To outfit the many homes she transforms on Fixer Upper (not to mention her very own Waco farmhouse), Joanna Gaines loves to go hunting for one-of-a-kind antiques. On nearly every episode of the hit HGTV show, we see her and Chip searching for pieces big and small at flea markets, auctions, antique shops, and other local markets around Texas. To help you infuse some of the Gaineses’ signature style into your own home, we asked the designer to share her shopping list. Here are the six pieces Joanna always looks for when she’s on the hunt—plus Chip’s favorite find.
Architectural Pieces
When it comes to renovation projects, Joanna loves to mix new materials and finishes with old, antique elements, so her clients’ homes aren’t entirely brand new. So how does she mix it up? With “stuff that’s architectural and a little of unexpected,” Joanna tells CountryLiving.com. “Anything that came out of an old house or building that’s kind of its own story. That’s the kind of stuff I’m always looking for.” Her go-to finds used to include old doors and windows, but those tend to be hard to store because they’re so large. Now she focuses on finding old corbels, spindles, and gates.
Ornate Frames
The Magnolia Market founder has a special use for these beauties: She uses them to display her children’s artwork throughout her home. “It’s a fun play when you have your kids’ artwork paired with an antique frame,” she says. And she always uses matting to make her kids’ abstract work some extra polish.
Unusual Storage
“I’m always looking for storage, so anything that I can put in the living room that we can hide something under that’s also a unique piece—[like] old storage boxes and bins,” Joanna says. “And I’m always looking for something you can store toys in but that’s kind of cool and unique.” In both her own farmhouse and several client’s homes, Joanna has transformed old chicken coops and nesting boxes into the perfect places to house kids’ toys and books.
Vintage Books
“I love antique books,” Joanna say, adding that they’re the easiest way to add interest to empty bookshelves, tables, mantels, and anywhere else that needs an extra pop of texture or color. “They’re quirky and make [a space] feel not so expected.”
Old Light Fixtures
What else is at the top of Joanna’s shopping list? “Old light fixtures to incorporate in newer renovations,” Joanna says. “When we’re doing these renovations I always want it to feel like there’s history there, and one way to incorporate that is using antique light fixtures that you [can] have rewired.”
Knickknacks
The Fixer Upper star loves to collect knickknacks that tell a homeowner’s story or showcase their passions. “I love knickknack-type stuff for the bookshelves,” she says. “I feel like bookshelves and open built-ins can feel a little stale, so for me it’s finding these random little things that speak to you. I have this brass mouse that’s so random, but to me it’s just the cutest thing. It’s those things that help tell your story.”
