When you think of Joanna Gaines, one word instantly comes to mind—cozy. She has this magical ability to take a plain living room and make it feel like the heart of the home, where memories are stitched together like patches on a favorite quilt.
1. Neutral Color Palettes
Joanna almost always starts with a neutral base—think whites, soft grays, and creamy beiges. Why? Because neutrals act like a blank canvas that lets everything else in the room shine.
When I first tried painting my living room a soft white, it felt a little scary—like I was washing away all the personality. But here’s what happened: suddenly, my favorite wooden coffee table and colorful throw pillows stood out more than ever. Neutrals don’t erase character; they highlight it.
Stat to note: According to Zillow design trends, homes with light neutral living spaces sell 33% faster than those with darker, bolder walls.
2. Shiplap Walls
Love it or hate it, shiplap is Joanna’s trademark. And let me tell you—it’s not going away anytime soon. Shiplap adds texture without chaos, turning boring drywall into something dimensional.
If full shiplap feels like too much, try an accent wall behind your couch or fireplace. I once helped a friend cover just one wall in peel-and-stick shiplap, and the room instantly felt like something out of Fixer Upper.
3. Oversized Cozy Sofas
Joanna knows a living room isn’t a living room if it doesn’t beg you to flop down after a long day. Her go-to is oversized, cushy sofas in neutral tones. The kind where you don’t sit—you sink.
Here’s my personal tip: If you can’t splurge on a Restoration Hardware-style couch, go for a budget-friendly sectional and pile it with textured throws and pillows. Comfort beats perfection every time.
4. Mix of Old and New
One of Joanna’s secret weapons is blending vintage finds with modern touches. You’ll often see an antique coffee table paired with a sleek sofa or an old trunk doubling as storage.
When I inherited my grandma’s old wooden chest, I almost shoved it in storage. Instead, I polished it up and now it’s my coffee table—it feels like Joanna herself whispered the idea in my ear.
5. Wooden Beams
If your living room has exposed wooden beams, you’ve basically got Joanna’s dream. They bring instant farmhouse character and warmth. And if you don’t? Faux beams are surprisingly affordable.
Fun fact: Realtor.com found that exposed beams can boost a home’s value by up to 15% because buyers associate them with luxury and charm.
6. Layered Rugs
You’ll almost never see a Gaines living room with just one plain rug. She loves layering rugs—like a jute rug underneath a patterned one. It adds dimension and coziness, like putting whipped cream on top of hot chocolate.
Budget hack: I once layered a cheap IKEA rug under a patterned vintage rug, and suddenly my small living room looked like it belonged in a magazine.
7. Statement Coffee Tables
For Joanna, the coffee table is the anchor. She often uses oversized wooden tables that can handle a stack of books, a tray, and still have room for someone to kick their feet up.
The key here? Function + beauty. Don’t go too dainty; go sturdy. A good coffee table should look like it could tell stories.
8. Built-In Shelving
Another Joanna favorite: built-in shelves that mix books, baskets, and decor. They look curated but never fussy.
I’ll confess—I used to cram my shelves with random knick-knacks. Joanna taught me the power of balance: group items in threes, mix heights, and let some breathing room happen. Suddenly, my shelves looked “styled,” not stuffed.
9. Big Statement Fireplaces
If there’s a fireplace in the room, Joanna makes it the star. Sometimes with stone, sometimes with white paint, but always as the heart of the space.
Even if you don’t have a real fireplace, consider an electric version or even a DIY faux mantel. It creates that same cozy focal point.
10. Greenery Everywhere
Joanna rarely styles a room without a touch of greenery. Whether it’s fresh plants, faux olive trees, or eucalyptus in a vase, greenery adds life.
Here’s the funny part: I’m a notorious plant killer. But I discovered good-quality faux plants, and now my living room always has that Gaines-approved freshness—without the guilt.
11. Black Window Frames
A subtle detail Joanna loves is black-trimmed windows. They act like eyeliner for your living room—framing the view and adding instant drama.
If replacing windows isn’t an option, you can fake it with black paint or even peel-and-stick window trim kits.
12. Open Floor Concept
On Fixer Upper, Joanna was famous for knocking down walls. The reason? She wanted open living spaces where families could gather and interact.
If you can’t remodel, mimic the vibe by using open shelving instead of walls, lighter curtains, or mirrors to expand the space visually.
13. Woven Baskets
Storage doesn’t have to be ugly. Joanna often sneaks in wicker or woven baskets for toys, blankets, or magazines. They keep things organized but still stylish.
Confession: I hide my kids’ Legos in a big seagrass basket by the couch. Guests think it’s decor, but really it’s my sanity saver.
14. Industrial Touches
Joanna doesn’t shy away from a touch of industrial flair—think metal light fixtures or black iron curtain rods. It balances all the softness in her designs.
Tip: Swapping out a basic light fixture for a matte black chandelier was one of the easiest upgrades I’ve ever done. Total Joanna move.
15. Farmhouse Signs and Art
Remember when farmhouse signs like “Gather” and “Blessed” were everywhere? That’s Joanna’s influence. While trends evolve, personalized wall art still feels warm and welcoming.
For a modern take, try oversized black-and-white photography or a large framed quote.
16. Cozy Throws and Pillows
If Joanna has a superpower, it’s making a space cozy with textiles. Layered pillows in mixed patterns, chunky knit throws, and soft fabrics all scream “sit and stay awhile.”
I once swapped out my stiff pillows for oversized feather-filled ones. Game changer. The living room became my nap headquarters.
17. Sliding Barn Doors
Nothing screams Gaines like a sliding barn door. They’re practical, space-saving, and instantly farmhouse chic.
If you don’t want to commit, even a barn-door-inspired TV cabinet gives that rustic touch.
18. Warm Lighting
Joanna avoids harsh overhead lighting. Instead, she leans into lamps, sconces, and candles to create a warm glow.
Quick secret: Swapping bulbs to warm white (2700K) instead of cool white transformed my living room vibe in 10 minutes. Cheap and effective.
19. Textured Walls and Ceilings
From board-and-batten walls to beadboard ceilings, Joanna loves adding architectural texture. It’s like giving your room layers of personality.
Even removable wall panels or faux wainscoting can mimic the effect if you’re not ready for construction.
20. Family-Centered Layouts
Joanna always designs for real families, not just photoshoots. Sofas face each other, coffee tables invite board games, and there’s space for kids and pets.
When I rearranged my living room to face the fireplace instead of the TV, something shifted—suddenly, conversations flowed more naturally. That’s the Gaines magic.
21. Mixing Textures
Finally, Joanna knows that the secret sauce of coziness is mixing textures: leather, linen, wood, wool, metal. Too much of one material feels flat. Mixing creates balance.
Think of it like a recipe—you need sweet, salty, crunchy, and soft for the perfect bite. Your living room deserves that mix too.
Conclusion on 21 Joanna Gaines’s Living Room Ideas
If you’ve ever wondered how Joanna Gaines creates spaces that feel like home, the secret isn’t in chasing trends—it’s in layering comfort, functionality, and warmth. From neutral palettes and cozy sofas to shiplap walls and woven baskets, her style proves that design should never be just about looks. It’s about creating a space where people actually want to live.
The best part? You don’t need to gut-renovate your living room to channel Joanna’s charm. Start small—paint in neutrals, add a few textured throws, sneak in some greenery, or layer rugs. These little steps build into a space that feels intentional and inviting.
About James
James founded HomeUpgradeLab & was sharing his experiences to fix issues related to bathroom and toilet fixtures & fittings. Read to know more about James Hill & how he started this blog.