Joanna Gaines delivers a masterclass in blending two totally different interior styles

A subtle combination of colors and materials pulls off this symbiotic look

living area from fixer upper in an industrial cottage style
(Image credit: Magnolia Network)

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

living area from fixer upper in industrial and cottage style

(Image credit: Magnolia Network)

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

living area designed by joanna gaines with industrial and cottage features

(Image credit: Magnolia Network)

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.

Dark paint in the bedroom to create a cozy retreat

dark green bedroom with large bed

(Image credit: Magnolia Network)

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

living area by joanna gaines

(Image credit: Magnolia Network)

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.

Millie joined Real Homes in early 2021 as a homes news writer. When she isn't writing about trends, makeovers and houseplant care, she spends her free time making tweaks to her rented flat in North London. Her next project is a very basic armchair reupholstering job to help create a cosy reading nook in her living room. She loves browsing antique centres, tending to her small front garden, and is never without some fresh flowers at home.


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