Joanna Gaines' Tips For Choosing The Perfect Shade Of White Paint For A Fixer Upper-Inspired Look

Joanna Gaines is known for beautifully crafted home interiors that inspire millions — all while making it look easy. Yet, when most people attempt to replicate her "Fixer Upper" style, even small decisions can feel like an impossible task. If you've been stuck with a pile of white paint swatches as you try to determine the right shade for your space, consider her advice and start by deciding how you want the room to feel. If you're aiming for something bright and natural, she recommends the shade Shiplap. For a more striking version, True White is the perfect timeless paint shade for trim and molding. For a room that feels warm and inviting, One Horn White and Locally Sown are her favorites, but she also recommends Blanched for a timeless feel that pairs well with organic designs.

It may sound simple, but once you understand the kind of space you want to create, Gaines can help steer you toward the perfect shade from her Magnolia Paint Collection. She crafted this collection with her go-to colors, so you can create gorgeous, down-to-earth interiors of your own with a touch of that "Fixer Upper" signature style. Whether you're sprucing up a dining room or brightening a kitchen, these white paints add a touch of charm, and they come in formulas for everything from walls to furniture.

There's a reason that so many designers believe that white paint will always be in style— it's a classic look that can pair well with any style, despite ever-changing trends. Homeowners often gravitate towards white paint for its versatility, but not every shade will live up to these expectations. In a blog post for Magnolia, Gaines shared some tips for navigating these intentions, noting that Shiplap is a reliable, versatile choice for walls, trim, and cabinets. She says this shade "feels more comfortable in a space than a harsh, sterile white." It strikes the right balance of brightness and comfort, making it ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, or even coastal homes where you want to create a light and airy atmosphere.

However, if you want a crisp shade of white that feels a bit more stark, Gaines recommends True White. This shade is perfect for a clean, timeless style that helps emphasize more colorful elements throughout your design. Its light, sleek appeal also works wonderfully in rooms like kitchens or bathrooms to add a sense of brightness and simplicity. That said, Gaines has expressed her love for colors that create a striking contrast, and the importance of trim — painting the often-forgotten feature can make your space pop. For trim that stands out, she goes for bright and bold shades, making True White the perfect shade of white to build an exciting contrast, especially when used as trim against other standout colors.

When creating a warm and welcoming vibe for your space, certain shades of white paint can end up sabotaging your vision. Cold neutrals are some of the once-trendy paint colors that will make your home look dated. More specifically, those cool-toned shades of white can read as more clinical rather than cozy. If you want a shade of white that feels crisp and classic with just a hint of warmth, Gaines recommends One Horn White to highlight those warm undertones. Its light touch of beige allows it to appear clean and cozy in more modern spaces while also working to add a vintage charm when paired with darker, warm colors. If you want warmth that goes a bit deeper, Locally Sown has a more noticeable tone of beige which Gaines notes is "well-suited in a space with rich colors and textures." That said, this white can work well to embrace the variety of styles found in bohemian, traditional, or eclectic interior designs.

A warm white that you're likely to see the most often in "Fixer Upper" designs is Blanched. Gaines sums up this color as a timeless and traditional shade that features creamy beige undertones. It is the shade she used throughout most of the interiors of her home design in "Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse." If you plan to embrace organic elements in your space, whether with lush greenery, natural wood materials, or earthy textures — Blanched provides the perfect foundation.