18 Fixer Upper-Inspired Design Tricks You’re Gonna Love
Fixer Upper’s signature style transformed everyday houses into warm, character-filled homes, turning ordinary spaces into extraordinary sanctuaries.
These 18 design tricks will allow you to capture that essence, making your home a place of charm and comfort without breaking the bank.
1. Embrace Mixed Metals
Metallic finishes add depth and character to any space. Combining copper, brass, and stainless steel in fixtures creates a harmonious blend that feels curated yet effortless.
Picture a kitchen with copper lighting fixtures, brass cabinet handles, and a stainless steel sink. Each metal reflects light differently, adding layers to the room’s overall ambiance, embodying that Fixer Upper charm.
2. Layer with Area Rugs
Layering rugs is like adding texture to a canvas. By placing a smaller, patterned rug over a larger, neutral one, you create visual interest and warmth. It’s about mixing textures and patterns to define spaces within larger rooms. Imagine a soft, plush rug over a natural fiber one; it’s inviting and adds a cozy touch to the room.
3. Shiplap Walls for Texture
Shiplap walls are synonymous with cozy, farmhouse chic. These wooden panels, often painted white, add texture and charm to any room.
They create a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of rustic countryside homes. In bedrooms, shiplap serves as a perfect backdrop, enhancing decor with its understated elegance.
4. Open Shelving in the Kitchen
Open shelving in kitchens exudes a sense of openness and accessibility. By displaying everyday items like dishes, cookbooks, and potted herbs, it personalizes the space.
This arrangement encourages you to showcase your best finds and adds a functional yet decorative element to the kitchen, making it feel airy and inviting.
5. Reclaimed Wood Accents
Reclaimed wood tells stories of the past, adding a rustic, authentic feel to your home. Whether used in beams, furniture, or wall accents, its rich textures and imperfections bring warmth and history.
Imagine a room with beams crafted from old barn wood; each mark and scar narrates a piece of its storied past.
6. Vintage Finds with Modern Twists
Blending vintage elements with modern design creates an intriguing juxtaposition. A classic armchair from a bygone era paired with contemporary lighting and a geometric rug can breathe new life into a space.
It’s about honoring the past while embracing the present, crafting a home that feels both timeless and current.
7. Soft Industrial Lighting
Industrial lighting adds an edgy, modern flair to any space. Using softer metals and vintage bulbs, these fixtures can transform a dining area.
Think about a wooden table bathed in the warm glow of pendant lights, casting subtle shadows; it’s dramatic yet cozy, perfect for intimate gatherings.
8. Cozy Reading Nooks
Create a sanctuary for reading by transforming a corner into a cozy nook. Soft cushions, a warm throw, and a selection of favorite books make it a perfect retreat.
Nestled by a window, it offers natural light and views, inviting you to escape into a world of stories and tranquility.
9. Wainscoting for Elegance
Wainscoting adds a touch of elegance and formality to any room. These decorative wall panels, often painted to contrast with the wall color, bring depth and sophistication.
A dining room with wainscoting can feel both grand and welcoming, enhancing the dining experience with its classic charm.
10. Farmhouse Sink Charm
A farmhouse sink is a timeless kitchen staple, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal. Its deep basin is perfect for handling large pots and dishes, while its classic design adds rustic charm.When you’re washing dishes with a view through a kitchen window, the sink becoming a focal point of everyday life.
11. Neutral Color Palettes
Neutral color palettes create a calming, cohesive environment. Shades of beige, gray, and white form a perfect backdrop for personal expression through decor accents.
This understated elegance allows for flexibility in styling; swap out colorful throws or art pieces to refresh a room without major overhauls.
12. Antique Doorways
An antique door can serve as a dramatic entryway, adding character and intrigue. Its weathered wood and intricate carvings tell tales of another era.
By integrating such a piece into a modern interior, you create a delightful contrast, a nod to history that’s both charming and unexpected.
13. Personal Art Displays
Showcasing personal art and collections adds warmth and personality to your home. A gallery wall with family photos, abstract paintings, and travel mementos creates a narrative of who you are.
This blend of memories and creativity isn’t just decoration; it’s a reflection of life’s journey, welcoming all who enter.
14. Ceiling Beams for Warmth
Exposed ceiling beams bring natural warmth and architectural interest to a room. Often crafted from reclaimed wood, they add rustic charm and a sense of history.
In a living room, beams paired with a stone fireplace and soft, ambient lighting create an inviting space that feels both grounded and expansive.
15. Eclectic Furniture Mix
Mixing different furniture styles injects personality into your home. A mid-century modern chair alongside a vintage coffee table and a contemporary sofa tells a unique story.
This eclectic approach embraces variety, bringing together diverse elements in harmony. It’s about creating a space that’s as individual as you are.
16. Statement Lighting Fixtures
Lighting can transform a space, making a bold statement. An ornate chandelier in a foyer not only illuminates but also captivates.
Its cascading crystals and intricate design catch the eye, setting the tone for the rest of the home. This fixture isn’t just about light; it’s about creating an experience.
17. Indoor Plants for Life
Indoor plants bring life and vibrancy to any space. A mix of large, leafy greens and smaller succulents adds texture and color.
Plants purify the air and provide a natural feel, transforming a room into a lively oasis. Their presence is soothing, connecting us with nature and enhancing well-being.
18. Textured Fabrics for Comfort
Using textured fabrics like velvet, linen, and wool creates a cozy, inviting bedroom. A fabric headboard paired with layered bedding adds depth and warmth.
Mixing materials in throw pillows introduces pattern variations, making the space feel plush and luxurious. It’s about comfort and style coexisting harmoniously.