8 Holiday Decorating Ideas That Would Make Joanna Gaines Proud

Shiplap optional.
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As we continue to bask in the glory of Joanna Gaines’ brand new design book, Homebody, it only feels natural to bring the HGTV alum’s beloved aesthetic home. Filled with charming rustic retreats, reclaimed decor, and an appropriate amount of shiplap, the pages of her latest read have left us craving a new source of respite this holiday season: the farmhouse.

As Gaines notes in Homebody, anyone with an appreciation for “items that are homemade and authentic” or “prefers the inherent texture of aged materials over embellishment and added detail” will love this decor style. Add hot cocoa, a roaring fire, and a plaid down blanket into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a Joanna-approved holiday.

Move over cozy woodland cabins: Here are eight modern farmhouse decorating ideas to channel this holiday.

Bring seasonally inspired art into the kitchen.

Steering clear of cattle ranch cliches, Chloe Mackintosh’s kitchen is a festive lesson in avoiding theme-y holiday decor. A snowy scene of two horses standing in the dead of winter sets a timely mood without feeling overly obvious, while a splash of orange above the range offers the perfect touch of autumnal color.

Play up scale outdoors.

Any true farmhouse enthusiast knows that how you decorate outdoors is as important as what you do inside. Sticking to grapevine and a variety of fresh winter greens, blogger Bre Doucette topped the double barn doors to her shed with a large asymmetrical wreath. A small faux pinecone tree potted in a woven basket completes the whimsical look.

Treat blush pinks as festive decoration.

If there’s one thing that Joanna Gaines has taught us, it’s that neutrals don’t have to feel boring. This season, forgo red and green for a modern palette. Inspired by dreams of a white Christmas, Adrienne Elizabeth from Home Style Life decked out her kitchen in sparkling silvers and pale pinks, displaying a handful of festive ornaments on the kitchen island in a rustic wood bowl as if they were fruit.

Introduce texture to the dining room.

Whitewashed walls, dark metals, and wood accents can start to feel cold as the temperatures drop. Combat the chilly weather by layering in textiles that are synonymous with country living, such as chunky knits and plush wools. Something as simple as a sheepskin throw in the dining room can make a festive difference when guests come to gather.

Swap traditional greens for found branches.

As much as we love Chip and Jo’s Hearth & Hand collection, some holiday decor doesn’t need to be purchased from a store. When it comes to plants, take a walk through the woods. Sarah Walker of The Curated House stuck with found leaves for her holiday greens—elevating each treasured branch with a brass vase.

Turn the mantel into a scenic picture.

Decorating a holiday mantel is easier said than done. Rather than getting fussy with celebratory tchotchkes, Walker opted for rural ambiance by pairing an elegant garland and metallic candle holders with a cloudy forest landscape. The smoldering scene complements the burning flames of the fire beneath.

Set the table with timeless greens.

Metallic-rimmed plates, a pared-down color scheme, and clean-lined napkins make for a well-balanced tabletop. In keeping with the casual, yet polished, farmhouse aesthetic, Walker’s mixture of roses, herbs, and classic evergreens, gives her modern rustic approach a little more refinement.

Add bonus seating.

Liz Marie’s Michigan farmhouse never disappoints—especially around the holidays. Next to her decked out tree, which, yes, is propped up in a basket (one of our favorite holiday hacks), the blogger arranged a pile of cozy cream floor cushions. Both beautiful and functional, these bonus seats not only lend warmth to the surrounding neutral accents and textures within the space, but they allow for added flexibility once family and friends arrive.

See more holiday decorating ideas: 

These Holiday Decor Ideas Are Perfect for Small Spaces

13 Modern Holiday Decor Ideas from CB2!

Bold, Colorful Ideas for Non-Traditional Holiday Decor

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Lydia Geisel

Home Editor

Lydia Geisel has been on the editorial team at Domino since 2017. Today, she writes and edits home and renovation stories, including house tours, before and afters, and DIYs, and leads our design news coverage. She lives in New York City.