Joanna Gaines' porch showcases 'stealth wealth' at its best – here's how to get this quietly luxe look
In her exteriors, the designer plays with even more than magnolia: here's what we can learn from her monochromatic space


Magnolia founder Joanna Gaines is an expert at making neutrals sing – using a vast range of homey shades to create dream homes (and castles) that she shares with the world. However, while the Fixer Upper star is synonymous with perfectly colored interiors, a look at her back porch shows she's just as capable of designing beyond four walls.
Her monochromatic back porch, located on the estate where she lives with her co-star husband Chip, in Waco, Texas, is a case in point. The space in question exhibits soft white-painted trim against black-framed glass doors and an earthy-hued wooden deck flooring – and, of course, just the right amount of greenery.
The space is as sophisticated as it is welcoming – and as inviting as it is chic: a rare balance that is hard to achieve. But what is Joanna's secret? Experts say it's primarily in her paint choices.
A post shared by Joanna Stevens Gaines (@joannagaines)
A photo posted by on
'Black and white is classic, elegant, and timeless – and it's a bold combination that can be dressed up or down depending on how you style it,' says design expert Raf Michalowski.
You can find Magnolia Home's exterior – and interior – paint colors (as shown in the picture, top right) on the website, including the white, black and gray of the window frames of Joanna's porch (below).
Raf Michalowski is the president of Meble Furniture, a leading e-commerce retailer of contemporary furniture that has operated in New York for over 15 years. His role allows him to observe changing trends and track which furnishings are in demand nationwide.
When styling a monochromatic color scheme outside, Raf says that Joanna has added texture in precisely the right way: with plants.
'I also recommend using plants, an easy way to make a monochromatic look vibrant. Plant containers with black and white patterns add a special touch, while greenery complements the neutral look,' he says. 'This way, you can create a porch that looks sophisticated and inviting' – just as Joanna Gaines has mastered with the hostas and ivy of her containers.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Alongside color, the expert says that adding accessories is another key to creating the perfect monochromatic porch. 'Neutral outdoor furniture, throws, pillows, and hanging string lights, are a great way to get the look,' Raf says. He also suggests investing in an outdoor rug [like this one from Wayfair] for extra texture.
A post shared by Joanna Stevens Gaines (@joannagaines)
A photo posted by on
'If you have a black door and white walls like Joanna, the most effective way to style this is by adding contrast. You can do so by investing in furniture or accessories in a different hue.' He recommends going neutral – and looking for gray and beige pieces that will complement the black and white tones.
'For me, this will add visual interest and bring the porch to life. You can also try to use texture and pattern,' he says. 'Never use too many bright colors or patterns, as this can make the space look cluttered. So stick to a few colors and patterns that match your black and white porch.'
The best place to begin? With these Joanna-designed pieces for Magnolia, naturally. You can shop our three top picks from her summer collection below.
From tools to stools, all of Magnolia's gardening accessories are simple and beautiful, but this classic stool comes out on top. It's impossible not to love its classic and practical aesthetic.

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.
-
Mandy Moore's modern, minimalist entryway is the perfect mix of textures and patterns – shop the look from $50
Mandy Moore combines natural materials with bold patterns to create an entryway that is both contemporary and timeless, and it's simple to replicate
-
Don't dismiss this prolific plant as an irritating weed – it's actually a climate resilient, secret superfood packed with health-boosting nutrients
Discover how to grow dandelion greens for food, with advice from expert growers
-
Joanna Gaines's living space defines the latest 'California Casual' trend – and it's changing how we decorate
The designer has mastered west coastal style in her Texas home – and Californian experts say we should follow her cue
-
Joanna Gaines revives this century-old decor technique to totally transform a dining room – and we're sold
Where 'modern form meets French design' – the designer's latest mini-reni reminds us just how powerful pattern can be
-
Joanna and Chip Gaines' castle reno is done and it's up for auction – see inside
Joanna Gaines catalogued her and Chip's journey renovating the 100-year old castle in Texas – and now it's ready to be sold
-
Joanna Gaines' tiny home reno offers 3 fail-safe techniques that allow small space dwellers to dream big
Joanna Gaines has created a dream cozy yet spacious-feeling modern cottage that uses the property's natural features to enhance the space
-
Trend forecasters say Joanna Gaines' 'brave' kitchen cabinet color will dominate our homes in 2025
The Fixer Upper has created a rustic farmhouse-style kitchen with an (unintentional) futuristic twist – take a look inside
-
It's a game changer: Joanna Gaines' unconventional tile trick makes this tiny room feel instantly taller
Joanna Gaines has used tile in a surprising space: a dining nook. This, she says makes the space feel welcoming and taller. We discover how this trick works
-
We're over-excited: Joanna Gaines reveals how her new Mini Renis show delivers 'fast and furious', budget-smart makeovers
The designer is setting her sights on smaller projects, using 'paint, trim, tile and furniture' to transform a space instantly
-
Trust us – you'll want to copy Gwyneth Paltrow's 'anti-fashion' house colors for guaranteed curb appeal
The actress shared a glimpse of her home's (perfectly balanced) monochromatic exterior – and designers aren't disappointed