5 Essential Elements in Every “Fixer Upper” Kitchen
It’s no secret how much Joanna Gaines, of HGTV’s Fixer Upper, loves giant clocks and shiplap! If you’ve seen just one episode, chances are you’ve seen her use both of those things — probably even on the same dining room wall.
She’s certainly got a specific style, which we totally love. It’s just that we’ve seen her do it so much that we’ve figured out her magic formula. Here are the five things you need if you want to design your own Fixer Upper kitchen.
1. Subway Tile with Dark Grout
As much as Joanna loves shiplap, she also loves white subway tile with dark grout when it comes to the kitchen. We support this look because tile is easy to wipe clean, and the dark grout actually hides dirt and grime. Plus, it doesn’t look half bad.
More on Backsplashes
2. Words, Words, and More Words
Joanna will often slap words on anything she can get her hands on. Whether it’s just a bunch of canisters with labels, a single word hung on the wall, or a full-on giant quote, there’s something to read in almost every room she designs. Of course, Joanna and Chip even sell this metal sign with one of their signature quotes for a pricey $84.
3. Rustic Wood
It’s like Chip and Joanna have some sort of magical wood factory that churns out a constant supply of rustic, reclaimed barn wood. They use the stuff to wrap hoods, build islands and dining room tables, set up open shelving, the list goes on.
4. Giant Pendant Lights
The bigger the pendant light, the better. Or so it seems from watching Joanna work. She almost always picks out these giant lights that look way too big when she’s standing next to them, but then seem to work once they’re in the space. Note to self: If something seems big enough, get something even bigger. (Also note the shiplap on the island!)
Go shopping: 10 Budget-Friendly Kitchen Pendant Lights
5. Open Shelving
Joanna will find a way to add open shelving to any kitchen. She’ll hang some shelves from the ceiling if she has to! It always looks amazing when she styles the shelves with all-white dinnerware and perfectly potted plants, but what would these shelves look like when filled with all the random stuff we own in real life? Also, look — more shiplap!
More on Open Shelving
- Open Shelving? Try This Double Duty Storage Trick!
- An Open Shelving Twist: Cabinet Cubbies
- Before & After: Open Shelves Are on the Menu in This Kitchen Remodel
What other trends have you noticed in these Fixer Upper kitchens? And do you love them or not love them? Discuss in the comments!