Decorating & Design
Get Joanna Gaines’ Design Secrets & Peek Inside Her New Book, Homebody!
Updated on November 8, 2018
It’s been quite a year for Joanna Gaines, who along with husband Chip Gaines, makes up half of the dynamic design duo behind Fixer Upper and the Magnolia Home brand. For a quick recap, Joanna wrapped up the final season of Fixer Upper, penned two books (Homebody, which launches November 4, and the Magnolia Table cookbook), and opened a restaurant, Magnolia Table, in her hometown of Waco, Texas. She also did a Hearth & Hand collection with Target in addition to her line of home decor goods sold through Magnolia Home and Pier 1. Here, our hardworking 2018 TV Designer Of The Year gives us a sneak peek at some images from Homebody and talks about her design — and life — philosophy.
Joanna Gaines: For me, a lot of it stems from the early days at my shop. Up until that point, I had never done anything design-related, but people would often come into the shop and pick up a vase or something and ask, “What would you do with this? Where would you put it?” It was those moments that really forced me to be creative on the spot. That first year was really about me learning from my customers, listening to what they were needing, and really working with them to find solutions for their homes.
JG: The book follows six foundational styles — farmhouse, modern, rustic, industrial, traditional and boho — and features 22 homes that represent a range and combination of those looks. Very few houses featured in the book represent just one look or genre, and that’s because I believe that a gathered approach is essential to creating spaces that truly represent you and the people you share your home with.
JG: Our farmhouse represents all that I’ve learned over the years — every design failure and every win that I’ve experienced along the way. I’ve tried to make it a place where everyone in our family feels well-represented and inspired, where Chip and I can truly rest and where our kids can create and their young imaginations can grow. Our home isn’t perfect, but it’s our story that you see all around us there, which made it seem worth including in this book.
JG: First off, you’re not alone. I’ve been there myself. Design can be intimidating, but the good news is, it’s actually not rocket science. I think there are some misconceptions out there that lead people to think that in order to create spaces you truly love you have to spend a fortune or have flawless taste. I don’t believe that’s true. When all is said and done, I think what matters the most is that you surround yourself with things that tell your story.
JG: More than anything, I hope people will learn that good design isn’t achieved by following arbitrary guidelines or emulating a look they see in someone else’s home. It’s also not about sticking to a specific, prescribed style. What it comes down to is telling your story and incorporating the things you love into your home. I can’t promise that this book will answer every design issue you may have, but I do hope it will help nudge you toward creating intentional spaces that feel like home for everyone who lives there.
Portraits courtesy Magnolia. Entry and living room photography, Cody Ulrich. Kitchen photography by Lisa Petrole.