Chip and Joanna Gaines’ brand Magnolia is synonymous with rustic farmhouse style — an aesthetic that has garnered widespread acclaim after HGTV top of the retainer.
However, while the couple is recognized worldwide, they are best known for their Waco, Texas home (and Magnolia’s headquarters). So it’s only fitting that the city hosts their latest adventure, Hillcrest Cottage.
The historic home purchased and renovated by Chip and Joanna is a treasure trove of quintessential Magnolia decorating ideas – from its versatile color scheme to stylish storage ideas for the kitchen.
So if you’re looking specifically for farmhouse decorating ideas, you’ll love these five basic features as much as we do.
1. Glass wall cabinets are better than solid ones
(Image source: provided by Mulan)
Glass-fronted cabinets can be divisive, mostly because it’s hard to make sure it stays “tidy.” However, with the right planning and containers to organize kitchen cabinets, this kitchen storage idea can deliver a sleek, uncluttered look that’s fully Magnolia-approved. Plus, it lets the eye go deep into the cabinets, making the small kitchen feel bigger, while the glass reflects light for a brighter space.
“I’ve found that when things are outside, if you have cute containers for all this mess, it actually makes it tidy,” Joanna explained in a video. Hunan Satellite TV (opens in new tab). “The more storage options you have, the better.”
Glass cabinets in the grey kitchen at Hillcrest Cottage (opens in new tab) Get more inspiration on how to showcase your cookware—from neatly stacked crockery to curated recipes that bring a touch of color to a neutral-toned space.
2. Large furniture can work in small spaces
(Image source: provided by Mulan)
The dining room at Hillcrest Cottage is the perfect place to watch Joanna Gaines’ space-enhancing skills. The dusty cobalt blue space is in the cabin, so little space is understandable, but the furniture choice instantly elevates the corner. “In tighter spaces, people think you have to be smaller, but I always like to do the opposite,” Joanna said in a video (opens in new tab).
Despite its juxtaposition, this tip highlights the dining space while providing a comfortable place to eat, drink and relax, the Joanna Gaines way. Love the colors in this little dining room too. Great for creating a comfortable feel.
3. You can combine antiques with modern furniture
(Image source: provided by Mulan)
When decorating with antiques, you can do worse than follow Chip and Joanna’s lead. This couple blends different eras throughout the home, but their entryway is one of our favorite examples of how exclusive pieces can be kept up to date.
Talking about her restored vintage toolbox, Joanna shares (opens in new tab) How this antique has a story, but ‘you’re just giving it a new purpose’. Such is the case with the redesigned seating and wall hangings, which bring an original industrial look to an otherwise minimalist space.
These pieces are especially impactful when paired with modern lighting ideas, such as the modern chandelier that hangs in the center of the space.
4. Every room needs greenery
seating corner in living room
(Image source: provided by Mulan)
When looking for the best houseplants for your space, it’s natural to start with large statement pieces (like Swiss cheese plants or Kentia palms). However, while these plants always have a place in the home, Joanna recommends adding a personal touch to your space by introducing greenery into your garden.
“As the seasons change, you can still use the same idea to go to the front yard to find greenery for your table,” she said in the YouTube video. (opens in new tab).
In the living room above, the designer has placed an abundance of flowers in vases on the coffee table – bringing a sense of the season outside in.
5. Drizzle color with cocoon color is a must
(Image source: provided by Mulan)
Color soaking – the act of painting all surfaces the same color – is one of the biggest paint trends of the moment. However, as this trend is a characteristic of Hillcrest Cottage, we expect it to continue for more seasons.
Here, Chip and Joanna Gaines have painted the bedroom walls, window frames and bedside tables a cocoon-like dark blue: a color that psychologists consider a suitable choice for a therapeutic space. Psychologist Lee Chambers said: “Cool tones, especially less vibrant blues and purples, can help us reduce stimulation and start to shut down, while providing a sense of stability.” (opens in new tab).
Experts add that blue is perfect for creating a relaxing, peaceful room where you can unwind no matter how stressful your day is. Therefore, this shade is a suitable choice for Airbnb – and even more suitable for your home.
