Inside HGTV's Joanna Gaines' European-Inspired Mountain Home

A cozy 1960s home tucked away in the Rocky Mountains caught the attention of HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines as they searched for a property that could host them during their many visits to Colorado. Ultimately, the Gaineses purchased the property and traveled to the mountains to begin their first project outside central Texas, creating their dream home for their family. Inspired by the rugged terrain, much of the design scheme follows the natural landscape, featuring rustic woodwork and patterns that evoke European cottage themes. The home initially featured two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a powder room, though the Gaineses intended to tackle a grand renovation to maximize space for their family.

The first glimpse of the cozy mountain home is the asymmetrical A-frame roofline. The exterior was painted with the Magnolia Trailhead paint, a grey-green blend that nestles the house within the forest. Trailhead became a timeless neutral paint shade that Gaines repeatedly uses throughout the property. The back of the house features a large deck off the master suite, which was refinished and painted to match the exterior. Copper window boxes introduce a European cottage vibe, and a cozy path was reimagined to provide safe, easy access to the nearby river. Aside from the main house, the property also includes a couple of cottages, one of which was designed by Ella, the Gaines' daughter. Both cottage exteriors were painted the same color as the house to better blend them with the surrounding environment. 

Upon entering, rustic floor-to-ceiling wood envelopes you. Gaines kept the original wooden floors and installed ten-inch-wide antique oak paneling. As you peruse the space, you'll notice this antique oak wood popping up in nearly every room in the home, becoming a staple. Wooden pegs adorn the walls, while small details such as black wall sconces and vintage-inspired wooden furniture give the space a cozy, lived-in feel.

In the sitting room, European cottage meets rustic mountain home in an impactful way. Gaines kept the original red stone fireplace, integrating the massive focal point into the color palette. The original brick flooring was also kept, giving the space a rugged vibe. The living spaces also feature the continuation of the antique oak wood ceilings. To offset all of the woodwork, the sitting room has warm gray plaster walls. The cottage aesthetic was introduced via gingham prints on the loveseats and cozy textiles.  

While the original floor plan differed, Gaines had the kitchen relocated to create a more impactful entertainment space between living and dining. The kitchen was transformed into a haven of biophilia, with natural wood at every turn, large windows that let in the outdoor scenery, and potted plants dotted around the room. Gaines also installed gorgeous green zellige tile, a monumental range hood, custom cabinetry, and panel-ready appliances in the same oak tones. A copper sink, brass fixtures, black soapstone countertops, and a grand wood vintage dining table complete the look.

The original galley kitchen was transformed into a cozy reading room, furnished with antique parquet flooring, a blend of vertical and horizontal tongue-and-groove paneling, and built-in shelves. The room was color-drenched in Ridge Rock by Magnolia, creating an intimate, moody vibe. To bring in a cottage feel, a custom wooden table and a bench seat upholstered in a dainty floral fabric were installed. When searching for Joanna Gaines-approved tips for adding warmth and character to a small cottage, it seems the key is often in patterned textiles.

Architectural curves also became a staple throughout the home, appearing notably in the powder bathroom, which features scalloped wall tile edges, a rounded mirror, and a corner-rounded marble sink. Continuing the moody paint color scheme, the upper half of the walls features gorgeous burgundy plaster, while the lower half showcases colorful handmade floral tiles that add cottage-style charm. Curved arches and moody tones continue into the master bedroom, where arched woodwork is highlighted in the wood paneling behind the bed. Entry to the room features a cased opening with hand-hewn beams, and a moody wallpaper called Pure Acorn in Charcoal by Gilver, Morris & Co. covers the upper third of the room. These ideas could also be simple ways to decorate your bedroom like the Fixer Upper star if you're in need of inspiration.

Under the hall stairwell, a cozy reading nook was installed, featuring a bench upholstered in whimsical fabric that blends cottage textiles with rustic wood. French doors were added to offer more seclusion, and Gaines kept the original brick flooring. What was once the primary suite has been transformed into a relaxing den area with tongue-and-groove paneling painted in Magnolia's Morning Snow to brighten the space. Gaines also refinished the original red stone fireplace and added a quaint sitting area that invites that comforting, small European cottage feel. Additionally, a gorgeous arched alcove in the den serves as a coffee bar, enhancing the space's comforting feel.

The laundry room was moved from the main level to the upper level to maximize space. In the laundry room, a ski-patterned wallpaper adds just enough vintage charm alongside the dark burgundy backsplash. The black soapstone countertops continue in this room, and the gingham print on the bench seat echoes the main living space. The rest of the den area on the upper level became a secondary living space, outfitted with new wood floors to match those in the den's sitting area. The addition of a large sectional sofa, along with plenty of throw pillows and blankets, makes this lounge area feel more intimate. A new stone fireplace, oak paneling throughout, a set of French doors, and a bouclé textured bench seat complete this cozy aesthetic.