Joanna Gaines recently shared a very cute reel on Instagram, in which her little boy goes around and wishes his plants goodnight. Most would say this was going above and beyond when it comes to caring for houseplants – but with studies showing that talking to them can help them to grow, is it time we took a leaf out of 3-year-old Crew's book? 

Joanna Gaines' video that's got us talking to plants

In the video, which you can watch on Instagram, Joanna Gaines' youngest pays an evening visit to his favorite plants in a sunny greenhouse. 'Before the sun sets, he tells his little plants good night and to not let the (bed) bugs bite!' Joanna writes in the caption.

He checks on a large tray of seedlings, a pineapple plant, and some other houseplants, gently placing his hands around terracotta pots. 'This is the sweetest, cutest thing ever!!!! He's so gentle with his little plants,' one of Joanna's followers gushed. 

'No wonder they're so beautiful,' commented another. They have a point! Checking on plants each day, particularly when growing plants from seeds, gives them a better chance to grow healthily, and means you'll know when it's time to plant them out into individual pots.

An old study by the Royal Horticultural Society showed a connection between the human voice and plant growth (ideally women's voices), so striking up a conversation with your fiddle leaf fig isn't a totally bonkers idea. Reading to plants could make them sit up and listen, and there are even poetry podcasts for your houseplants if you'd rather let someone else do the talking.

Houseplant expert Anna from Plant Pet Club is skeptical and suggests that taking time out of our day to observe our plants makes it feel like they grow faster because we actually notice daily changes in their growth. 'What is undisputed is the benefits of houseplants on our mental and physical wellbeing that we get connecting with plants and nature! 

'So take time and talk to your plants! But remember that if you hear an answer, then that's a red flag,' she says.

We've been known to talk to our houseplants – I'm often apologizing for knocking into my large monstera plant or disturbing my rubber plants when vacuuming the living room. Whether you actually speak to them or not, by taking time to give our plants some tender loving care we also look after ourselves.

Fixer Upper star Joanna Gaines recently shared the news that she and Chip had an exciting new houseplant arrival at their Magnolia store in Waco: a gigantic staghorn fern. 

When Jo posted a video of it being installed on Instagram, fans were left feverishly googling this unusual variety and how to care for it. 

The large plant with elegant antler-shaped leaves is now pride of place in the homeware store. We know it's only a matter of time before the staghorn fern trend takes over. 

We're big on houseplants and firmly believe the best indoor plants breathe life and joy into your space – but even we hadn't heard of this one...

'Meet Earle 😍 He's a 26-year-old staghorn fern that traveled all the way from Florida to his new home here at @magnolia!' Joanna Gaines writes in the caption of her Insta post. 

'If you're in town, stop by the Silos to meet Earle and see how our incredible visual team brought spring to life in the shop!'

Staghorn ferns or Platycerium are tropical plants native to Asia and Australia that grow onto other trees. They have circular leaves that absorb most of the nutrients and water and large pronged, stag horn-shaped leaves.

They can live for many years when in good care, and grow very big. The huge spike in search the day Joanna Gaines revealed her new plant tells us the staghorn fern trend is blossoming.

How do you care for a staghorn fern?

Staghorn ferns need bright, indirect light and thorough watering when dry. As a tropical variety, staghorn ferns benefit from regular misting with a spray bottle to increase humidity levels around their foliage.

You could try mounting yours on a wall indoors to mimic the way it grows on trees in the wild, or even hang it in a north-facing porch or conservatory. In the video on Instagram, Joanna feeds Earle some banana peel for some extra potassium.

• We tried Joanna Gaines' budget centerpiece hack - it is unbelievably simple!

How cold can staghorn ferns tolerate?

Staghorn ferns make brilliant houseplants and will grow happily between a temperature range of 50 and 100°F (10 - 37.7°C). If you're worried, read up on how to care for houseplants and take time to notice any changes in your plant to catch any problems early on.

Will you be adding one to your plant collection?

Joanna Gaines has shared a secret to making the perfect kitchen focal point – the centre of interest in a room. The interior designer and Magnolia co-founder reminds us that if you want to make a serious statement in this sociable space, antiques are your best friend.

While it may take a little patience (not to mention hours scrolling through eBay), knowing how to mix antiques into your decor is guaranteed to take your home decor up a level and create visual interest.

Joanna Gaines' kitchen focal point tip

Writing on her blog, Joanna Gaines says that incorporating antiques – which she calls ‘inspirational pieces’ – help bring the rest of your interior design ideas together in the kitchen. Shopping for antiques can feel daunting, but if you're brave enough to hunt down unusual pieces that you love looking at, you will always reap the rewards.

‘One of my favorite things to do is go antique shopping at off-the-beaten-path shops and flea markets,' says Joanna. 'I always get inspired when I see pieces from the past.'

The Fixer Upper star adds that antiques 'all have their own story, and there is just something about a piece that isn’t mass-produced but one of a kind.’ We couldn't agree more.

Vintage jars and coffee sets, antique furniture and rugs will all add oodles of character and history. Joanna Gaines mentions one special antique she has incorporated into her kitchen ideas, a communion table that came from an old church. ‘Underneath the countertops was a container that held the holy water,’ she explains. 

‘I just love this piece because of its story and the detail. It is now the focal point and anchor for my kitchen,' Joanna says.

Once she found a place for her communion table, the rest of her kitchen simply fell into place. Whether it's a huge old wooden table, a battered sofa, or some gold-framed artwork, old flea market finds with stories to tell are the perfect juxtaposition to more modern pieces. 

Work out what you'd like to be your statement piece, and check out second-hand furniture stores and online selling sites. Just be prepared for it to take a while...

Small rooms can still be beautiful, they just take a little more thinking through. Joanna Gaines' furniture tip for small rooms will distract from the fact a space is actually very low on square footage.

Whether it's a small living room or bedroom, the interiors expert and Magnolia Home founder suggests going large with your furniture.

Joanna Gaines' furniture tip for small spaces

During an episode of Fixer Upper, Joanna Gaines explains this counterintuitive approach to decorating smaller areas of our homes. 'In tighter spaces, people think you have to go smaller, but I always like to go the opposite,' she says.

So if we were putting Joanna Gaines' furniture tip for small rooms into practice, we'd go for the biggest sofa we possibly could in a small living room. Fewer, larger items create the impression of a bigger space - compared to lots of little items, which instantly makes things feel cluttered.

If it's your bedroom that's the problem, a king-sized bed will have the same effect. Strip away any furniture that's not entirely necessary, such as nightstands or your chairdrobe, and add big, luxurious pillows and cushions. 

British interior designer Nicki Bamford-Bowes shares a similar view to Joanna Gaines, and suggests using a corner or curved sofa in awkward spaces. Nicki says that people often assume you just have to have a very small two-seater sofa in tight spaces.

'If you have a bay window, you could perhaps fit a corner sofa in there. This prevents that “waiting room” feel that you can get with a small lounge if you had a standard sofa against a wall,’ Nicki says.

Clever storage is absolutely key if your house or apartment sometimes feels like a tiny home. Trying some organization ideas for every room of the house - as well as having a good declutter - will stop things from feeling cramped and chaotic.

A large sofa tricks the eye into thinking there's more space - and makes a small living room more sociable thanks to the extra seating. Likewise, we think that adding in a small kitchen island into the middle of a kitchen can make it feel more spacious. 

Try the IKEA FÖRHÖJA kitchen trolley - which you could paint to match your cabinetry. In any mini room we're faced with, we'll be following Jo's advice to go big or go home.

For some, exposed brick conjures up a contemporary Brooklyn loft apartment, while others are transported to a stressful home renovation, leaving you sleeping on your best mattress in a disheveled bedroom. In a recent episode of Fixer Upper: Welcome Home titled 'Mediterranean Money Pit,' Jo demonstrates that when done right, it can really tell a story.

Exposed brick walls aren't for everyone, but in the right building, they can add a whole load of warmth, texture and charm. We're not the only ones who think so - according to I Want Wallpaper, brick-effect paper is having a renaissance, with searches jumping by 190% last month.

Whether the real thing or a clever wallpaper, exposed brick is a feature wall design idea that complements both an industrial or farmhouse style. When it came to Fixer Upper clients Christina and David's Mediterranean-style home, Chip and Jo decided to bring some of the exposed stone from the outside of the building inside.

It becomes a consistent thread running through the home, appearing in the living room, bedroom and exterior. As well as creating a sense of cohesion throughout the property, the exposed brick went down well with its owners. 

'Look at that wall!' Christina exclaims as they see the finished bedroom for the first time. 'We loved the rock so much on the outside that we thought, let's do it inside,' explains Jo.

While noughties-style exposed brick isn't the first thing that comes to mind when planning out possible bedroom ideas, it works brilliantly in this space. Jo has paired the exposed brick with plenty of sumptuous textures in similar tones. 

Note the large rug beneath the bed effectively mirroring the brick wall, the textured throw pillow cover and bamboo blinds. 

This bold design choice – along with hand-painted tiles in the bathroom and terracotta tones in the flooring – honors the style of the home. Chip and Jo have worked with existing features, rather than against them.

Brick wall-effect wallpapers are a convenient way of trying out the trend, without any of the mess, potential DIY drama and endless dust. Is there a wall in your home that could be given a makeover? 

The exposed brick effect adds depth and character - and as long as you add in lots of tactile materials, those memories of dusty brick walls from past renovations won't resurface.

No one knows the trials and tribulations of renovating like Joanna and Chip Gaines. The Fixer Upper stars, who have flipped countless homes over the years, recently shared a humorous clip about their 'demotivational seminars.' 

The pair joke about running workshops where they advise people against renovating. While everything is said in good humor, the clip actually brings up an important point: deciding if renovating is really for you.

Chip and Jo are sat together discussing house renovation costs when Jo says, 'let's do seminars where we just talk people out of it.' Chip's face instantly lights up as he grins and says, 'We would be good at that!'

'Listen y'all, you actually make no money,' Joanna Gaines jokes, in the Instagram video captioned 'Sign up for our ‘demotivational seminar’—today only!!! #justkidding.''. They imagine running classes that cost $100, helping save people thousands, by scrapping any plans they had in the first place.

Taylor Calmus, also known as DudeDad commented, 'I honestly think I could use some demotivation some times… I take on too many projects at once!'

'Yes please, I'll attend!' wrote one Fixer Upper fan. 'This makes my day. I would sign up,' said another. 

Clearly, they've touched on a very real problem. So how do we know if renovating is for us? 

Homes journalist Laura Crombie, who has renovated the kitchen, bathroom and living space of her home, has some words of advice. 'You need to go into renovating considering the value of your time,' begins Laura. 

'On day one it seems great fun to finish your actual job and start DIY or project managing, but how will you feel six months or even a year in? It's hard work, draining and you need to make more decisions than you ever thought possible.

'You're excited about the color of your living room, but prepare to need to be excited about door hinges, waste pipes, types of plasterboard... Unless you hire a project manager, you have to become an expert in all of these things and a million more,' Laura comments.

'It's one of the most rewarding things you can do - but go into it knowing what you're taking on and be aware of your limitations,' she adds. 'If you normally finish work and flop down in front of the TV for the night, then renovating might not be for you...'

If you've not been put off, find out how to prepare your house for renovation as your first step. But if now isn't quite the right time, it's so much better to realize this now than face reno regrets.

If you're like us, then you'll have been loving the new episodes of Fixer Upper: Welcome Home - including 'barndominium 2.0'. In this incredible renovation, Joanna and Chip transform a scrappy horse barn, while following the clients' unusual brief that encompassed an industrial yet English-cottage feel. 

This project represented a totally new challenge for the famous duo. 'I don't know if I've ever done a mix like that before! English cottage and industrial - but that's exciting,' says Joanna Gaines. 

Here, we take a look at how she combined elements from these chalk-and-cheese interior styles, so we can take inspiration for our own homes.

Black barn doors

Barn doors instantly evoke a country cottage style, but the black finish and gold hardware as shown here mean that they have a masculine and industrial edge. Not only that, but sliding doors are real space savers, making them a great small living room idea.

Plenty of (large) rugs

The floor throughout the property is cool concrete, but the introduction of plush textiles through several large rugs works wonders in softening the space. The similar-but-different rugs in the dining area and living room are key in dividing up the open-plan area into two distinct zones.

• Joanna Gaines is bringing back this retro design feature

Dark paint in the bedroom to create a cozy retreat

Industrial interiors evoke open spaces with harsh materials like concrete and steel, and the black metal beams definitely tick that box. In contrast, this compact bedroom is almost cave-like. 

The dark walls are enveloping, and the wooden ceiling helps to create a warm space to hibernate in. There's a real play on texture with sumptuous layered pillows, a tactile throw, and a fabric headboard with leather straps.

Bring the outdoors in with large windows

• Jeremiah Brent says our homes will be 'lagom' in 2022

The large, crittal-style windows and doors make the beautiful greenery outside into a key feature within the room, that will change with the seasons and the time of the day. If we look at the entire living space, the windows take up a large proportion of the wall area, letting the view of the countryside do all the talking.

In the short term, the barn, located in the clients' yard, was to become a home for their oldest son while he was at college. Looking more long-term, they hope to use it to help army veterans transfer into the agricultural world, and potentially as a home-schooling space for their children.

An island is one of the most highly coveted kitchen features you could possibly have. As for a double kitchen island? For a large majority, it's reserved for our 'dream kitchen' Pinterest boards due to just how much space it would take up.

However, if you do have the square footage, boy does this kitchen island idea open up room for preparing food and entertaining - as Joanna Gaines demonstrates on a recent episode of Fixer Upper: Welcome Home.

Before

In the episode, Joanna and Chip take on the 'Mediterranean Money Pit' home of Christina, a doctor, and her husband David who works as an attorney. The property looked great from the outside, but their clients assured them that inside, there was a lot of work to be done.

Entering the kitchen, pictured above, must have felt like walking into a time warp – although it did have a kitchen island. The wooden cabinetry was very dated, and what with the gaudy orange and lemon wallpapered border and random leopard print ceiling, it was truly stuck in the 70s.

Although we have to admit, we would love to meet the previous owners of this property to ask how they landed on the leopard print for the ceiling...

After

As one of the main things clients David and Christina wanted was a gathering place for their extended family, Chip and Jo knocked down the wall dividing the kitchen from the living room and added the double island.

The kitchen islands tick a lot of boxes, giving the family additional storage, somewhere to spread out ingredients while baking, and it's also just a nice spot to eat some quick breakfast. You can just imagine a relaxed get-together taking place here, family and friends chatting and enjoying some food.

Jo incorporated a range of other stylish, modern kitchen ideas such as matte black bar stools, white countertops and oversized light fittings to zone the space.

We love the tiled backsplash and warm-toned files underfoot, which honor the Mediterranean style of the building. The beam above the cooker matches those on the ceiling, bringing a feeling of warmth and a sense of history. 

The best thing about the extravagant double island is the beautiful symmetry it creates, balancing out the large open-concept area.

It's easy to play it safe with kitchen cabinets, but queen of shiplap and green lover Joanna Gaines has shown you can totally make a color work. In a recent episode of Fixer Upper: Welcome Home, the interior designer gave her client a gorgeous green kitchen that fits seamlessly with her otherwise neutral home.

There are plenty of green kitchen ideas to inspire, from rich forest green and emerald tiles to barely-there shades of sage. Joanna Gaines, who once described a green, white and black palette as 'the story of [her] life,' shows us how to go green.

Joanna's client, Kim, recently moved from California with her dog Hank to Waco, to work for Magnolia Network. Swapping her tiny beach apartment for a three-bedroom 1930s home, she wanted a light and bright scheme for her 'cottage getaway' home. 

When she and Jo sat down to run through the interior design ideas for each room, Jo floated the idea of a green kitchen. 'We were thinking of doing this really pretty green cabinet,' she says, showing Kim samples of two slightly different green tones. 

'That, I have to say, usually scares me,' responds Kim. 'Color does a little bit, only because it's out of my comfort zone.' They agree on a fairly dark and muted blue-green, which will be given brass accents with the cabinet door handles.

The kitchen before the makeover

The green cabinets work in the kitchen because there's lots of natural light flooding in and a view of the trees out in the yard. The green tones tie in with the natural hues beyond the windows and the rest of the room is a crisp white, from the walls and ceiling to the lampshades and even the casserole dish on the cooker.

There is also plenty of natural wood, with the traditional oak floorboards allowing the green cabinets to stand out. Overall, the green tone is introduced in a very subtle fashion - the green cabinetry creates interest without a gear change that you'd get if you used a bolder tone.

Previously, the kitchen was much darker and felt far smaller. At the reveal, Jo comments that the darker tone of the green helps to ground the space. 

If, like Kim, you have a kitchen with a view of the backyard, green works particularly well. Elsewhere in the kitchen, stick to whites, a warm metal tone like copper or bronze, and wood tones if you're worried about it becoming too much.

If you want to hear more about her design transformations, take a look at the noughties trend Joanna Gaines is bringing back, too.

Kids' bedrooms are always a really fun decorating project, and a chance to get your little ones involved. Aside from choosing which color is going on the walls, one of the most important elements is finding storage options that will keep things tidy. 

Fixer Upper star Joanna Gaines revealed an easy tip for kids' rooms that does just this - while also bringing in a decor piece that tells a story. The queen of shiplap suggests incorporating antique containers into your kids' bedroom design ideas.

If you're thinking kids' rooms and antiques are three words that do not go together, bear with us. We think retro items that you're not too precious about are a great small kids' bedroom design idea that makes things feel more stylish.

On an episode of Fixer Upper she uses an antique toolbox to store crayons for her client. 'One of the things I love to incorporate in kids' spaces are funkier pieces,' Jo says. 'This was an old toolbox, and so I always think it's fun to find containers and things that you wouldn't typically put colors in.'

We really like the contrast created between older items, whether they're made of wood, leather or a metal, and bright kids' toys. 'It's a really cute piece that has a story, but now you're just giving it a new purpose,' Jo adds.

• Joanna Gaines is bringing back this retro design feature

Look out for hard-wearing boxes, tins and crates, or some old leather suitcases that you can stack on top of one another. It goes without saying that second-hand storage ideas for kids' rooms are a more sustainable option than flat-pack items bought brand new - and it means your kids' room has something a little different.

Recently we were struck by the way Home Work stars Andy and Candis incorporated an antique mantel and chandelier in their daughter's bedroom. While it might seem a risky move, furniture and decor pieces that anchor the room in history undoubtedly make a kids' room feel more curated.

Opting for a cheap toolbox picked up from a flea market like Joanna Gaines means have a handy place to store toys, pencils and books for bedtime stories. You might even have something that would work just as well up in the attic already...

When it comes to any Fixer Upper big reveal, it always seems Joanna Gaines has some kind of magic formula for creating a beautiful home every time. There are so many factors at play when design a calming bedroom that we love being in, but after watching copious episodes of Fixer Upper we think this magic number trick could be the answer.  

• See also: 51 bedroom ideas, trends and styling tips to create the perfect space

We, along with many eagle-eyed fans have noticed Jo's use of pairs. It's a small detail appearing consistently in her bedroom designs, and it makes a difference. 

In many of the bedrooms on Fixer Upper, you'll find two similar picture frames hung up on the wall above a headboard, or perhaps two identical shutters.

It's not a hard and fast rule, but we typically find things in twos or even numbers more calming to look at. Whether it's two hanging baskets on either side of a doorway, or four photo frames hung up above a fireplace.

'It's so easy to take the eclectic route for visual interest,' comments Camille Dubuis-Welch, Digital Editor at Real Homes. 'However, if you're looking to create a sense of calm in a space, working with symmetry is the best way to ensure that your decor is easy on the eye and that little bit more restful.'

This simple trick not only gives the eye two things to rest on, but also creates a sense of balance. Pairs seem to bring order to a space, making it feel more cohesive. If your room is feeling cluttered, you might just need some new bedroom storage ideas...

Bedrooms lend themselves to symmetry, the bed generally taking center stage with two bedside tables and lamps on either side. Our bedrooms are the place we retreat to at the end of the day, and the room of the house that needs to be totally calming to help us get good quality sleep.

For inspiration on how to design a bedroom, take a look at our guide.

• See also: Is your bed the reason you're not sleeping well? It could be, say experts

In contrast, a living space may have odd numbers and a more mis-matched approach to decorating. It may feel a little extravagant to buy two of everything, but in a bedroom at least, two is always better than one. 

We can't wait to watch new episodes of Fixer Upper: Welcome Home on Magnolia Network, which launches on July 15, 2021.

Joanna Gaines is one of the best-known interior designers in the world. The co-star of hugely popular home reno show Fixer Upper made 'Are you ready to see your fixer-upper?' into an iconic phrase.

• See also: We're loving this Joanna Gaines-approved wallpaper trend (plus how she used it in Fixer Upper)

Jo is also a presenter, businesswoman, the author of Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave, and a mom-of-five. Such is the case for many of us, her career is multi-faceted and could never fit neatly into a box.

Here, we take a look at her life and career.

Who is Joanna Gaines and how old is she?

Joanna, 43, is one-quarter German, one-quarter Lebanese, and half Korean, and was raised in Texas. She studied Communications at the Baylor University in Texas and entered the world of design while on a journalism internship in New York. 

She and her husband Chip went to the same university but never crossed paths, meeting at Jo's father's auto shop. It was while working for her dad that Jo made her first-ever TV appearances, starring in the commercials for his auto business.

Chip and Jo tied the knot on May 31st, 2003 in the Earle-Harrison House in Waco, Texas. The pair have been married for 18 years.

In the same year they got married, they opened a home décor shop in Waco, called Little Shop on Bosque. They also opened the first Magnolia market in the same year.

Writing in her book, Jo explains that there's nowhere else she'd rather be than home and that our homes should tell our story. 'I believe that what we surround ourselves with — the colors, the materials, the things, can be random and meaningless or they can convey some of the most important truths if we let them.'

Why is Joanna Gaines famous?

The Kansas-born designer is loved across the globe, thanks to her authenticity on and off-screen eye for design. She has over 13 million Instagram followers - only 5 million fewer than President Joe Biden.

The focused designer and her goofy contractor husband Chip were of course first propelled to fame on Fixer Upper on HGTV. The nation fell in love with the down-to-earth personalities and the chemistry between the denim-clad pair. 

Not to mention it's highly satisfying, comforting viewing to watch a battered old home being given a new lease of life by people that know what they're doing. The Fixer Upper pilot aired in May 2013 and the first season began in April 2014. 

When they were first approached about doing a TV show, Chip famously said to Jo that he thought it was a scam. 

After five seasons, they took a break on the show, and now a brand new version, Fixer Upper: Welcome Home is available on Discovery+. Over the years, the dynamic duo has flipped hundreds of houses while helping to turn Waco into a tourist hotspot. 

People visit from all over the world to see the silos where home decor store Magnolia Market is located. The pair have also had a huge influence on trends, making farmhouse-chic popular. The Fixer Upper effect is also said to have increased the value of homes with features mentioned on the show, like shiplap and barn doors.

The couple has helped many people by transforming the spaces in which they live with classic, often open concept designs. Thanks to Chip and Jo, 'Are you ready to see your fixer-upper?' has become a well-known catchphrase of American pop culture.

Given their success, it's no surprise that the pair made it onto Time's 2019 list of Most Influential People. They are soon launching their own TV network, Magnolia Network, have a decor line at Target called Hearth & Hand, a restaurant called Magnolia Table, a magazine named Magnolia Journal...

They've got to be the busiest couple we know. 

What is Joanna and Chip Gaines' net worth?

Thanks to their business savvy and multiple business streams the famous pair has an estimated combined net worth of $20 million. 

How many kids do Joanna and Chip Gaines have?

Chip and Jo have five children - three sons and two daughters. Drake is 17, (born May 4, 2004), Ella Rose is 15 (born Oct. 23, 2006), Duke is 13 (born May 23, 2008), Emmie Kay is 11 (born Feb. 1, 2010) and Crew is 2 years old (born June 23, 2018).

Speaking in an interview on Entertainment Tonight back in 2016, Joanna Gaines said she and Chip will not give their children cell phones any time soon. 'I tell the kids that you are probably not going to get a cell phone,' Joanna said on the show. 

'We want to teach our kids that life happens outside of these devices.'

Our favorite Joanna Gaines tips

Joanna Gaines has years of experience in renovating, learning from mistakes and honing her style, which is often described as modern farmhouse. One thing we love is Joanna Gaines' home office tip - which is about decorating your home office with lots of personal memorabilia to make you more productive. 

In an episode of Fixer Upper: Welcome Home, she asks her client to write a list of his favorite bands and goes out to a local record store. Surrounded by records and other personal items, the new office honored the client and made it more special.

Joanna Gaines' controversial bathroom tile tip that uses stacked, black terracotta tiles was another stroke of genius - although Chip begged to differ.

In their family home, the Gaineses have a huge vintage clock with no hands on it as a symbol of how when they're together as a family, time stands still.

The many decisions you have to make when renovating can feel paralyzing. But there’s perhaps some comfort in knowing that even the professionals don’t always get it right. 

• See also: House exterior design - 11 ways to upgrade the look of your home

Joanna Gaines has revealed that picking paint for the exterior of a house is one of the biggest mistakes she has made on multiple occasions - not excluding her own home. 

The Fixer Upper star and interior designer shared the story of how she once accidentally had her family home painted bright yellow while she and her family were away on vacation.

‘Early on, one of the biggest mistakes I’d make, almost on every job, was paint. And that would be the most costly mistake,’ she says in an interview on YouTube. 

‘One time, I painted our house. I really thought it was going to be a light tan - buttercream was the goal. I looked at the swatch and I remember holding it going “I’ve got this!”’

Confident in her decision, she tells her builder to go for it with the buttercream paint, and Chip and Jo head off for a few days while the paint job is being done.

‘We get home three days later, and we have neighbors standing outside, you have people driving by shaking their heads. It was highlighter yellow,’ she recalls.

‘I remember sitting there crying. It cost $11,000 to paint that entire exterior. I don’t want people feeling like that, so that was really the heart behind the paint line.’

Picking exterior paint color is hard. Sure, it’s just paint, but show us someone who when presented with a color chart, instantly knows the shade they want their whole house to be. For the best color to paint your house before you sell, read our story.

We asked real estate broker Kris Lippi from ISoldMyHouse for advice on picking the right paint for the outside of our homes for instant kerb appeal. 'The exterior of your house is like the cover of a magazine,' says Kris. 

'Aside from it being the first to be seen, it is the first to be judged as well. My top advice for picking paint for the exterior parts of a house is to consider the colors of the other elements which would not be painted.

• See also: Joanna Gaines shared an extravagant bathroom lighting tip to make a bathroom feel bigger

'Say, your roof is something you’re not planning to replace or retouch anytime soon and it is color blue. If this is the case, don’t go for exterior paint colors that would not match. Consider blue as your ‘given’ then play with the other colors,' Kris suggests. 

'That way, your roof will look coordinated with the rest of the house and the overall value of the house will most likely increase.' 

If you're currently planning to repaint your house yourself, read our piece on how to paint outside of a house like a pro.

Next time you're stuck on what fabric to choose or what sofa to buy, don't panic. None of us is above making the occasional decorating faux pas - even Jo Gaines. We can't live in fear of making mistakes, so back yourself with your decision.

Whether you're much happier with a roller or find the more intricate parts of painting around door and window frames weirdly satisfying, cutting in is a key stage you simply can't avoid. 

Luckily, Fixer Upper star and interior designer Joanna Gaines has shared a really simple tip to make your paint job look more professional – whether you're using one of the best kitchen paints or the best bathroom paints.

• See also: How to paint a room – the correct order to DIY for a professional finish

Speaking in a YouTube video, Jo shared her top tips to keep your paint job looking neat. Her tips are essential reading when painting around the edges of the room - door frames, window frames, trim and skirting boards.

'You want to start with your two-inch angled sash brush, but before you start painting, you want to condition your brush first,' Jo says. 'So simply dip it in some water and shake the water off.

'What this does is it makes the paint come off the brush easier and makes the final clean up a lot simpler.' 

This stage needs to be done carefully, so that you can admire your handiwork for years to come rather than kick yourself for imperfections each time you dare to look more closely.

Joanna points out that you should only dip the brush into the can of paint about an inch. Avoid getting paint on the metal area of the brush, as this can cause bristles to fall out.

If you're trying to decide on the best white paint, take a look at our roundup. Struggling to decide on a color in the first place? Find out how to choose the perfect paint colors for every room.

'Hold [the paintbrush] like a pencil, so you have a really good grip,' Jo continues. She then shares a simple piece of advice to make sure the paint job is perfect.

'Once you've trimmed the edges you're gonna want to roll the paint on the wall while this is still wet, and that will make for a seamless finish.' So, if you can, you should do your cutting in and then meet the wet paint with your roller, and then extend the paint across the wall.

This will also encourage you to get more of the job done quickly, rather than cutting in, then carrying on with the job the next day. Check out our wall paint ideas before you begin - from ombre to wood paneling.

• See also: Joanna Gaines shared an extravagant bathroom lighting tip to make a bathroom feel bigger

Jo advises buying a selection of good-quality paintbrushes that will last, and recommends getting five different sizes and shapes. A three-inch, wide, flat-edged brush for larger areas and a two-and-a-half-inch flat brush is good for medium areas. 

She also suggests getting a two-and-a-half-inch angled brush also known as a sash brush - for cutting in and painting mouldings, borders and trims. 

A one-and-a-half-inch brush is handy for fine work. Finally, Jo also keeps an artist's brush to hand for particularly small details.

If you’re blessed with a small bathroom, there are plenty of bathroom ideas to create the illusion of more space. Interior designer Joanna Gaines shared some small bathroom design tricks - including the wonderfully extravagant idea of installing an antique chandelier.

• See also: Breegan Jane’s bathroom towel color tip

In a YouTube clip, Fixer Upper star Jo talks us through the design choices she made in a very small family bathroom. One thing she has used is a large light fixture to flood the space with light.

‘It was really important to make the space light and airy, because it’s only 45 square feet,’ she begins. ‘One of the biggest things I find in small spaces is there’s not enough lighting. 

'so I always encourage people, if you have some room in the budget, add extra lighting.’ In this bathroom, Joanna has also used a vanity light over the bathroom mirror, pale tiles on the floor and a white subway tile in the bath area. 

She also introduces different textures, like a white, ruffled shower curtain, so that even though it’s in a neutral color, it adds visual interest and layers.

‘I also did an antique chandelier to add interest, which gives plenty of light,’ Joanna adds. ‘And what does light do? Light makes things feel bigger, so that’s the trick.’ 

A key thing to note is that the chandelier is a pale cream color, blending in with the wood panelled ceiling above. If the light was gold or black, it could feel much more bulky in the tight space. 

Ideally, we’d all have luxurious hotel-style bathrooms with large windows, ample storage and a dreamy free-standing tub. But in the meantime, extra lighting will help to visually enlarge our small bathrooms.

You do need some overhead space in your bathroom to install a chandelier safely, and always get advice from a qualified electrician. For more ways to give your bathroom a revamp, head to our bathroom paint ideas piece.

See also: 15 bathroom lighting ideas to brighten your space beautifully

A chandelier in the bathroom is pretty unexpected, and this bold design choice shows confidence in your decorating skills.

If your bookshelves are straining under the weight of all your favorite reads, fear not. There are plenty of creative book storage ideas for displaying your books in small spaces.

• See also: 16 organization ideas for every room in the house

In a video on YouTube, Joanna Gaines shares a simple and cost-effective way to store your books, plants and decorative pieces. You simply need some plain wooden storage boxes with one side open, stacked up against a wall.

Joanna creates a modular grid of cube storage out of boxes that can be switched around as a simple and modern living room idea. Taking multiple boxes creates a feature in any room, and somewhere to curate books.

'A fun design element that we incorporated in this modern project were these really simple boxes,' she begins. 'What I feel makes this modern is its very clean lines, it's simple, it's pretty raw.

'You can really incorporate this look anywhere, whether it be the living room or a kids' bedroom, a playroom, or even a mudroom. Great for storage, but it also can highlight any of your favorite art pieces, your favorite books - so it can really go a long way.'

'It's unique, and as time goes on you can add to it, take away, modify it,' Joanna adds. 'But I think it's interesting enough to really set the space apart.'

She goes on to say that what's great about this entire concept is that you don't have to spend thousands on built-in shelving or cabinetry. Her living room feature made up of wooden boxes only cost around $150.

Take a look at our budget living room ideas for more inspiration that won't break the bank.

So if you have some free wall space, you can use IKEA storage boxes, reclaimed wood, slatted wood or old crates and wicker baskets to create a similar effect. Nestle your hall of fame-worthy books and some succulents and you're good to go.

The boxes can equally well be displayed on top of a single shelf and moved around as your book collection grows.

• See also: We tried Joanna Gaines' budget centerpiece hack - it is unbelievably simple!

If after a while you want to change things up, you can use the wooden boxes elsewhere, making for handy storage in the hallway or children's room.

Fixer Upper fans, there's a new interiors inspiration-filled TV show coming to Magnolia Network. Brand new series Jean Stoffer Design is hitting Chip and Joanna Gaines' network, following the interior designer behind Instagram's most-loved kitchens.

• See also: 65 kitchen ideas – pictures, decor inspiration and design ideas for your next makeover

On Friday, April 23, Magnolia Network: A Look Ahead Vol. 2 will air - an hour-long preview special, highlighting ten original series coming our way this summer.

We don't yet know a release date for Jean Stoffer's new show, but tune into the preview episode for more of an idea of what to expect.

Jean Stoffer Design on Magnolia Network will follow the acclaimed interior designer in her Grand Rapids, MI, hometown. Jean will be taking on some of her most ambitious projects to date around her hometown. 

She'll also share the inspiration behind her stunning designs, as well as the important role family plays in her life and business. We can't wait to tune in and get an insight into the process of creating her beautiful, modern designs as showcased on her Instagram page @jeanstofferdesign. 

Here, she shares posts from her 120-year-old home, The Madison, an old building experienced in a totally modern way. The show will no doubt give us inspiration for our own homes, from modern kitchen lighting ideas to how to design an open plan kitchen. 

And if it means we get a glimpse into her home and her kitchen, we're in. 

Jean and her daughter, Grace opened a homeware store called Stoffer Home in Michigan in 2018, before launching online a year later. Stoffer Cabinetry also offers a bespoke kitchen design service.

This week, Jean shared the news of her show on Instagram. She writes, 'Here we go! I’m pretty excited to announce I’ll be joining @magnolianetwork WITH MY NEW SERIES titled....wait for it....Jean Stoffer Design!!!! Eeek!!'

Some big names in the interior design industry from Studio McGee to Sarah Sherman Samuel comment on the post to congratulate her.

• See also: We tried Joanna Gaines' budget centerpiece hack - it is unbelievably simple!

The preview episode, which will include a range of other brand new offerings on Magnolia Network, will air on Friday, April 23. It'll also be available on Saturday, April 24 on DIY Network.

Interiors expert and star of Fixer Upper Joanna Gaines has shared a simple way to make a striking centerpiece. It's so easy to do and is perfect for bringing nature into your home without the expense.

In an episode of the home renovation show, she revealed how to do her a thrifty centerpiece hack, which uses glass vases and single leaves cut from the front yard to add a touch of green to a dining table or coffee table. This is low-cost as you don't need to buy specific plants for this — you just need ones from your own backyard, along with display jars. 

If you're looking for small living room ideas and love this trick — I'm here for you. I've tried out the hack myself, so I can show you exactly how to do it. Completely optional, but if you do want to go a little further to curate the look, I have picked out some buys to create a high-end aesthetic.

Joanna Gaines' leafy budget centerpiece hack

Ready to get started? This is a really great idea that will work in homes that are cottagecore-themed, or even ones that are modern and would benefit from a touch of greenery. We tried it out for ourselves — and spoiler alert, we were super impressed.

How to do Joanna Gaines' budget centerpiece hack

Adding a centerpiece to your table is a great way to create a focal point in a room. “One of my favorite things to do is set a table,” Joanna Gaines says in Fixer Upper. “With a centerpiece like this, I think the simplicity of it goes a long way. In this case, we went outside and cut some greenery from the lawn,” she adds. “Literally one single leaf goes in. I think it's the pop of green that really makes a statement here.” 

Given just how simple it looked, we gave it a go. To recreate Joanna's centerpiece, we went outside and foraged some seasonal leaves from the garden. If you don't have a leafy outdoors area or would rather have long-lasting leaves, you could opt for faux foliage.

We also tried placing some blossom in the glasses, but this just didn't look right. This hack definitely has more of an impact if you have large, striking leaves to work with. A glossy monstera leaf would definitely look nicer than the ivy leaf we found in the garden, but we weren't willing to take the clippers to our best indoor plants on this occasion. Investing in a good pair of plant clippers is not only useful for DIYing decor but also for maintaining your plants effectively.

Joanna uses nine glasses for this hack, and we definitely recommend using multiple ones when copying this idea. That said, we were surprised at how effective the trick was for the price tag.

We were limited by our collection of glasses and empty jars at home, and we'd recommend trying a large glass vase like Joanna used for a more striking look. You could also grab some patterned jars (like these Sunflower-embossed ones from Amazon) to add to the look's style. Or, if your budget is tight, try browsing your local thrift shop. Though, even if we say so ourselves, among a beautifully set dining table with your best dinnerware, the vases would be a pretty modern dining room idea.

Once you've got all your leaves, you can then place them in your jars and vases and lay them out on your table. They look beautiful by themselves, but to elevate the look you could also wrap fairy lights (like these from Amazon) around them or surround them with your best candles.

We love how the centerpiece idea honors the season you're in. We imagine that a fall version with rich orange and red hues would look be a stunning Thanksgiving table decor idea.

FAQs

Now that you've copied Joanna Gaines' centerpiece hack, you might be wondering what other ways you can decorate your table. Coffee table books are smart, stylish, and provide a great talking point for guests.

In a recent episode of Fixer Upper: Welcome Home, Chip and Jo took on a local emergency shelter for young girls. Joanna Gaines used a range of thoughtful touches to make the space, where many come in a moment of crisis, to feel like a home. One of them was a large-scale floral living room wallpaper idea, which is bang on trend seeing that 'floral wallpaper' has seen a huge surge in Google search recently.

• See also: 5 floral wallpaper ideas – to bring pattern into your home

The floral pattern comes up from the bottom of the wall and only covers the bottom two thirds of the wall’s surface. The black and white pattern is made up of wildflowers in a subtle nod to the resilience of the girls coming into the shelter. ‘One night when I couldn’t sleep, I was looking for wallpaper, and this wallpaper is something I came across,’ Joanna says. 

‘What struck me about this was just that these are wildflowers, and what I love about wildflowers is how resilient they are and how they can grow anywhere. To me, it was that design statement but also just that, “hey, these girls are strong.”’ Jo used it on three of the four walls in the living room, leaving the wall with large, outward-facing windows in plain white paint.

• Joanna Gaines is bringing back this retro design feature

Joanna was ahead of the curve, as we're seeing a renewed love for floral wallpaper at the moment. Last month, Google searches for 'floral wallpaper' went up by 462.5% in the UK, according to I Want Wallpaper. ‘A space with a good visual connection to nature can be calming, and help improve our mood,’ says Alex Whitecroft, Head of Design at I Want Wallpaper.

Alex also expresses a similar idea to Joanna on the symbolism of plants: ‘Each plant has its own meaning. Surrounding yourself with those that represent things you want or value can create a positive environment. Ferns represent new life and new beginnings, as well as family and hope for future generations - perfect for new home-owners.’

Wallpaper company Graham & Brown's bold, 60s-style 'flower power' wallpaper sold out in two weeks, showing the appeal of nostalgic features in our homes during uncertain times.

Whether or not you're sold on the plant symbolism, a bold floral print in a small downstairs toilet or perhaps on a bedroom ceiling is a striking move. If you're not sure where to begin, our guide on how to wallpaper like a pro will come in handy. The specific wallpaper Joanna used is from a seller called KOKOARTSHOP, on Etsy.

Sadly, we can't all have our fixer-uppers transformed by Chip and Jo. However, we can apply the simple interior tricks shared on the show to our own homes - like Joanna Gaines' home office tip from episode two of their latest series. In the episode titled 'Planting Roots in Waco' the famous pair renovated the home of their first-time-buyer colleague, John. When it came to his home office, Joanna made an effort to ensure that it was filled with thoughtful touches.

• See also: Is Joanna Gaines’ controversial bathroom tile choice the next subway tile? We say yes.

Midway through the project, Jo and her sister Mikey headed out to a local record store with a list of New Yorker John's favorite musicians. Referring to their record shopping list as they went, they bought lots of records so that John would be surrounded by the albums of his favorite artists. Jo drew on music's power to bring back fond memories and make us happy in order to add a little bit of that magic into John's home office.

'We're looking for records for John's office so the second he walks in, it really feels like home to John,' she explains. From Billy Joel to Dave Matthews and Pearl Jam, they hunted for vintage records that John would love. 'I wonder if you can tell someone's personality by their musical selection,' Jo muses. 'John's gonna be feeling good in that office, it's gonna make him more productive,' she adds.

Previously, the room was pretty much a blank slate, with blue walls and some beige carpet. The huge windows looking out onto the front yard gave it real potential, and once Chip and Jo were finished with it, it was jaw-dropping. As well as the home decor accessories, grey rug, and sputnik-style light, the room features a large industrial window on the wall between the office and the living room, allowing the light outside to travel all the way through.

• See also: Joanna Gaines is bringing back a retro design feature

John, who works for Magnolia, loved the finished look. 'You're literally never gonna see me again,' he tells Chip and Jo. So, when it comes to our working from home setup, try styling the space with plenty of accessories that mean something to you. Artwork you love to look at, photographs from special trips abroad, or a shelf dedicated to your favorite books will all give you a boost when you really need it.

In a recent episode of Fixer Upper: Welcome Home, interiors expert Joanna Gaines championed matte black terracotta tiles in the bathroom. Husband Chip couldn’t get on board with her controversial bathroom tile tip, but Joanna's bathroom idea went down brilliantly with their client.

In the second episode of the latest series, titled ‘Planting Roots in Waco’, the pair renovate the bathroom of their colleague John’s home. They opt for a sleek and versatile monochrome scheme for his bachelor pad. 

There are white marble, hexagonal bathroom floor tiles, and the much-debated terracotta tiles painted matte black on the walls. These are laid directly above one another, in railroad style-columns, and cover almost every wall.

While laying the tiles, Chip complained about how expensive they were, arguing that they’re not that different from much cheaper subway tiles. ‘There’s no logical explanation behind buying tile that’s terracotta, that’s been painted matte black,’ he complains. However, Jo, who of course knows exactly what she’s doing, explains the many benefits of painted terracotta. 

‘What you see in terracotta, that you don’t in subway, is subtle movement,’ Jo begins. ‘There is a texture difference, there is a finish difference’ and a ‘little bit of an irregularity that you can’t get with porcelain.’ That’s why in her eyes, it’s absolutely worth the extra money.

• See also: Joanna Gaines is bringing back a retro design feature

What’s more, the choice of pricey tiles perfectly matched John’s vision for his bathroom. When he saw the end result he admitted that he hadn’t been ambitious enough to ask for black terracotta, but that he absolutely loved it. ‘This is amazing, I can’t get over this,’ he says as he checks out the walls.

At Real Homes, we’re definitely going to side with Jo on this one, as the finished bathroom is just stunning. The black and white tiles inject personality while not overwhelming the space, and we think having the tiles run from floor to ceiling creates a real sense of luxury. It was a fairly dark space anyway, so embracing the darkness of the room makes a real impact.

What do you think? Too extravagant or inspired?

The return of Joanna and Chip in the series Fixer Upper: Welcome Home back in early 2021 saw some stunning makeovers in the pair’s signature modern farmhouse style. However, it was the makeover in episode three, titled ‘Modern Take on Old-World Charm’ that caught our attention. 

Joanna Gaines made a bold decision to bring the often-unpopular, retro-inspired archway in the home. While the arch is sometimes viewed in a negative light thanks to its association with dated properties from the 1970s, arches have been clawing their way back into fashionable interiors recently.

In the episode, we met Nicole and her parents, who together have just bought her first house in Waco, Texas a 3-bedroom, mid-century farmhouse. Nicole tasks Joanna and Chip with creating a cozy European cottage, and provide her with some living room ideas that would inspire her.

Joanna Gaines' retro design feature

While arches are usually design features renovators are desperate to get rid of to create more space for things like sofas, Joanna goes against the grain and decides to use an arch to create some definition between the living room and dining area. 'So it's not just a long, open box,' she explains. 

'If we could incorporate an arch that would be the European thing you're liking,' Joanna explains to Nicole in the episode. 

‘Chip would say I’m the worst in that when there’s walls I want to take 'em out,' she jokes. 'When there’s not walls I want to put 'em in. It’s confusing, I get that. But for this space, and your style, it needed more character.'

• See also: This Joanna Gaines-designed home in Texas just hit the market for $550,000

Unsurprisingly, Joanna's plan pays off. The arch works wonder's in the space, creating a bright space filled with beautiful natural light, as it divides the rooms without walls blocking them off completely.

It also brings the eye up to create a sense of height, and contrast with the harsh, angular form of many everyday pieces of furniture. 

The introduction of round edges seen in the archway, rattan armchair and coffee table in this space contributes to soft, calming design. With its pale blue edges, the arch echoes the blue front door of the home, a feature that Nicole fell in love with when she first saw the house.

Joanna Gaines isn't the only one falling for arches at the moment – the once dated feature has become a new must-have for luxury homes.

'Archways have become even more popular in recent luxury property trends, as many people are focusing on creating spaces that are even more unique than usual, and archways certainly achieve that,' explains Glen Hyman, owner of Great House Design.

'We're noticing that, right now, many people want to make their interiors as jaw-dropping as possible,' he adds.

Matteo Bianchi, Founder, and Director at award-winning Matteo Bianchi Studio agrees: 'Archways are a magnificent design tool to connect spaces elegantly. The real magic happens when an archway is clothed in curtains either side and topped with backlight to set the right tone and ambiance.'

So, are you ready to embrace the arch in your home?

This light and airy three-bedroom home designed by Chip and Joanna Gaines in season one of Fixer Upper has just hit the market for $550,000. Otherwise known as ‘the Mailander House,’ this gorgeous Texas home is a score for anyone who appreciates Chip and Joanna’s signature design aesthetic.

Located in Waco, Texas (of course!), the 1500-square foot property features everything you’d expect from a Fixer Upper home: a classic modern farmhouse aesthetic that includes everything from an airy neutral color palette to an open-concept living space with modern and antique furnishings… and even the Gaines’ signature white-hued shiplap in the powder room and laundry room space.

“The Mailander House is a one of a kind home, as seen on ‘Fixer Upper’ Season 1,” the Zillow listing reads. “This is a very successful, licensed, and turn-key VRBO. It comes fully furnished and with reservations throughout 2021.”

Built in 1910, the Mailander House is tucked into a quiet neighborhood in Waco and features sky-high ceilings, many windows that allow for all day light, and three large porches and decks that look out onto the private 1/3 acre garden and green space that the property is set on.

The Mailander House, also referred to as the Bicycle House due to the 1905-era bicycle that hangs on the wall of one of the bedrooms, was previously listed on Airbnb and was well-loved for its coziness and light-flooded living space.

“Very sweet and super clean house!” said one Airbnb traveler. “Loved staying in this house off of Fixer Upper and it was neat to see that some of the same decorations and items from the show were still in the house! Great location and fun to stay in for the weekend. You’ll love it!”

Waco natives will particularly appreciate the convenient location of the Mailander House, which, despite being tucked into a peaceful neighborhood, is close to Baylor and the Magnolia Market Silos, Baylor University, Cameron Park, and all of Waco’s best restaurants and nightlife.

Interested in finding out more about the property or scheduling a visit to get to know the Joanna Gaines-designed home up close and personal? Be sure to visit the official listing on Zillow.com. Otherwise, the home is still listed on Airbnb for travelers to book for about $250 per night if you’re curious to see the HGTV darling up close and personal.

It's been almost three years since the final episode of Fixer Upper aired on HGTV, leaving fans to fill the Waco-sized hole in their hearts with re-runs and Hearth & Hand merch from Target.

But no more! Because Chip & Joanna Gaines are back with an all-new season of Fixer Upper, and this time, it's on their own terms.

The duo left HGTV to launch their TV network, Magnolia Network, and has spent the last two years planning and producing a lineup of original home makeover, food, and lifestyle content; including a cooking series hosted by Joanna, and the new iteration of Fixer Upper, called Fixer Upper: Welcome Home. 

The series lands on the discovery+ streaming service on January 29, and will then move to the Magnolia Network when it launches later this year.

What can we expect from Fixer Upper: Welcome Home?

The first episode kicks off with a house that's been left abandoned for a decade.

'There are some things somebody forgot to take with them when they moved out, and by "things" I mean all the things that you've ever seen in your entire life,' Chip says.

They certainly have a challenge on their hands. While taking a first look around the house, Chip makes the mistake of opening the fridge to reveal rotten food and what looks like maggots. 

There's an egg explosion, disgusting smells, and you can't see the carpet for junk. With piles of clothes, sheets of paper, plates and mess everywhere, the house needs a deep clean before Chip and Jo can even begin to work their magic.

The creative pair will be transforming neglected homes into incredible, innovative living spaces that leave us with major house envy. 

Having expanded their business, and their family, they are now juggling a whole lot more while renovating, making things unpredictable. Chip and Jo's son Crew features on the show, bringing all the cuteness.

In episode one of Fixer Upper: Welcome Home, 'A Neglected Home For Newlyweds,' Lucas and Laney just bought a house they fear Chip and Jo will refuse to take on. 

Having been empty for ten years, it needs a lot of attention.

Can Chip and Jo pull off the transformation and give the newlyweds a boldly reimagined home by honeymoon’s end?

Chip and Jo previously teased a sneak peek at the season on the Magnolia YouTube channel. The clip starts off with Chip saying, "Alright baby girl, we are back at it!" and Jo chiming in "Back at work!"

Chip also promises that the season "is going to be like nothing we've ever seen before." 

Indeed, the promo includes shots of hoarder homes, epic demos, and jaw-dropping before & afters that only the Gaines's can pull off. 

• Check out our interview with deVol Kitchens about their new Magnolia Network series

The content and format appears to be similar to the previous seasons of the show, and the couple appears not to miss a beat: “It’s good to get back out here, man. We love doing this for a living,” Chip says. 

So when will the new Fixer Upper start? 

The new season launches today, January 29, 2021 on discovery+ and new episodes will be available each week through February 19.

Episodes of Joanna's new cooking show, Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines, have already debuted on discovery+.

Because it's 2020, many of us decided to throw all rules of holiday decorating decorum out the window this year in favor of earlier-than-ever Christmas accessorizing. We're all for hopping aboard the early train ... it's just that, by the end of November, many of the best Christmas decorations are already selling out (have you seen those bare shelves at Target?!) 

This goes for the always-anticipated Chip and Joanna Gaines' Target line, Hearth & Hand, which dropped earlier this month. While many of the pieces we'd originally had in our carts are now long sold out, there is still plenty of modern-farmhouse festivus to go around ... if you act fast. 

Below, we've rounded up our Hearth & Hand décor favorites that are still in stock, and they start at just $12.99.

A table runner that can transition from everyday to holiday

Buy: Plaid Table Runner in Red and Cream | Currently $17.99

Drape this plaid table runner over your dining set for a seasonal look that easily transitions from fall into the holiday season.  Top with lots of green garlands and some candles for a fresh take on Christmas decor. 

A home for all those holiday treats

Buy: Stoneware House Cookie Jar Sour Cream | Currently $19.99 

Keep fresh-baked sugar cookies fresh in this house-shaped stoneware cookie jar—and it makes for a stylish centerpiece on your table or exposed shelving. Just keep out of reach from curious youngsters looking for a treat! 

A finishing touch

Buy: Woven Jacquard Stripes Holiday Tree Skirt Red/White | Currently $12.99

Your tree is never fully dressed without a skirt, and this striped one is a little-bit-classic and a-little-bit country. Plus, it'll also serve the handy purpose of catching all of those pesky pine needles that your tree will drop throughout the season. 

Create a signature scent

Buy: Cypress + Pine Ceramic Holiday Oil Diffuser  | Currently $12.99

We describe this as woodsy scent as winter in a bottle. Bring the outdoors in with notes of cypress and pine with this diffuser that will bring fresh scent to your space, all season long. And if you're one to choose an artificial tree, parking this nearby will surely emulate the smell of real evergreen, without the hassle of firs and needles everywhere. 

Something to top it all off 

Buy: Woven Stripes with Poms Holiday Stocking Red/White | Currently $15.00 

Your holiday stockings help set the mood for your seasonal home decor, and if yours could use an upgrade, we love this candy-cane striped version. The aqua-hued pom poms are also a modern take on classic red-and-green (inspo for the rest of your decorating, perhaps?). 

A classic wreath..

Buy: Faux Eucalyptus wreath | Currently $12.99 

This faux-Eucalyptus wreath is a farmhouse-inspired take on a more traditional evergreen style. We'd add a navy or berry-colored velvet bow to give this wreath extra holiday charm, or leave it as is to complement more neutral holiday décor. 

Read next...

• Target Black Friday  - Here's what we know so far
• Best Christmas Decor of 2020 - merry merry 
• We tried Joanna Gaines' budget centerpiece hack - it is unbelievably simple!

Our homes tell a story. We hope every last detail will leave a little bit of ourselves in each room, and we're all about adding our personal touch. And, one of the best ways to do that is with a gallery wall. 

It doesn't matter if you're looking to update a current room in your home or you're starting with a blank canvas, a gallery wall is an easy to pull any room —or story — together and make the narrative come alive. 

When choosing a theme, try tapping into your own experiences. Where have you traveled? What are your favorite hobbies? Are you going to show pictures of your family? Since there are no real parameters on what you can and can't add to a gallery wall, it's best to think of what your overall objective is and then select individual pieces.

Once you nail down your style, it's time to pick up the hammer. But this is where things can get a little confusing. So, we turned to the pros to get some help. 

In a recent PEOPLE magazine article, Fixer Upper star Joanna Gaines shared three simple ways to create a gallery wall: 

Joanna Gaines'sguide to an at-home gallery wall: 

Additional suggested items:  

• 11x14 Picture Frame, Set of 5 for $28.99
• 8X10 Picture Frames, Set of 6 for $25.65
• Picture Frame Kit with Hammer for $10.99
• Cordless Drill with batteries for $45.99 

Sometimes, it pays to work overtime. deVol Kitchens' New York City showroom was closed on the day last year when Chip and Joanna Gaines came calling, but the London-based company made an exception for the HGTV stars.

“We took a call from Chip and Joanna Gaines, who asked if we would still be [at the showroom], as they were just landing at JFK and wanted to come straight over to see our new space,” remembers Paul O'Leary, one of the co-founders of deVOL. “We had no idea who they were, no idea they were the darlings of Stateside home reno’s and no idea why they were coming to see us.”

O’Leary and partner/creative director Helen Parker met the Gaineses at the showroom for a guided tour, and they were immediately struck by deVOL's designs. 

“When it comes to kitchens, deVOL is the benchmark,” Joanna says in a Magnolia Network preview. “When they talked about these kitchens, you knew they were super passionate about it. After that day I told Chip, ‘They need to have a show.’”

And just like that, deVOL will be the subject of the first-ever TV series about kitchen design. The premier season will have eight one-hour episodes, each featuring the journey of one project. 

It's not hard to see why Joanna was so impressed (and if Joanna Gaines is impressed, you know it's good). So what's all the fuss about? We've rounded up 10 of deVol’s most gorgeous kitchen designs so you can see for yourself. 

Want more kitchen inspiration? Check out our kitchen ideas page.

• See a preview of deVOL Kitchens' new show 

1. The colorful classic English kitchen

Stark white kitchens ruled the 2010s, so this colorful install in deVol’s St. John’s Square Showroom feels like a breath of fresh air. Handmade green subway tile is paired with teal cabinetry and blush pink walls. Finally, a mix of vintage items, inspired by the historic location, and contemporary updates creates an opulent yet comfortable vibe.

2. The Victorian rectory

Fitted in a historic home, this Victorian-inspired design boasts Old World charm without feeling stuffy. Terracotta floors lend a bohemian vibe, while Carrara marble countertops and an opulent chandelier add touches of luxury. The crown jewel, perhaps, is the copper-topped kitchen table, hand finished in deVol’s workshop.

3. The haberdasher’s kitchen

Inspired by a masculine haberdashery, this kitchen in deVol’s Cotes Mill headquarters offers a window to the past — literally. Heritage glass keeps the space from feeling dark along with embossed wallpaper and espresso finished floors. The headliner, of course, is the marble-topped pantry/cupboard, a heirloom in its own right.

4. The loft kitchen

This shaker-style kitchen has a rustic, European look thanks to minimal “Lead” colored cabinetry and black granite worktops. Low windows accommodate a cozy seat, while high shelves accentuate soaring wood-beamed ceilings.

5. The yellow shaker kitchen

Mustard walls and shelving give this space a sunny warmth. Wolf appliances are fit for at-home chefs, with an understated look that doesn’t overwhelm minimal cupboards. Aged brass hardware completes the Mediterranean glow.

6. The Manhattan potting shed

 It’s hard to believe it now, but this vintage space was once made up of six dark changing rooms in a clothing shop. deVOL restored its former glory, stripping plaster walls to reveal gorgeous exposed brick and opening closed-in windows and doors. To accentuate the light-strewn space, the firm chose terracotta tiles from sister company Floors of Stone and cabinetry by acclaimed carpenter Sebastian Cox.

7. The millhouse scullery 

Only deVol can make a clean color palette feel rich and layered. Inspired by an old Italian villa or Spanish farmhouse, the humble layout features hardworking but beautiful fixtures. Note the solid hardwood English range, marble sink, and vintage metal chemistry cupboard.

8. The classic farmhouse kitchen

Ceiling beams wear original paint in this historic millhouse kitchen. The bespoke island features a glossy hardwood countertop for a classic Georgian feel. Marbled subway tile offers a clean backdrop while terracotta flooring creates warm tones underfoot.

9. The cattle shed kitchen

Housed in an old cattle shed in the seaside town of North Norfolk, England, this Shaker kitchen marries industrial cues with country chic. Concrete floors, brick walls and wooden countertops are paired with warm brass fixtures. A Smeg range and refrigerator feel completely at home under lofted beamed ceilings.

10. The narrow rustic kitchen 

You don’t always need a huge footprint to create a luxurious kitchen. Tucked in a charming Bath, England, abode, industrial-chic touches give this space rustic charm. A wall of custom Sebastian Cox cabinetry is positioned next to a long concrete-topped island to maximize the space.

Read more:

• Modern kitchen ideas: 15 contemporary kitchens to inspire yours