Johann Hunt
When Joanna Gaines shares a design tip, people listen and take it seriously. As the creative force behind “Fixer Upper”, she’s built an empire on turning everyday spaces into soulful sanctuaries. If you are planning on starting from scratch or simply upgrading your space, Joanna’s bathroom ideas bring beauty and that signature Gaines comfort into every tile and towel. Read on to find out a few cues from the expert.
Customize Vanities For A Personal Touch
Joanna doesn’t settle for generic cabinetry. She mostly selects warm wood vanities that feel collected, not mass-produced. Walnut tones and antique mirrors further bring a lived-in feel that balances the room’s slicker surfaces. A vanity this personal also becomes the heart of the bathroom.
Embrace Statement Lighting For Style
Nothing shifts the atmosphere of a bathroom quite like layered lighting. Joanna leans on pieces such as vintage chandeliers and wall sconces to double as both illumination and decor. In smaller bathrooms, especially, strategic lighting choices serve as affordable centerpieces that avoid visual clutter and amplify style.
Mix Textures And Contrast For Visual Interest
There’s beauty in the unexpected. Gaine often plays with polished marble beside weathered wood or sleek metal against organic cotton. The result is tactile storytelling where each surface draws the hand and the eye. It’s not about matching; it’s about letting differences shine in harmony.
Incorporate Antique And Vintage Tiles For Character
To escape the generic, Joanna gravitates toward handcrafted tilework. Zellige or English cottage tiles introduce imperfection in the best way—tiny irregularities that speak to artistry. Paired with modern vanities or contemporary lighting, they become anchors of story and texture in the room.
Prioritize Lighting Planning From The Start Of Renovation
In any renovation, she prefers planning lighting early, not making it an afterthought. Multiple sources, such as ambient and accent, are mapped before the tiles even hit the wall. She recommends doubling electrical outlets and, where possible, incorporating skylights to harness natural brightness and reduce shadow-prone corners.
Use Marble Tiles To Create Timeless Elegance
In her famed Castle remodel, Joanna opted for a marble floor-to-ceiling. Carrara hex tiles underfoot, seamless slabs in the shower—each surface blended subtle luxury with durability. Marble is enduring, and it also anchors the space without shouting, which makes it last.
Play With Wallpaper To Add Personality In Small Bathrooms
Some designs need just one bold move. Joanna suggests wallpaper as a low-commitment, high-reward option in compact bathrooms. Behind a freestanding tub or vanity, it acts like a mural, drawing attention and infusing personality without a single tile being laid.
Go Bold In Smaller Spaces Where You Can Take Risks
Powder rooms and guest baths are perfect for testing daring design choices. Think unique tiles, statement wallpapers, or unusual hardware. These low-traffic areas let you experiment freely while keeping the rest of your home cohesive.
Use Light Colors To Make Bathrooms Feel Larger
Color selection can trick the eye. She recommends pale grays, whites, and soft blues that reflect light and dissolve hard edges. A gray grout line in white subway tile, for instance, brings definition while preserving a sense of openness, which is ideal for maximizing visual space in tight quarters.
Invest In Quality Fixtures That Combine Vintage With Modern
Joanna often fuses eras in her bathroom fixtures. For instance, antique brass faucets paired with minimalist tubs or clawfoot classics beneath contemporary lighting. These cross-style touches also introduce quiet drama and function as subtle focal points, and give you a timeless yet tailored finish.