The Design Style Combination Fixer Upper's Joanna Gaines Loves Using In Kitchens

Joanna Gaines has dominated the design world with her cozy, charming interiors that inspire millions worldwide. You can recognize her signature style in all the different types of properties she has transformed — from historical castles and landmark hotels, to retro lake houses. While her magic touch is always present in every design, each space has its own unique sense of character. She doesn't limit her approach to any specific style, but often incorporates various elements to get the perfect look. That said, her years of experience crafting interiors has led her to some of her favorite design combinations — especially when it comes to kitchens. A kitchen is said to be the heart of a home, and designing it requires a delicate balance of function and warmth. To achieve this, Gaines loves to pair traditional farmhouse elements with industrial touches for the perfect blend of style.

While she's commonly linked to the modern farmhouse style, this particular combination has a more rustic, vintage appeal that feels extra inviting. Whether you're after that signature "Fixer Upper" look or just want to try your hand at industrial farmhouse decor, there are plenty of ways to bring this warm, eclectic style into your own home.

Gaines has mentioned that her fondness for industrial farmhouse style stems from a trip through small-town New Mexico, where the landscapes of lush farmland and towering industrial silos gave her an image to aspire to in all of her designs. It's no surprise that one of her major sources of inspiration was just something she happened upon — it speaks to the natural, charming appeal of her many interiors. To decorate like Joanna Gaines, consider traditional farmhouse elements like shiplap, farmhouse sinks, and open shelving to give the space a more authentic foundation. As for the industrial side — it's all about the details. From rustic hardware and stainless steel vents, to wrought-iron light fixtures, she chooses pieces that provide a sense of functionality to contrast with the homey farm interiors.

You can also get the industrial farmhouse kitchen style by looking for finishes that align with industrial design — exposed brick, metal accents, and even vintage light bulbs. To balance out these elements, add a touch of warmth with grounded additions like reclaimed wood furniture, textured stools, or soft linen curtains. It's all about creating harmony between two styles that seem vastly different and blending them in a way that feels natural.

An industrial farmhouse kitchen has the potential to experiment with a range of different color palettes. In some spaces, Gaines prefers to use a classic color scheme that incorporates a mix of black and white that emphasizes the beauty of natural wood accents. Contrast is key when achieving this style — you'll often see darker industrial fixtures that highlight the soft, neutral styles within farmhouse design. That said, neutral color palettes are a common choice for this look. Consider shades that you'd find in nature — like creamy beiges, earthy greens, and soft whites. To create contrast, play around with industrial shades from soft grays to deep charcoals and bold blacks.

The color combinations that Joanna Gaines swears by in the kitchen often come back to this kind of mix between neutral hues, making them perfect for a "Fixer Upper" inspired space. However, this doesn't mean you can't have some lively colors in your design. Different shades of blue — from bright teal to moody navy — work wonderfully among industrial farmhouse interiors. For an extra pop of color, vibrant red and yellow accents can give your space a bold, colorful statement that doesn't overpower the rest of the design.