10 Design Lessons From Joanna Gaines’ Paint Workshop

10 Essential Design Lessons Learned From Joanna Gaines’ Paint Workshop

Joanna Gaines, celebrated designer and star of Fixer Upper, is renowned for her ability to turn ordinary houses into inviting homes with warmth, character, and timeless charm. Her signature look is accessible to DIYers and experienced flippers alike, thanks to practical advice and innovative ideas. Recently, a paint workshop led by Joanna and her husband, Chip Gaines, in collaboration with the KILZ team, provided attendees with invaluable tips on choosing paint, creating cohesive spaces, and achieving that coveted Gaines aesthetic. This article distills the most insightful lessons from that workshop and reveals how paint can be your most transformative design tool.

1. Paint Is the Ultimate Makeover Tool

Paint stands as the most effective, affordable way to transform spaces. According to Joanna, it’s the biggest tool in her renovation arsenal. She begins with a simple question to clients: “What do you want your space to feel like?” The answer inevitably guides her toward using paint as the primary element for achieving their vision. Fresh paint is not only budget-friendly, but it also offers dramatic results without requiring extensive renovations.

• Paint can instantly refresh or reinvent any room.
• Choosing the right color sets the tone and emotion of a space.
• Paint is versatile—suitable for walls, trim, cabinets, doors, and more.

2. Always Start With How You Want to Feel

Joanna emphasizes the importance of establishing the desired mood and atmosphere before selecting colors. For every project, she asks: “What do you want your space to feel like?” This question is the foundation of her design process. Whether you crave coziness, relaxation, energy, or openness, paint is the medium to achieve your goal.

• Use warm colors for inviting, cozy spaces.
• Opt for cool tones to foster tranquility and calmness.
• Bright or bold hues energize common or playful areas.

3. Joanna’s Go-To Color Strategies

Joanna Gaines’ color schemes blend trend and timelessness. She often chooses colors inspired by nature and seasons, favoring earth tones, soft neutrals, and rich shades. Her curated paint collection, Magnolia Home, offers a spectrum that fits everything from airy kitchens to moody dining rooms.

4. Layer Color for Depth and Interest

Contrasting hues and layered palettes are central to Joanna’s aesthetic. She grounds open spaces with dark, moody shades—like using charcoal gray or rich coffee brown for kitchen islands—while balancing with lighter tones for walls and ceilings. This creates a dynamic look that adds depth and visual interest.

• Balance dark cabinetry or islands with bright, white walls.
• Introduce warm-toned woods or metals for texture.
• Mix vibrant accents with neutral backgrounds for contrast.

5. Nature-Inspired Palettes Create Calm and Balance

Joanna draws inspiration from natural surroundings—earthy greens, muted terracottas, and serene blues. These nature-forward hues amplify the character of a home, making spaces feel fresh yet comforting. On projects like Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse, she chose colors that reflected the outdoor setting and mid-century architecture, bringing “fresh yet familiar, bold yet comforting” results.

• Soft greens and terra cottas evoke outdoor tranquility.
• Earth tones work well in living rooms, sunrooms, and exteriors.
• Natural color schemes never go out of style.

6. Paint is for More Than Walls

Joanna’s paint workshop stressed the flexibility of paint as a design tool. Beyond walls, consider painting:

• Kitchen cabinets and islands for added drama or warmth.
• Interior trim to create sleek, modern lines or highlight architectural details.
• Doors, ceilings, and even furniture for pops of color.

This strategy customizes spaces and maximizes the impact from even a small investment.

7. Pay Attention to Undertones and Lighting

Choosing the perfect paint color goes beyond picking a shade—consider undertones and how natural and artificial light will affect it. Joanna and her team test colors in different lighting before finalizing selections, ensuring a harmonious result whether it’s day or night.

• Warm undertones suit cozy bedrooms and living areas.
• Cool undertones are ideal for bathrooms and restful spaces.
• Test paint samples in morning and evening light for accuracy.

8. Budget-Friendly Tips From Chip Gaines

Chip Gaines shared wisdom on achieving big transformations without overspending. Painting offers the “most bang for your buck”—it’s fast, inexpensive, and highly effective compared to more extensive renovations. He also suggests prioritizing projects that yield the greatest improvement for the least cost:

• Paint rather than replace cabinets or doors.
• Focus on entryways, kitchens, and bedrooms for maximum impact.
• DIY paint projects are manageable for most skill levels.

9. Embrace Personal Style

Joanna believes that your home should tell your story. Every design choice, particularly paint, reflects the personalities and preferences of the people who live there. The workshop inspired attendees to be unapologetic about their style, take creative risks, and incorporate meaningful colors that make a house truly feel like home.

• Let your favorite hues guide your choices.
• Layer with accessories, textiles, and artwork for personal flair.
• Blending new elements with treasured pieces adds authenticity.

10. Fixer Upper Style: Replicating the Gaines Look

Joanna’s signature style blends rustic charm, farmhouse chic, and modern simplicity. Her paint choices play a key role in achieving the look. Here are core elements to recreate a Fixer Upper vibe:

• Clean, neutral walls paired with dark or muted accents.
• Natural wood finishes and vintage-inspired hardware.
• Layered textures: shiplap, exposed beams, linen curtains.
• Mix in subtle patterns—florals, stripes, checks.
• Lots of greenery, such as houseplants and floral arrangements.

Joanna’s Favorite Paint Colors and Their Use Cases

DIY Tips to Getting the Most Out of Paint

• Always use samples to test colors in your space before committing.
• Prep surfaces correctly—clean, sand, and prime for durability.
• Use painter’s tape and drop cloths to protect edges and floors.
• Apply at least two coats for a polished finish.
• Consider sheen: matte for walls, semi-gloss for trim or cabinets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Joanna Gaines’ Paint Workshop

Q: What makes paint such a powerful design tool?

A: Paint delivers dramatic transformation at a low cost, impacting mood, style, and cohesion more than almost any other design element.

Q: How do I choose the right paint color for my space?

A: Start with identifying the mood you want, consider lighting and undertones, and select colors inspired by meaningful places or feelings.

Q: Which Joanna Gaines colors are most versatile?

A: Soft whites like Shiplap, calming blues like Weekend, and muted greens like Juniper Tree work in a wide range of rooms and styles.

Q: Can painting be a DIY project?

A: Yes, with proper prep, tools, and patience, painting is beginner-friendly. Joanna and Chip encourage tackling paint projects yourself for maximum value.

Q: How do I recreate the ‘Fixer Upper’ look?

A: Combine clean neutrals, dark accents, natural wood, shiplap, and greenery, using Joanna’s Magnolia Home color palette for authentic results.

Conclusion: Design Your Story With Paint

Joanna Gaines’ paint workshop offers more than color recommendations—it’s a masterclass in expressing personality, maximizing budgets, and creating beautiful, functional spaces. By starting with how you want to feel, using nature-inspired palettes, and leveraging paint’s transformative capabilities, you can bring your dream home to life. Whether you’re just starting your DIY journey or a seasoned renovator, these lessons from Joanna and Chip Gaines put professional-quality results within reach.

Similar Articles

30 Bright and Inviting White Bathroom Ideas for Every Style

25 Inspiring Blue Rooms: The Timeless Beauty of Blue in Home Design

How Room Orientation Influences Paint Color Choice

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Paint Finishes for Every Room

Behr’s 2026 Color of the Year: Hidden Gem Sets a Smoky Jade Standard

Why Lilac Is the Least Popular Paint Color—and Why It Deserves a Second Look

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete