Joanna Gaines’ mid-century modern living room helped me redesign my space
When it comes to living room decorating trends, there is a modernist meets comfort vibe in the air this season. Mid-20th-century influences abound (think simple, angular furniture and fresh, nature-inspired color palettes), and timber accents are key. Joanna Gaines looked back with reverence and nostalgia and moved forward with fresh eyes to craft this elegant living room. A real visual treat, and one that pulled me straight out of a style rut.
I have been trying to redesign my living space for over 10 years. I swayed from wanting anything and everything, from Spanish Revival to a mid-century modern living room, but after seeing Joanna Gaines’s Lakhouse living room, I finally see what I was missing – a combination of the two quite different interior design trends.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Magnolia Network)
Sometimes, the hardest thing to do when looking for living room ideas for your own home is where to start. Taking inspiration from some of your favorite designers and publications is often the best place. Seeking inspiration from this HGTV favorite decorator was a natural start for me, but what of this gorgeous living room for the designer?
For Joanna Gaines, it was important to honor the original 1965 bones of the home. It just so happens that the original homeowners sought to blend mid-century modern style with Spanish Revival – two of the Gaineses’ favorite trends. The key, she decided, was removing its circa-1990s renovations and starting completely from scratch.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Magnolia Network)
It was quite the eye opener for me to see how wonderful these two completely different design and architectural styles can blend so well together.
The Gaineses – Joanna and her husband, Chip – leaned into mid-century modern style furniture and incorporated classic plastered walls, on-trend arches, and terracotta tiles to bring out the Spanish Revival side of the abode. When it came time to choose a color palette, they decided to mimic the glorious landscape surrounding their property on Lake Waco.
I sought the assistance of Patrick O’Donnell, Brand Ambassador at Farrow & Ballfor his invaluable advice, and (in my opinion) the most important part of a living room redesign. The perfect living room color scheme.
‘Remember that any room is a sum of various parts, so try and create a moodboard with as many elements as you can get your hands on. When choosing room color ideas, think about the aspect of your room (north, east, south, west) – a color you have seen in a magazine or friend’s house may not respond in your room so sampling is essential, try and paint large swatches that you can move around the walls at different times of day to see how the color transitions in all natural light conditions.’
Joanna gets it spot on here, with an amalgamation of neutrals that don’t feel suffocating. Decorating with brown, red and sage, and beige tones – on the warmer tone – makes the space feel calm and reassured.
Elsewhere, well-built pieces of furniture, built and designed to stand the test of time, lead the way with their iconic good looks – a key factor for mid-century modern décor. The vibrancy and drama come from the pattern on the living room rug, and unexpected accents. The bird decor on the wall, for one.
A touch of the unusual is what makes this cozy living room feel complete, and has finally kickstarted by redesign journey. Feeling inspired? Shop my edit below to embrace the updated 1950s aesthetic.
Shop the look
Simple and stylish, this elegant glass vase is a best-seller, and with a slight hint of brown, it is the ideal accent for your dining table this fall and winter. It is already in my cart.
Coco Round Side Table by Carly Cushnie
Fashion designer and creative director Carly Cushnie brings her celebrated style to interiors with her first-ever line of furniture exclusively for Lulu and Georgia. The Coco side table cuts an artful silhouette with its drum shape and wood detailing.
Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines X Loloi Sinclair Rug
Joanna Gaines x Loloi rugs are the best for a reason. They are machine washable, affordable, and timeless. I have one in almost every room in my house, and I can’t see myself shopping elsewhere for them. I would argue that a rug is the most defining feature in a room – it can make or break a space.
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