Joanna Gaines’s mid-century modern kitchen blends her classic country style with a modern retro feel
Think Joanna Gaines and you instantly think of her iconic style; the perfect balance of rustic farmhouse, charming country, and just a touch of modernity, so it feels right for now.
But this kitchen project is like nothing I have seen from Joanna before. It’s a mid-century modern masterpiece that, while still warm and welcoming, has a totally different feel from the usually more traditional spaces she creates.
The kitchen was part of the highly anticipated Lake House renovation, which was part of Joanna and her husband Chip’s Fixer Upper series revealed last summer. But over a year on, it’s a space I still return to for inspiration on how to do this timeless style in a way that’s full of texture and layers.
Mid-century modern is a style I love, but I often feel when recreating the look, it can feel a bit lacking in… personality. This kitchen manages to balance both, a space that feels characterful and inviting (just as we come to expect from Joanna’s style), but it’s also very trendy and a touch retro.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Magnolia Network)
It’s hardly surprising that the beauty of the Texan landscape surrounding the property and its panoramic view of Lake Waco served as inspiration for the kitchen color scheme. A poignant moment in one episode of Fixer Upper: The Lake House sees Joanna holding up a sample of the cherry wood used throughout the home to the backdrop of trees in the yard: it’s a match, she delights.
It’s the color combination of sage green, beige, and rich brown that I think makes this mid-century inspired space work. The warm, nature-inspired colors balance the clean, sleek lines of the space. Mid-century modern is so often associated with cooler color schemes, whites and gray, and chrome finishes. But in this space, the mid-century shapes are there, but the color palette is more 2025 than 1960s.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Magnolia Network)
Texture is another element of this space that makes it feel warm and welcoming. Using texture in interior design, especially in a kitchen, can instantly elevate the entire look and feel of the space. Joanna uses texture in the form of tactile objects, such as wood and stone, to add physical comfort and visual interest to a space.
Finally, although mid-century in design, the room doesn’t feel overly themed. With its muted, earthy palette and carefully curated collection of antiques and modernist pieces, this handsome, mid-century modern kitchen is a lesson in how to do mid-century modern style in 2025 (and beyond).
Shop the look
Amazon
Glaze Serving Pasta Bowl
This gorgeous green-blue glazed pasta bowl, which can be used as a fruit bowl, will make a wonderful addition to your kitchen island. The color is timeless and enduring.
target
Wood & Brass Paper Towel Holder – Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
Joanna Gaines manages to make the most mundane accessories look beautiful, and this wood and brass paper towel holder is no different. Highly rated and best-selling, this was designed for Target in collaboration with Joanna herself.
Target
KitchenAid 5qt 10-Speed Stand Mixer with Copper Bowl Fresh Linen
For budding chefs and bakers, a stand mixer is a must-have item. This isn’t just the best KitchenAid stand mixer: it’s the best stand mixer, bar none, as tested by our kitchen expert and chef, Lydia Hayman.
Amazon
Bloomingville Round Glass Vase with Narrow Lip
A simple glass vase is a must to add textural detail to a kitchen. Add two-three stems of gypsophila for a hint of greenery.
Target
Footed Wood Serving Trivet – Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia
Classic in its design, this wood serving trivet can be used purely for decoration or to serve food. Either way, it is a must have in your kitchen.
Magnolia
Wood With Antique Brass Canister – Small
Glass canisters make great gifts, especially when they are as luxe as these ones from Magnolia – Joanna Gaines’s own store. Fill them with pastas, and grains, or even use them as decorative objects.
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