The Color Combination Joanna Gaines Swears By For A Classic Farmhouse Look

The farmhouse aesthetic isn't going anywhere, especially when designers like Joanna Gaines continue to tout ways to elevate it. The ideals and designs behind the farmhouse interior come back to traditional, timeless elements that make a house feel like a home, which is why so many people choose to incorporate it into their space. And while there are plenty of ways to play this aesthetic up or down to give you more or less drama, or even lean into the rustic side of it, there's one thing that Gaines swears by for a truly classic finish. The black and white color palette is not only elegant and modern; it also leaves plenty of room for you to get creative with everything from fixtures to trinkets.

If you were to create an ultimate guide to farmhouse decor, a neutral color palette would be at the top of the list. A black and white farmhouse aesthetic is super simple to design both with and around. There are numerous ways to incorporate it, like white walls and black appliances in a kitchen with a mix of the two in the backsplash tile, but it's how you accent and complement these colors that really elevates your space. This is where Gaines says you can get creative while also avoiding outdated farmhouse design trends.

Joanna Gaines describes the black and white color palette as a "clean slate" in one of her Magnolia blogs regarding a home featured on HGTV's hit show "Fixer Upper." As she points out, "Using this classic color palette is true to the farmhouse style, and it also allows for all kinds of additional accent pieces to be added in seamlessly." As one of the most traditional themes you can go with, black and white certainly sets a very open scene for any pieces you want to bring in to build drama or interest. Even alone, these colors create a stylish backdrop for your home. You can paint cabinets and furniture black (or purchase black options), or even flip the theme and paint your walls black in certain rooms. 

Black creates a moody vibe and is a great example of the modern farmhouse design inspo that HGTV stars like Gaines recommend when trying this aesthetic. A black and white aesthetic is essentially a blank slate or canvas for you to add to or elevate any way you like. For example, in the kitchen, using brass or gold fixtures and hardware will give you a pop of metallic color that plays up the more modern elements of the farmhouse theme. In your living room, these metallic accents can be introduced using picture frames, trinkets, vases, candleholders, or any other accent decor. Wood elements pull a natural and earthy vibe through a room. Do this effortlessly by installing butcher block countertops in your kitchen, or utilizing wood furnishings in living and dining rooms, and even bedrooms.

Fabrics and textiles also play a crucial role in creating a cozier and more inviting living environment. Black and white can feel a little cold or even sterile if you don't include softer elements like rugs, blankets, throw pillows, and rounded edges rather than sharper lines in every space. Curved furniture can help craft a more welcoming ambience, and thick, plush carpets, as well as faux fur throws also lend themselves well to the farmhouse aesthetic.

Because a black and white palette allows for so many different pops of color, you can even choose one or two bold tones to incorporate into your layouts too. For example, while black and white may be your base, you could include a pop of rich blue, rust, yellow, or green in the form of throw pillows and smaller decor items in a living room, or even choose colorful curtains to bring in a little bit more drama to the space. 

Be careful not to overdo it, though; just a few pieces are enough to get the effect without taking anything away from the neutral base. Lastly, you could also incorporate lots of plants (faux or real) to bring natural greenery into the space and add some color. This will warm up any room instantly without any paint or colorful furnishings. Moreover, combining rustic wood with plants will really add the finishing touch to your farmhouse decor.