Joanna Gaines’s mid-century modern kitchen is the best room she’s ever designed
Joanna Gaines is a master of her craft. The TV personality, interior designer, and star of HGTV’s Fixer Upper is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to designing spaces. Her most recent renovation; an elevated mid-century modern masterpiece is perhaps her best renovation yet – with the kitchen being the star of the show.
The highly-anticipated Lake House renovation is a mid-century modern one-off, designed by the dream team behind Magnolia, the Gaineses – husband and wife team Chip and Joanna – have given this popular interior design trend an updated feel – beautifully reimagined for its Texan location.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Magnolia Network)
There is so much I love about this kitchen. It also exemplifies how much Gaines has grown and evolved as a designer over the years. The color scheme for a start is a masterclass.
The beauty of the Texan landscape surrounding the property and its panoramic view of Lake Waco served as inspiration for the kitchen color scheme. A poignant moment in one episode of Fixer Upper: The Lake House sees Gaines holding up a sample of the cherry wood used throughout the home to the backdrop of trees in the yard: It’s a match, she delights.
A winning color combination of sage green, beige, and rich brown will never date. ‘A biophilic color palette is comforting and warm, especially in times of uncertainty. This palette evokes the thought of foraging and nourishment in the natural world, growth, renewal and life as a whole,’ says Alice Hood, senior design consultant at Roundhouse. ‘It brings the outside in, even in the most urban setting, and studies have been conducted to show that being surrounded by green and brown, in particular, can relax our nervous system and help us to feel calm, and in some cases, even live longer.’
(Image credit: Courtesy of Magnolia Network)
Another fundamental aspect is the clever use of textural accents. Using texture in interior design can instantly elevate the entire look and feel of the space. Quite simply, without texture, a space will fall flat. It’s crucial to look at the room as a whole and bring an area together with mixed materials for vibrancy and warmth. It’s a way of adding depth and dimension to a room as well as comfort.
Gaines uses texture in the form of tactile objects, such as wood and stone, to add physical comfort and visual interest to a space. Mixing materials and layering is key to making textural elements work.
Tiffany Leigh, of Tiffany Leigh Design, agrees: ‘Texture in design is all about creating tactile moments that invite touch. It refers to the feel, appearance, or consistency of a surface or material. Textures help to keep a space from feeling flat or one dimensional.’
Finally, although mid-century in design, the room doesn’t feel too themed. With its peaceful palette and carefully curated collection of antiques and modernist pieces, this handsome, mid-century modern kitchen is a balm for the soul.
Shop the look
This gorgeous green-blue glazed pasta bowl, which can be used as a fruit bowl, will make a wonderful addition to your kitchen island. The color is timeless and enduring.
Wood & Brass Paper Towel Holder – Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
Joanna Gaines manages to make the most mundane accessories look beautiful, and this wood and brass paper towel holder is no different. Highly-rated and best-selling, this design is one of the nicest I’ve seen.
KitchenAid 5qt 10-Speed Stand Mixer with Copper Bowl Fresh Linen
For budding chefs and bakers, a stand mixer is a must-have item. This isn’t just the best KitchenAid stand mixer: it’s the best stand mixer, bar none, as tested by our kitchen expert and chef, Lydia Hayman.
Bloomingville Round Glass Vase with Narrow Lip
A simple glass vase is a must to add textural detail to a kitchen. Add two-three stems of gypsophila for a hint of greenery.
Footed Wood Serving Trivet – Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
Classic in its design, this wood serving trivet can be used purely for decoration or to serve food. Either way, it is a must have in your kitchen.
Wood with Antique Brass Canister
Glass canisters make great gifts, especially when they are as luxe as these ones from Magnolia – Joanna Gaines’s own store. Fill them with pastas, and grains, or even use them as decorative objects.
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