NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 23:  Joanna Gaines seen in Columbus Circle on her way to the 2019 Time 100 Gala on April 23, 2019 in New York City.  (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images)
Home - Garden
Joanna Gaines' 12 Best Color Rules To Follow In Your Home
By EMILY KAMMERLOHR
1. You Can Never Go Too Dark
While dark paint colors can make a space feel drab and cramped, in "Fixer Upper: The Castle," Joanna Gaines' dramatic heritage building is moody and regal with darker shades.
Gaines said, "Those more storied and saturated colors — that's just what's speaking to me right now." If you want to add a dramatic flair, have fun with these moodier shades.
2. Interchange Gray And White
The senior designer at Magnolia, Kristen Bufton, works directly with Gaines, sharing that one of Gaines' favorite tips is to use gray and white as easily-swappable neutrals.
She told House Beautiful, "You can interchange [gray and white] easily since they are both neutrals, although I would recommend avoiding a monochromatic scheme of all gray."
3. Go Bold In Smaller Spaces
Gaines told Real Simple, "Neutrals can help keep a look consistent throughout the primary living areas of a house, but it's always fun to go a bit bolder in more specific rooms."
Your entryway or living room can be a neutral shade, but in smaller spaces, Gaines uses "more unique shades and even wallpaper patterns that add interest."
4. Use Red For Curb Appeal
While red is a controversial interior color, Gaines told Real Simple, "The right shade of red can add character to a front door and is great for curb appeal."
A bright, friendly red door stands out perfectly against a healthy green lawn. It's also great feng shui, as a red door is considered to be lucky, safe, and full of hospitality.
5. Use Green For A Touch Of Nature
Gaines shared, "I'm really drawn to fresh botanical shades, like 'Magnolia Green,' [...] It would be a fun choice for kitchen cabinets, or anywhere that needs a touch of nature."
If you have a houseplant collection that needs a great backdrop or if you want your home to feel more nature-inspired, green is a great bet.