10 Joanna Gaines Inspired Trends That People Have Come To Regret

Lovers of interior design know a thing or two about design expert and HGTV star Joanna Gaines' influence. For many millennials, her show "Fixer Upper", which she co-stars with her husband and partner-in-crime, Chip Gaines, has amassed a cult following since its pilot in 2013. Millennial or not, you're probably well aware of how the highly-rated HGTV show inspired the next generation of homeowners with her signature farmhouse "Fixer Upper" look. Take her home brand, Hearth & Hand with Magnolia, that's currently sold at Target, for example, which emulates the rustic charm she's known for. And while it's clear that the Gaineses are no strangers to influencing design trends (which many are lovingly calling the "Magnolia Effect"), it seems that in 2025, some of her signature design choices have started to fade (as most things seem to do eventually), and people who have once revered her creative eye, are starting to regret following for their own home.

Towing the line between farmhouse chic and contemporary industrial, Gaines can be found giving her clients and avid blog readers design suggestions that reflect her signature style. Distressed wood finishes and furniture, neutral or all-white decor, and shiplap walls are among the design elements that are tried and true for the design expert. But over time, people who have looked up to Gaines for design advice have found that the aforementioned fads no longer suit their home or personal style.

While shiplap continues to get Gaines' stamp of approval, some people are expressing regret about plastering this classic wood detail on their walls. Sure, shiplapping bathrooms and bedrooms may have been a way to create character once before, but according to some designers, this is one of those trendy choices that can end up dating your home in the long run.

Out of all the Gaines-inspired fixtures, sliding barn doors in the home are arguably the most famous. They've had their day in the sun, but many owners of barn doors are coming to regret the functionality and eyesore they've evolved into. Some note that they are completely useless as they don't keep light or sound out and take up space since you won't be able to prop furniture or art against the doors.

Gaines is known for proudly displaying her farmhouse chic style. But some fans are finding that trendy farmhouse decor, as modern as it may be, can look tacky, and rush to replace their beloved farmhouse motifs. Farm animal prints, rooster paintings, mason jars, and burlap curtains, for example, are some decor that people (designers and connoisseurs alike) have found to be overdone and out of style.

There's no denying the staying power of all-white everything in the world of design, and Gaines has used the look in many of her designs. White interiors are easy to style, look classy, and can be appealing to potential home buyers. However, the push for charm and character (and the risk of a space looking sterile) has moved many people to choose color, and regret having drenched spaces with all-white interiors.

Gaines often chooses open shelving to establish a lived-in charm that complements her modern farmhouse chic aesthetic. However, some people who've installed open shelves over classic cabinetry have noticed that they come at a price. For one, open shelves are prone to collecting dust, grease, and other residue on dishes, and it's not worth the hassle of having to clean already cleaned dishes constantly.

It's no secret that brick walls are timeless, or that it's an expensive design choice. Gaines has combated the financial burden of authentic brick for her clients by installing faux brick in the past, but those who have done the same have come to regret how tacky it ended up looking. As it can be expensive to fix, many people opted to paint over it to cover up the fakeness of it all.

It's a design regret that needs no introduction. Word art has had its place post-recession, when people opted for a more affordable option to original art, with sayings like, "It's wine o'clock somewhere." Gaines is certainly not innocent of overusing the now-tacky trend that gets a resounding "no" from modern-day designers. (I mean, do we really need to label our rooms to get the message across that a kitchen is where you "Eat" or remind guests to "live, laugh, love"?)

When you want to add subtle texture to a kitchen backsplash or bathroom walls, you might opt for a Gaines' tried and true favorite: a clean subway tile. While many have once adored the classic tile design for its simplicity, the upkeep is not so simple. Many people resent the tedious cleaning of grout that is made necessary by the use of specifically white subway tiles.

Porcelain farmhouse sinks, while they look pretty, can pigeonhole you in one specific design style, which you may regret later if you want to mix and match different design styles throughout your home. Some people are noticing that, because of its design, the popular Gaines' addition is prone to excessive water splashing, breaking glass dishes, or damaging the porcelain itself. Some note the shallow basin that makes it hard to give their larger dishes a wash.

Gaines is known for creating an interesting focal point, and one way she does this is by painting fireplaces. They can draw the eye toward an already beautiful fixture and make the fixture look modern. However, people who've tried this trend are advising others not to disturb the natural charm that a classic red brick mantle offers, as some colors can make the area look smaller, depending on which shade you choose.