6 unexpected lessons we've learned from Joanna Gaines' rental property

The modern farmhouse aesthetic has dominated interiors for years and while it's been popular with many designers, Joanna Gaines first comes to mind when we think of this classic look.

Joanna always incorporates everyday practicality in her designs and still manages to create elevated, thought-out spaces that feel intrinsically her. More recently Joanna has undertaken a new design project – Hillcrest Estate. She refurbished the property last year, making it available to hire for vacation rentals.

Her iconic brand Magnolia recently shared an insightful peek of Hillcrest's interiors on Instagram and it's filled with inspiration. She's created a contemporary yet rustic-style house that couldn't be more apt for relaxation and recuperation.

We've eyed up the enviable rooms at Hillcrest and have taken several key lessons with us, all teaching us a thing or two about Joanna's modern farmhouse style.

1. Chandeliers aren't just for traditional spaces

Joanna has incorporated several more traditional lighting shapes throughout Hillcrest. Taking inspiration from the classic candelabra, her choice of classic lighting ideas is pleasantly surprising as it feels historic yet modern, only adding to the elevated rustic feel.

We first noticed the statement candelabra-style light hanging in the bedroom. It's bold yet appropriate, giving the room a cozy warmth that often comes with antique-style decor. There's even a modern take on tradition in the kitchen, where Joanna has carefully placed a lantern-style pendant with candle holders just above the island. This lighting style brings a sense of drama and charm but still works with the modern farmhouse feel.

Joanna has not been afraid to mix various styles. Whilst more traditional features are often placed in traditional-style homes, nothing is stopping Joanna from incorporating classic, antique-style pieces in her contemporary designs.

2. The controversial book reversing trend can work

Albeit controversial, Joanna has utilized the popular bookshelf trend in the bedroom by turning the books around so that their pages face outwards. What we love about Joanna is that she's not afraid of mixing very current styles within her classic farmhouse look.

You may have seen this bookshelf styling technique all over the internet a few years ago when designers and homemakers decided to make their cases more cohesive by reversing their books. It allows the area to be more neutral and blend with the rest of the space (depending on your interior).

Although not everyone's favorite design trend to come out of the last few years, Joanna isn't put off by its controversy and uses it in the Hillcrest bedroom. It's a wise choice that allows the moody bedroom colors to shine, stopping you from being distracted by an overly colorful bookcase.

3. Mixing a cool grey with gold accents does work

Joanna adopts a more unconventional color scheme in the kitchen by choosing cool-toned gray paint for the cabinetry and cupboards. Gray is traditionally a newer color and is often seen in more minimalist-style interiors, so we love that Joanna has used it on classic wooden kitchen fittings, it's a fun play of old and new.

The particular shade of gray that Joanna goes for is cool in shade which makes the pairing of warm gold hardware even more unconventional. Of course, in true Joanna style, she pulls it off and the room looks both farmhouse-inspired yet clean and modern in finish.

Joanna teaches us an important lesson in kitchen color, showing us that warm and cool tones can be mixed so don't shy away from combining opposing tones when putting a scheme together. Remember to always sample your shades and hardware together before committing to your overall design.

4. Lighting your shelves elevates the display

Hillcrest's living room features a large accent wall composed entirely of books, all held in a chic built-in unit that's finished in navy blue. When we looked closely, we noticed that Joanna had added several gold sconces that ran along the center of the bookcase, reminding us of how great shelf lighting is for elevating a dark and often crowded area.

There are so many types of wall sconces out there, but Joanna's are particularly apt for the bookshelf as they're reminiscent of classic reading lights. Shelf lighting is a practical and stylish way to read in the dark hours. We suggest purchasing dainty sconces like Joanna's as they're small yet highlight an area by bringing some metallic variety.

Note that Joanna has paired her gold scones with her candelabra style light, tying the look together. She's also chosen to make the wall the main piece in this room and has paired neutral, minimal-style furniture accordingly.

5. Unconventional outdoor seating

Joanna has taken traditional indoor seating and placed them in the garden, creating a space that is perfect for communal gatherings and fireside chats. Another vital lesson we've learned is that indoor and outdoor seating can be similar in style and look great in reversed spaces.

The rocking chair is synonymous with relaxing and resting, so it seems appropriate to place a set of these in the garden where guests will spend much time chilling during the warmer months. If you're worried about the weather ruining your pieces, try placing your chairs in an in-between place like a porch or conservatory for a relaxed look that combines both indoors and outdoors.

6. Dark color schemes can feel fresh and rustic

While you don't often see dark color schemes in rustic-style homes, Joanna has proved to us that certain shades can work when styled correctly. Going bold, she's chosen a black shade to cover the entire dining room wall including the mantelpiece and dresser-style shelves.

Joanna has been clever by using neutral-style pieces to balance out the severity of the black, filling the shelves with matching books and coordinated white ceramics. By selecting farmhouse-style decor, Joanna ensures that the overall rustic style is still present and ties in with the rest of the house.

We love the mixing of old and new, using a typically unconventional shade with classic tableware to create a balanced look that's unified in both styles. Joanna has proven that there's no wrong or right shade, and they can all be used in a space of your choosing providing the decor and furnishings are right.

Joanna Gaines' Hillcrest Estate has taught us so many surprising lessons in modern farmhouse decorating. From unconventional dark color schemes to historic-style lighting, Joanna's not afraid to combine the old and new, constantly creating sophisticated yet cozy spaces.