The Quiet Magic of Joanna Gaines’ Kitchen Designs: Why the Right Materials Can Change Everything
Luxe and natural materials are the key to making Joanna Gaines' dark green kitchen feel warm and nostalgic
I've coveted Joanna Gaines' elegantly rustic interior style for years, poring over pictures of her stunning homes online and adding them to moodboards. But I've always been particularly drawn to her striking dark green kitchen in her Waco farmhouse. Perhaps it's because it feels so 'her' – warm, inviting, and packed with thoughtful and nostalgic details.
I've narrowed her perfect formula down to three key accents: cool, luxe marble, antiqued metallics, and natural wood. Together, they create the most refined, yet homey look and really make those dark green cabinets sing.
'The distribution of the elements is very important. Using wood as a warm base, marble as the bright contrast, and metallics as the accent, will create the right balance,' she says. But be wary of overdoing one of the elements, she warns, for example: 'too much metal will look overdone; just the cabinet pulls, the faucet, and the pendant lights are sufficient.'
Below, you'll find more expert advice on why these materials work together so beautifully, and I've rounded up some pieces to shop in marble, metallic, and wood finishes – including a statement marble-topped kitchen island from West Elm and a lookalike Wayfair chandelier to Joanna's Fan Chandelier from JPD Interiors – to inject some Joanna Gaines charm into your kitchen.
Buys Inspired by Joanna Gaines' Kitchen Accents
We love Joanna Gaines' statement marble-topped table and this one has a similar look, which is less permanent than a fixed kitchen island and a more affordable way to bring in wood and metal than replacing the floor or countertops.
With Joanna Gaines' signature scallop edging this wooden cookbook stand is a beautiful accent piece that you'll leave out on display and use when you're whipping up some Magnolia-inspired treats.
For a similar look to Joanna Gaines' kitchen lighting, opt for something with a brass or brushed gold fixture and add subtle shades like these pleated ones, so as not to detract from the rest of the scheme.
Joanna Gaines' iconic copper kitchen utensils hang on her brass rail above her worktops for easy access and to add a touch of metallic luxe to her kitchen scheme. These measuring spoons are elegantly rustic.
A serving board like this is beautiful enough to leave out on display all the time and is an affordable alternative to replacing all of your countertops with expensive marble if you're not budgeting a remodel.
Joanna Gaines' table decor is always something to behold and she often carries through elements from her kitchen. These candle holders would look as beautiful on her open kitchen shelving as on the dining table.
When it comes to marble kitchen ideas it's important to think sparingly when you're considering using marble as an accent, like Joanna Gaines has. Jordan Mosslar, Founder of stone atelier, FORM(LA) explains: 'In a dark green kitchen, marble is a great way to add light, movement, and refinement without introducing another bold color. The natural veining helps break up large dark surfaces, keeping the space from feeling too heavy. I like to use marble in statement areas like countertops, backsplashes, or islands, where it can serve as a visual anchor and help balance the palette.'
If you're thinking about using it as a main material for your worksurface or backsplash, read our guide on everything you need to know about marble countertops first. But, for a more affordable and low-hassle option, incorporate accent pieces like a marble platter (Crate & Barrel), a pestle and mortar, or even candle holders, which are worthy of leaving out on display.
Another key accent in Joanna Gaines' kitchen is warm metallics. By that I mean brushed gold, antiqued brass and copper, as opposed to chrome or nickel which can feel cold against a dark palette. Halil Oguz, Founder of Mosaicenter explains: 'Dark green has deep, cool undertones. If you use silver, the kitchen will feel hospital sterile. Technically, green and red (the base of copper/gold) are complementary colors, so they provide the necessary counterbalance and create a warmth that glows. It looks historic rather than trend-led.'
Halil also explains the appeal of wooden kitchen ideas: 'Because green is a natural color, it needs wood to make sense. Use a medium-tone wood (like white oak) for the floor or floating shelves. It prevents the marble and brass from feeling too formal and makes the green feel organic (like a forest), rather than artificial (like a flashy racing car).' You can bring in wood through elements like Joanna Gaines' kitchen island and ladder, as well as with accessories such as wooden serving boards and bowls.
Halil recommends applying the 60-30-10 rule to ensure the perfect balance: 60% dark green cabinetry; 30% warm marble or wood on the surfaces and/or floor; 10% antiqued gold or brass for the hardware and lighting.
If you apply the rules above and incorporate these timeless kitchen design elements, the result is a trend-proof scheme that works in both period and contemporary settings and feels both rich and liveable.
If you enjoy our celebrity news and interior design advice, why not sign up to our newsletter so you never miss the latest features.
