5 Design Ideas Joanna Gaines Is Excited To Try In Her Own Farmhouse This Year

Joanna wants to break the rules when it comes to incorporating finishes and materials in her home. One of her design goals for this year is to "let it be more fluid" by featuring assorted metals. "I want to make sure when people see the final product, they don't feel like there was a rule or equation to get there," she tells CountryLiving.com. "I'm not thinking 'I'm doing all chrome, or I'm doing all brass.' People should have the freedom to mix things."

Yes, the queen of neutrals is ready for some color thanks to a gorgeous new antique she found. "The other day we were doing a real-estate day for the show, and [we found] this piano that was dusted over," she says. "It was the only thing left, and I got it for a good deal. When we got it home and cleaned it up, it was literally the same exact color as Magnolia green—it was meant to be!"

Though it's a step outside of her comfort zone, she loves the idea of adding brighter hues throughout her farmhouse. "Now there's color in my home and I'm like ehhhh," she told us with a panicked faced. "For me, I still have young kids so if I'm going to do color and fun, this is the time to do it."

Joanna is a plant lady — and she's not afraid to admit it. "I've run out of space, but I'm going to try to find more space," she says. "They all speak to me. Whenever I'm at the green house, I feel like they're calling my name and I need to take them home."

Chip said she got a little carried away this year. "Some people are a cat lady, she's a plant lady," he says. "She's become a plant hoarder." With her growing plant collection in mind, the designer wants to incorporate even more flowers and greenery into her designs. 

This year, she hopes to incorporate new pieces that are both beautiful and cozy. "Now that we're settling into the house, I want things to be comfortable," she says. "Trying to find that balance of creating a really pretty home that's livable, fun, comfortable, and also really practical. I love that challenge. I'm thinking about our dining chairs—if it's not comfortable and people don't feel like they can stay forever, I don't want it."

Remember when Joanna painted the shiplap black in this home renovation featured on Fixer Upper? She wants to take it even further with more fun fusions that break the norm. Her goal: "Blending things that wouldn't typically be found together," she says. "I want people to feel freedom. If you really love this and this, blend it. There aren't rules, just incorporate the things you love and I'm telling you, it will figure itself out!"