Joanna Gaines Shares The Simple Yet Retro Way To Add A Pop Of Color To A Neutral Space
Most of Joanna Gaines' designs usually turn into the next big trend. The interior designer and star of HGTV's "Fixer Upper" is known for how she made everyone fall in love with modern farmhouse decor. Now, it seems Gaines is adding a retro touch to her traditional style and with it, a brighter color that pops against her typically neutral backdrops. In an Instagram post, Gaines shows off a retro-inspired cobalt blue wall sconce, captioned simply, "I likey." The unique light fixture calls back to the mid-century modern style that often used geometric shapes and sleek lines in its designs.
The rest of the room has the characteristic neutral-vibe Gaines is known for, including gray and white checkered floors and warm-white walls. She also seems to infuse more mid-century style with a mid-toned wood accent wall that frames an arch window. Because of the room's color scheme, the bright royal blue and gold fixture stands out as a feature but doesn't overwhelm the room. It certainly adds a bit of color and a unique shape to create visual interest. This style of light fixture is also pretty different for Gaines, who tends to decorate with a black or brass finish and a more lantern or shaded lamp style. The deviation to a bold blue is what makes it such an interesting way to add a pop to a room. And the sleek style of the wall sconce proves that mid-century modern design will never go out of style.
Don't fear bold color
This isn't to say that Joanna Gaines never uses color in her designs. Though neutral and earth tones tend to remain her base, she has recently started using moodier shades of greens and blues. However, it's the bright cobalt blue finish of this light fixture that makes it stand out from her other designs. Though it can be nerve-wracking to add a bright color, a wall sconce is the perfect way to do it. It's a tiny element of a room's overall design, unlike a sofa or paint on the walls. Because it's more an accent detail than anything, it's unlikely to overwhelm the entire space. That's why a light fixture is such a good way to add more color to the room. Focus on creating a cohesive color palette for your home, and a bold blue–or any other color–light fixture will look like a planned choice.
What also makes this bolder light fixture work is the sleek shape. The double cone shape has retro roots in the mid-century aesthetic but also feels simple and modern enough to work in various contemporary spaces. So, Gaines adding it to her usually traditional decor creates a unique accent that helps update the space. Options like the Tuxedo Wall Sconce from Lightology and the Petra wall sconce from Artemest also add a sculptural element to the room, allowing it to act as a functional art piece and create visual interest.
Where to use wall sconces
When it comes to lighting, most people consider overhead lights and accent with table or floor lamps. However, installing wall sconces is the perfect room refresh, providing a unique accent to any space. Though Joanna Gaines' choice of bold cobalt blue is different from her typical style, she's no stranger to using wall sconces in her designs. When remodeling The Castle, she used sconces over the fireplace's mantle in the primary bedroom. It adds a simple accent that frames the mirror. She's also used them to frame vanity mirrors in a bathroom and over a desk, which she mentions is a good way to supplement natural light if necessary.
Wall sconces are easily added to any room, providing accent or task lighting. As an accent light, you can use a wall sconce to highlight certain features or architectural details, as Gaines does with the fireplace, or position them above a piece of art to illuminate it. They can also accent a long hallway by installing one every few feet or provide some mood lighting in a dining room. As task lighting, they can help brighten a certain area like a desk or worktop, acting like a spotlight. You can also install one by a side chair to act as a reading light or replace a bedside table lamp next to your bed. Adding a pop of color through a functional piece of decor makes it feel intentional.