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Joanna Gaines doesn't ever 'want to leave' her garden cottage, and it's easy to see why

The Fixer Upper star has given this plant-lovers paradise an early spring clean – we take a look around

Joanna Gaines houseplant
(Image credit: Courtesy of Magnolia Network)

Fixer Upper star Joanna Gaines is a design force of a generation, so of course, her home is a trove of inspiration for all who admire her contemporary farmhouse style.

The home, located in Waco, Texas (also the base of her Magnolia empire), is precisely what you might expect from the designer – complete with expertly layered, neutral-hued color palettes, antique furnishings, and an abundance of house plants. But what about her shed? Yes, you guessed it – Joanna's shed is just as beautiful as her main home. 

Once affectionately labeled as the 'garden shed' by Joanna herself, this structure will rewrite all shed ideas you may already have. The cottage-like tiny home, situated in Chip and Joanna's garden, reflects the designers' distinct modern-country style through its timeless color scheme and fairytale-like wooden furnishings that overlook the cottage garden

'Did some spring cleaning in this cottage in the garden – now I just walk around in here and find things to do [because] I don't want to leave,' Joanna says when sharing the post above. 

The main room is a farmhouse kitchen, home library, and dining space combined into one – but in all its multifunctionality, Joanna hasn't sacrificed style. Though it is hard to pick a focal point, we can't help but note the modern rustic table, surrounded by cane chairs that give the space a rustic sense of timelessness. 

In terms of designer lighting ideas, you could do far worse than replicate Joanna Gaines' striking chandeliers that bring a somewhat-industrial look to the country-inspired space. 

Though the striking pair of bold fixtures may appear timeless, Industville says that black lighting such as this taps into one of the biggest interior design trends of the moment. The brand has recently seen a 270% increase in sales from its indoor black lighting range – and Joanna's placement (above the dining table) is exactly what they recommend.

'Black-finish lighting provides a sleek, striking effect when hung over dining tables,' says Industville’s managing director, Mara Rypace. 'This effortless style also pairs well with modern gothic decor and design, our number one interior trend set to take off in 2023.'

The cottage offers a lesson in accessorizing, too. Perhaps most notably, Joanna pays homage to the verdant green setting beyond the windows by decorating with plants of various sizes – upholding the rustic aesthetic by using terracotta containers (much like these on Amazon). 

And while these traditional kitchen ideas are certainly compact, their quaintness reminds us of the shed's multifunctionality. The space acts as a place to curate floral arrangements (much like the one created by the designer above), as a place to work, and as an entertaining space that will no doubt hold memorable dinner parties when the sun sets above Waco. For more tips from Joanna, visit her book below. 

Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave | $20.79 on Amazon

Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave | $20.79 on Amazon

Joanna Gaines walks you through creating a home that reflects the personalities and stories of the people who live there. Using examples from her family farmhouse and a range of other homes, this comprehensive guide will help you embrace your authentic design style. 

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Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.