
Think a modern slipcovered sofa paired with a distressed wood coffee table—the contrast is what makes it interesting!
9. Black Accents for a Sophisticated Touch
While Joanna’s go-to palette is neutral, she often incorporates black elements—like iron light fixtures, black window frames, and dark wood furniture—to add depth and sophistication.
Black accents make a space feel more polished and intentional without overwhelming it.
10. Layered Lighting for Cozy Ambiance
A single overhead light won’t cut it! Joanna layers table lamps, floor lamps, sconces, and pendant lights to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Dimmable lights are a game changer—they allow you to adjust the mood with a simple turn of the knob.
11. Built-In Storage to Keep Clutter at Bay
Joanna believes that every space should be beautiful AND functional. Built-in bookshelves, hidden storage ottomans, and vintage trunks help keep things organized without sacrificing style.
Stat alert: According to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders, 93% of buyers want built-in storage solutions in their homes!
12. Indoor Plants for a Fresh, Airy Feel
Nothing breathes life into a space like indoor plants! Joanna often adds fiddle leaf figs, snake plants, and trailing pothos to her designs.
Not only do they look great, but they also purify the air—NASA research found that plants like snake plants can remove up to 87% of toxins from the air!
13. Coffee Tables With a Story
Joanna loves a coffee table with character. Whether it’s an old wooden chest, a repurposed barn door, or a rustic farmhouse table, it should spark conversation.
Pro tip: If you want that worn-in, distressed look, use a little sandpaper and dark wax on a wooden table!
14. Layered Textiles for Warmth
Joanna is all about mixing different textures—think linen curtains, woven throws, and embroidered pillows. These layers add depth and keep the space from feeling flat.
Design hack: Stick to a cohesive color palette (neutrals with subtle pops of color) to keep things looking intentional.
15. Barn Doors for a Rustic Touch
If you’ve watched Fixer Upper, you KNOW Joanna loves a good barn door moment. These sliding doors save space, add architectural interest, and scream farmhouse chic.
Plus, they’re a great DIY project—home improvement stores sell barn door hardware kits for under $100!
16. Gallery Walls With a Personal Touch
Joanna often creates gallery walls featuring a mix of family photos, vintage prints, and meaningful artwork. The key is to keep frames cohesive in color and spacing.
Pro tip: Lay everything out on the floor before hanging to get the perfect arrangement.
17. Exposed Wood Beams for Architectural Interest
Want instant farmhouse charm? Exposed wood beams add warmth, character, and history to a space. Even if your home doesn’t have them, you can install faux beams for the same effect!
18. Cozy Reading Nooks for Quiet Moments
Joanna often carves out small cozy corners with a plush chair, side table, and reading lamp. It’s an easy way to make your living room feel more inviting.
A hanging swing chair is a fun twist on a traditional reading nook—perfect for a laid-back, boho vibe!
19. Woven Baskets for Stylish Storage
Joanna’s go-to for clutter control? Woven baskets! They’re great for storing blankets, toys, and magazines while adding a natural texture.
Tip: Opt for seagrass or rattan baskets for a neutral, timeless look.
20. Farmhouse-Style Windows for an Airy Feel
Large black-framed windows are a Joanna Gaines signature. They let in tons of natural light and create a bright, airy atmosphere.
Even if you can’t replace your windows, floor-length curtains hung high can mimic the look of tall farmhouse windows.
21. A Signature Scent for a Welcoming Atmosphere
Joanna is big on creating a sensory experience, and that includes scent! Light woodsy candles, bake fresh cookies, or diffuse essential oils to make your living room feel extra inviting.
Fun fact: Studies show that scents like vanilla and cinnamon can make people feel happier and more relaxed—so your home will literally smell like joy!
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a Waco, Texas farmhouse to get Joanna Gaines’s signature style. With a mix of neutral tones, vintage finds, cozy textures, and thoughtful details, you can transform your living room into a space that’s both stylish and deeply personal.
Which of these ideas are you excited to try first? Let me know!
