Joanna Gaines, the HGTV star known for her expertise in design and renovation, has captivated audiences with her modern farmhouse style. Her approach emphasizes that spaces should reflect the personalities of the people who inhabit them. When selecting the perfect wall color, she applies this philosophy to ensure a personal touch.
In her 2024 MasterClass course, “Designing a Home That Tells A Story,” Gaines offered her design wisdom. She advised House Beautiful readers to prioritize how they want a space to feel and function, as well as the style they wish to achieve. This method encourages people to focus on their unique needs instead of following fleeting online trends.
Pick based on how the colors make you feel
With over 3,500 color options available at Benjamin Moore alone, the selection process can be daunting. Joanna Gaines suggests letting your emotions guide you in choosing a wall color. For instance, a bright yellow can uplift your mood and enhance the room’s brightness.
For a relaxed atmosphere, consider neutral shades that impart a sense of tranquility. White walls exude peace and clarity, ideal for a living room. Conversely, brown tones evoke nostalgia and warmth, making them perfect for kitchens or dining areas where family memories are created.
Warm colors invigorate spaces, ideal for action-oriented areas like offices. In contrast, cool tones like blue and green offer calmness, reminiscent of nature. A soothing green is suitable for a peaceful bathroom or a rec room for family relaxation. Rich dark tones can provide a reflective ambiance in bedrooms, encouraging contemplation before a restful night’s sleep.
Wait to see how the color works in your space
Understanding the importance of functionality in design, Joanna Gaines advises testing your chosen color before committing to it fully. She recommends painting a small section of the wall and observing it over a few days to avoid common color selection pitfalls. Alternatively, attach sample swatches to your wall to evaluate.
“Consider painting a large swatch of color on the wall or a wooden sample board, then take note of how light impacts color in the room throughout the day,” Gaines told House Beautiful. This process helps reveal any unexpected undertones and ensures the color complements your space, making it truly feel like home.
