I don’t know what it is about Chip and JoAnna Gaines and their show “Fixer Upper” that makes me into such a fan girl. I usually hate all things on-trend and pop-culture.
But I’m not alone in my love of the incredibly popular show on HGTV. Joanna’s style is so relatable and versatile. I think the draw is that it’s classic and casual.
I love to decorate, but I don’t want to have to switch it up every two years to avoid being out dated. I’m also the polar opposite of a perfectionist, so I love that most everything is rough around the edges!
And the absolute best part of the “Fixer Upper” style is that it can be done affordably with just a few accessories.
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Please read my full disclosure policy here. Many of the items showcased were generously given to me by their creative makers. THANK YOU!
Initials
One of the great things about the Gaines style is how personal it it. Joanna is big into bringing dimension to spaces, not just a bunch of flat things hanging on a wall. She often incorporates initials into the home. I thought these metal letters
Find an initial or spell out a fun word like “JOY” or “PLAY” to fit the room!
Clocks
I’ve always loved clocks. Ironically, they’re rather timeless!
In a farm style home, a gorgeous clock reminds me to slow down and savor.
I fell in love with this clock from OnTimeHome. Jessica, the designer, has a bunch of styles to choose from and they can even be customized with your sweetheart’s name, anniversary, etc. I find myself looking up to gaze at this gorgeous clock, even though I already know what time it is!
Hand Lettered Signs and Chalkboards
I’m sure by now you’ve noticed the lovely trend of hand lettered fonts. They’re just so gorgeous and feminine. A favorite quote can take on a whole new life when written in these scrolling fonts.
I got this eye-catching quote of the hymn “Be Thou My Vision” from the Etsy shop Revelation House. I want to buy pretty much every sign in her whole shop!
This sign was a Hobby Lobby find. I’ve battled with post partum depression and I love having this reminder in my kitchen that I need to choose my thoughts or they will destroy me. Apathy is not an option.
If you’re wanting something a little more versatile than a sign, chalkboard is calling out to you! We put inspiring quotes, Bible verses, or seasonal greetings on this little baby I found at Target.
Wreaths
Wreaths on a front door are your chance to make the perfect first impression. And don’t forget you can put wreaths in other places in your home! Over a mirror, hanging from a glass cabinet, the sky’s the limit.
I made this wreath myself in ten minutes flat. I trust me, I’m not crafty! I just trimmed a bush in my front yard and stuck the clippings into a plain grapevine wreath
I didn’t even glue it! Told ya I’m not a perfectionist.
Flower Centerpieces
Every home needs a splash of color!
When I stumbled up Tiffany’s Etsy shop NovelExpression, I was amazed at the detail she puts into her wooden flower arrangements. Totally customizable and maintenance free, these hand-made flowers are a show stopper! Some of the flowers can even be made out of book pages!
You can get them as a centerpiece, mason jar vases, or even create a wedding bouquet that will last a lifetime!
My latest obsession our these real-touch silk tulips by StempleShop. You’d never know they’re artificial and their color is mesmerizing!
Seriously, get a load of that color!
I’m usually anti artificial flowers, but these lived up to the hype. Flawless!
Houseplants
To make a house a home, you need plants. Something about growing plant life while raising human life is just poetic!
Since I tend towards the practical, I like to grow herbs. I have thyme, oregano, cilantro, green onions, and mint so far.
They’re so simple, but they bring me so much joy. They’re gorgeous, save us money, and keep my family healthier. Really no reason not to try!
Not much of a green thumb? I’m not either. Succulents are a great, hands-off way to bring some green into your home!
Shiplap and Industrial Shelves
These two things aren’t all that simple but they certainly take “Fixer Upper” style to a whole new level!
If you’ve never heard of shiplap, it’s a popular wooden paneling common to older homes in Texas. When painted, the grooves create these gorgeous horizontal lines that just scream country farm with charm.
While I do live in Texas, my home is a boring “newish” construction from the nineties.
So we decided to fake it!
Would you believe we just took some cheap plywood, cut it into 6 inch strips, nailed it to the wall and painted it white? I’ll post a tutorial once we get the whole kitchen done. But while it does take some time, this is a totally doable DIY.
I’m SO in love with our shiplap walls that I’m VERY particular about what I want to put on them.
I wanted some shelves that didn’t look like $10 particle board finds. These shelves were custom made by Lizz and her husband from the Etsy shop DuffyIndustrialHome. You can choose the size and stain to fit your needs.
I am such a fan of how they combine industrial with rustic. They’re fun and practical. Super solid and easy to assemble since all the hardware (and then some) was included.
New favorite spot in my home!
I just want to throw out one more big “THANK YOU” to the wonderful Etsy shop owners that contributed their gorgeous products to this post. You’ve made my home more inviting than I could ever have imagined. May love grow here!
How about you??? What are your favorite ways to bring a little “Fixer Upper” style to your living space?
Julie is a frazzled mom of three tornadoes. As a dorky second-generation homeschooler, she writes about learning and play, natural living, special needs parenting and matters of the heart. She serves an astounding God that radically saved her.
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Mary Ann Dundon says
I don’t like the humongous Clocks, Initials and jacks on book shelves. I prefer the furniture and design aspects of what she does.