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Chip and Joanna Gaines fans (hi, that’s us) have a lot to look forward to: Season five of Fixer Upper is coming (likely to premiere this fall), and the couple is set to open a breakfast joint sometime this summer. While we not so patiently await, we’re focusing on bringing design duo’s expertise in our own homes. During the KILZ Master Class in Waco, Texas, we asked Chip and Jo for their sage advice on the best, and easiest, ways to make your home feel a bit more personal.

1. Opt for fresh coat of paint.

When it comes to a quick, easy, and budget-friendly change, Joanna often turns to paint. “In our work, budgets are often limited and we rely on paint to make a big difference,” she says. “It’s amazing how much color can open up your home and change its overall mood.”

2. Have fun with accents.

“If you can’t paint, try adding colorful or textural accents,” says Joanna. “These are really affordable and go a long way towards making your space more visual, personal, and unique.”

3. Don’t be afraid to mix and match styles.

No matter what the project entails, Chip and Jo are able to make each renovation and home feel special, and Chip attributes this to Joanna’s ability to incorporate different styles depending on what the family wants. “It could be that one member is looking for something a little more modern, another wants things to feel more cozy, and the kids really want a hand in their spaces.” says Chip. “She navigates through all their feedback and finds the middle ground, which creates a really special, unique home.”

4. Showcase pieces that mean something to you.

“People are really owning their story now, it’s not about ‘I’m traditional or I’m farmhouse, or I’m modern,'” says Joanna. “It’s ‘hey, I love these certain elements, but at the end of the day I want my home to tell a story.’”

One easy way to help tell your story in your home is by incorporating collected pieces that mean something to you, which is one of Chip’s favorite tactics. Opting for an accent that holds sentimental value will always give you more happiness than splurging on a super expensive piece that you have no emotional attachment to.

So next time you’re looking to freshen up your space, take a page from Chip and Jo’s playbook and follow your personal design preferences, not your favorite blogger’s modern-inspired Pinterest board.