Where Joanna Gaines Turns When She Can't Find The Right Decor For A Room

There probably isn't a homeowner decorating their home out there who hasn't experienced the combination of excitement and frustration that comes with picking out the 'right' decor for their home. After countless trips to local big-box stores and endlessly scrolling through online stores, the perfect piece-de-resistance just can't be found. It's like everything's either too generic or just doesn't fit the vibe you're going for.

And it isn't just us regular folks that have to face this, either. Even style gurus like Joanna Gaines of the hit show Fixer Upper find themselves stuck in this decorating conundrum, but she has a tried-and-true design trick to live by: antique shops. These treasure troves can be the real key to turning your decor-finding frustration into the find-of-a-lifetime. Unlike the uniform aisles of modern decor stores, where mass production tends to be the emphasis over creativity, such shops offer unique antique home decor with their own individual looks and stories. Whether it's a weathered iron candlestick or a hand-carved wooden figurine, these items boast a history that adds character and depth to any room.

And the timeworn, authentic nature of antiques isn't the only benefit of such finds. They're also quite often one-of-a-kind — something you won't see sitting on your neighbor's mantle or propped up in a corner. Those antiques often possess an intrinsic, inherent charm that new pieces often lack, which helps make finding and highlighting your personality and style so much easier.

So, how do you turn an excursion to the antique store trip into inspiration for your home? First, you need to approach the whole thing with an open mind and a little spontaneity. You can always have a vague idea of what you are looking for, such as a color scheme or certain aesthetic vibe, but allow yourself to let the experience and what you spot guide you. The goal is to embrace the eclectic and think outside the box to come up with something that is wholly and uniquely your own.

As for some expert advice, Joanna often recommends seeking out those items that might stand out on their own yet, when drawn together, create a unified look. One example of this is how she artfully combined antique coral pieces with shiplap frames, crafting a focal piece for a client's wall that is pure coastal allure. You shop for a vintage mirror and pair it with brightly colored rugs, or partner handmade pottery with some eclectic, one-of-a-kind art pieces to make a space that is pure personality. The options are pretty much endless, and you can keep going back for more inspiration! 

In the end, look for pieces that have subtle parallels — a texture, a material, or a color that at least somewhat matches throughout. Use that to build up your idea and your vision until you eventually create a space that is filled with both heart and history.