Chip and Joanna Gaines' design prowess is clear for the world to see. Their hit HGTV home renovation show is always must-watch, and their 10th anniversary episode was Fixer Upper I always knew it was going to be something special and it did not disappoint.
in Fixer Upper: Lake HouseThe Gaineses renovated a dated midcentury modern home in a neighborhood near Lake Waco they'd never worked in before. The property highlights the team's extraordinary talents, and, to me at least, the kitchen is its true star.
The tranquil, luxurious kitchen is a perfect example of the “old money” style aesthetic, an interior design trend that beautifully highlights warm, subtle décor and styling. It's a movement that prioritizes simplicity and sophistication, creating calm, serene spaces that reflect a sense of sophistication without flashiness. It's perhaps one of the most understated trends of the year, and the Gaineses pulled it off perfectly in their latest kitchen remodel.
A custom powder-coated green island sits proudly in the center of the kitchen, which also features marble countertops, plastered walls and a brass extractor hood cage.
(Image courtesy of Magnolia Network)
Above all, a family kitchen must be a functional area that maximizes space while remaining elegant and sophisticated. It's also important that this function can be adapted depending on who is using it. In this kitchen in their lake house, the Gaineses wanted to blend two of their favorite design styles, midcentury modern and Spanish revival, while still creating a space that was worthy of family life. So when considering the kitchen's layout, the Gaineses also wanted to incorporate an island to make the space feel more intimate and relaxing.
The cherry wood used in the cabinet units and bespoke kitchen island acts as a material tie-in throughout the home, creating a unified aesthetic. The wood brings a warm element and allows light into the space, making it feel cozy and bright. The cherry acts as a neutral base, allowing other elements like the eye-catching stone, avocado green metal island and brass extractor hood cage to stand out and make an impact.
For this project, the Gaineses wanted to bring the outdoors inside, combining materials that reflect the beauty of Mother Nature. The earthy texture of the terra-cotta tile kitchen flooring complements the gorgeous veined marble on the countertops. Balance is also key: the greenery (Remote Trail by Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines®) and the vibrancy of the marble are balanced by the delicate stucco walls and terra-cotta floors, which act as neutrals without cluttering or overwhelming the space.
Rich, veined marble graces the kitchen's backsplash, countertops and the top of the avocado green metal island.
(Image courtesy of Magnolia Network)
The property's beautiful Texas landscape and panoramic views of Lake Waco inspired the kitchen's color scheme. In one episode of Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse, Joanna Gaines holds up samples of the cherry wood used throughout the home, with the trees in the garden as a backdrop. “It's a perfect fit,” she exclaims.
“The decline of cold, minimalist design reflects our continuing desire to make the homes we spend more time in feel special, layered, and intrinsically connected to their environments,” says Anthony Barzilay Freund, editor-in-chief of 1stDibs. “Soothing colors, especially those that evoke nature and warmth, are visually interesting and emotionally reassuring.”
It was important to the Gaineses to respect the home's original heritage, tell its story, and ultimately transform the residence into a marvel.
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