20 Joanna Gaines’s Living Room Ideas That Will Transform Your Space (You Won’t Believe #12!)
If there’s one thing Joanna Gaines has mastered, it’s making a living room feel like a hug in design form—cozy, practical, and drop-dead gorgeous all at once.
Her style, often described as modern farmhouse, has taken over Pinterest boards, Instagram feeds, and even our shopping carts at Target’s Hearth & Hand collection.
But what really makes her living room ideas so special? It’s not just shiplap walls and neutral tones—it’s the way she layers comfort with character, creating spaces that whisper, “Come sit down and stay awhile.”
Below, I’ve gathered 20 Joanna Gaines-inspired living room ideas that can completely transform your space.
1. Embrace the Power of Neutrals
Joanna has proven time and again that neutral colors aren’t boring—they’re the ultimate blank canvas.
Whites, creams, soft grays, and muted beiges create a calm backdrop that makes your living room feel airy and expansive.
Think of it as the vanilla ice cream of design—you can always add toppings (pillows, rugs, plants) without overwhelming the flavor.
According to Zillow’s 2023 Home Trends Report, homes painted in light neutrals sold for up to $6,000 more on average.
So, grab that paintbrush and let your walls breathe.
2. Mix Old and New
One of Joanna’s signature moves is blending vintage treasures with modern pieces.
Picture a sleek leather sofa paired with an antique wooden coffee table. That contrast? It’s pure magic.
It also tells a story—your story. That thrifted chair your grandmother gave you? Keep it. Add a modern lamp beside it, and suddenly it looks intentional, not outdated.
This balance keeps your living room from feeling like a museum or a furniture catalog—it feels like home.
3. Oversized Rugs Anchor the Room
Joanna is notorious for using large, cozy rugs to ground a living room. A rug that’s too small can make even the nicest room look awkward.
Her rule of thumb? Go big. Ideally, your rug should sit under the front legs of your sofas and chairs.
According to interior design surveys, 73% of designers say rugs are the most underrated living room feature—yet they make the biggest impact.
Invest in a natural jute or a vintage-inspired patterned rug for that Gaines-approved look.
4. Shiplap (But Make It Subtle)
Ah, shiplap—the word practically screams Fixer Upper. While Joanna may have launched the shiplap craze, she’s evolved its use.
Instead of plastering every wall, she often uses shiplap as an accent wall or on the fireplace.
It adds texture without overwhelming the room. If you’re hesitant, try vertical shiplap, which feels modern and sleek compared to the classic horizontal look.
5. Layered Textures = Instant Warmth
Joanna’s homes always look like you could sink into them, and the secret is layered textures.
Think chunky knit throws, linen pillows, woven baskets, and reclaimed wood.
Texture keeps neutrals from feeling flat. As designers say, “If your room feels boring, add texture, not color.”
It’s the difference between a plain oatmeal cookie and one studded with chocolate chunks and nuts—it’s still comforting, but now it’s irresistible.
6. Statement Lighting Fixtures
Joanna doesn’t shy away from big, bold lighting. Oversized chandeliers, rustic lanterns, and industrial pendants are her go-to.
Lighting is like jewelry—it pulls the whole outfit together. In fact, 87% of homeowners say lighting completely changes how their living room feels, according to Houzz research.
Don’t settle for a builder-grade ceiling fan. Choose a fixture that’s both functional and a conversation starter.
7. Built-In Shelving for Charm and Storage
Joanna often incorporates built-in shelving around fireplaces or walls. They’re not just practical—they’re charming.
Fill them with books, baskets, family photos, and greenery. The key is to style them sparingly. Joanna loves a good “open shelf moment” where every piece feels curated, not cluttered.
And yes, this is your excuse to finally display that quirky vase you bought in Italy.
8. Natural Wood Tones
Modern farmhouse doesn’t mean sterile white everything. Joanna often warms up her living rooms with exposed beams, reclaimed wood tables, or rustic consoles.
Studies show that wood tones create a psychological sense of warmth, making people feel more welcome. Think of it as bringing the outdoors inside—minus the bugs.
9. Cozy Fireplaces as Focal Points
Joanna knows the fireplace isn’t just for heat—it’s the heart of the living room. She often styles it with simple mantels, candles, or greenery.
Even if you don’t have a working fireplace, faux versions (electric or decorative) add the same cozy vibe.
According to the National Association of Realtors, fireplaces increase a home’s value by up to 12%.
That’s not just warmth for the soul—it’s warmth for your wallet.
10. Plenty of Greenery
If you’ve watched Joanna decorate, you know plants are non-negotiable. Whether it’s a fiddle-leaf fig or eucalyptus branches in a glass vase, greenery breathes life into a room.
And here’s a fun fact: NASA studies found that indoor plants can improve air quality by up to 30%. So not only do they look good, but they help you breathe easier.
11. Slipcovered Sofas for Practical Elegance
Joanna often opts for slipcovered sofas, especially in family rooms. They look casual yet elegant, and best of all—they’re washable.
White sofa with kids? Terrifying. White slipcover with kids? Totally doable. It’s like having your cake and eating it too.
12. Unexpected Pops of Black (You Won’t Believe This One!)
Here’s where Joanna surprises people: black accents. Yes, in a world of neutrals, she sneaks in black-framed windows, iron light fixtures, or even a matte-black accent wall.
It’s bold, striking, and completely unexpected in her otherwise soft palettes. But that contrast? It makes everything else pop.
This is the design equivalent of adding espresso to your chocolate cake batter—it deepens the flavor without taking over.
13. Open Floor Plan Harmony
Joanna is famous for tearing down walls to create open-concept living. But with open spaces comes the challenge of making each area feel distinct yet connected.
She often uses rugs, furniture placement, or ceiling beams to define spaces. It’s a gentle reminder that flow matters as much as furniture.
14. Personalized Wall Art
Forget generic prints—Joanna loves meaningful wall art. Oversized family photos, vintage maps, or even DIY signs with personal quotes often grace her projects.
Your walls should tell your story, not just fill empty space. According to Houzz surveys, 62% of homeowners prefer personal art over mass-produced décor.
15. Accent Chairs with Personality
Joanna rarely sticks to just one sofa. She adds accent chairs with fun patterns, leather textures, or unique shapes to break up the monotony.
Think of them as supporting actors in your living room movie—they don’t steal the show but they make the star (your sofa) shine.
16. Minimal Yet Inviting Coffee Tables
Instead of overloading coffee tables with décor, Joanna keeps it simple: a stack of books, a candle, maybe a small plant.
The key is functionality first, beauty second. You should still have room to put down your coffee mug without knocking over a ceramic horse.
17. White Walls with Warm Accents
While bold walls have their place, Joanna often keeps walls white or off-white. The warmth comes from accents—wood beams, leather, textiles, or lighting.
This makes your living room timeless. Paint trends come and go (remember avocado green in the 70s?), but white walls are forever.
18. Farmhouse Tables as Multifunctional Pieces
Sometimes, Joanna sneaks a farmhouse-style table into living rooms—perfect as a console behind the sofa or even as a coffee table.
These sturdy, rustic tables bring authenticity. Plus, they double as functional surfaces for storage baskets or extra seating.
19. Symmetry for Balance
One of Joanna’s tricks is using symmetry to create balance. Matching lamps, paired chairs, or twin bookshelves instantly make a room feel polished.
Humans naturally crave symmetry—it’s why we find faces more attractive when they’re balanced. The same goes for your living room.
20. Cozy Corners for Connection
Finally, Joanna always designs living rooms with conversation in mind.
Instead of pushing furniture against the walls, she pulls pieces closer to create intimate seating areas.
A cozy corner with two armchairs and a lamp can transform unused space into your new favorite reading nook.
Conclusion
Joanna Gaines has shown us that a living room isn’t just a place to watch TV—it’s the heartbeat of the home.
From neutral color palettes to bold black accents, from layered textures to thoughtful symmetry, her ideas combine practicality with charm in a way that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
If you take anything from her style, let it be this: design isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection.
Your living room should invite laughter, late-night conversations, and lazy Sunday naps.
So, whether you’re grabbing a can of white paint, splurging on a massive rug, or daring to try that bold black accent wall (#12, remember?), know that these Joanna-inspired ideas will help you create a space that feels like you.
