Joanna Gaines’ Fixer Upper Tip To Achieve Coastal Chic Without Going Overboard

While the signature modern farmhouse style featured prominently in her television shows is what put Joanna Gaines on the map, the well-loved interior designer is no one-trick pony. In fact, she has incorporated a wide range of styles into the many spaces she has designed, including a mid-century tile trend Gaines recreated on “Fixer Upper” and the elegant coastal makeover she pulled off in Season 3, Episode 13. If there’s one helpful tip that carries through all of her designs, it’s this: Don’t go overboard with the theme. This rings especially true with coastal decor, which is why Gaines likes to avoid going too literal with the design details.

Though the beach house look has long been a popular design aesthetic and continues in its newest iteration as the coastal grandmother decor trend on TikTok, it’s one of those styles that can easily veer too far into tacky territory. For this reason, Gaines favors subtle touches and simple details that hint at being near the beach. These small nods to the sea can still go a long way toward creating the calm and airy feel of a coastal home without being too obvious. Plus, keeping the design a bit restrained also helps to lend an air of sophistication to a space. If you’re looking to infuse a bit of coastal decor into your home, read on for a few inspired ways to keep your space chic without overdoing it.

When designing a space, one thing that can really set the tone is the wall color. While blue might be the obvious paint choice for a coastal theme, the neutral paint color Joanna Gaines swears by is a light gray with blue undertones. This keeps the space feeling fresh and clean, and it’s easier to pair with rugs and furniture. Other paint colors that could also work are a light taupe or a warm white that gives off warm and sandy beach vibes. Another way that Gaines likes to shake up the coastal style is by dialing back on the nautical decor. Instead of obvious pieces like fishing nets and anchor art, follow her lead and fill a simple glass bowl with shells, or place a solitary shell like this Alwiner Clam Shell Bowl on a table or shelf.

Other ways to add a subtle touch? Gaines fills the bottom of glass hurricanes with sand and nestles a candle inside. However, you could also use sea glass instead of sand for an equally elegant look. To bring in a nautical element, steal Gaines’ trick by adding fishing rope inside a fillable glass lamp. These Hamucd White Boho Ceramic Lamps would offer a similar look, or you could hot glue jute rope around wall sconces to give them a maritime look. For artwork, consider hanging driftwood on the wall or try something modern and minimal like this Haus and Hues Beach Wall Decor.