It's hard to imagine how Joanna Gaines was able to further expand her empire, but the Designers–author–founder–hotelier–Shopkeeper has found a way. She adds Masterclass Instructor on her CV. For both long-time fans and new recruits, the course promises exclusive insight into Gaines' design with one clear outcome: Viewers will be able to create a dream home that makes this possible really reflects their history.
Believe it or not, there was a time when Gaines didn't know how to do exactly that.
“I can remember a time when I was stuck and unsure how to make my home look and feel the way I dreamed it would,” Gaines says House beautiful. “I had no idea where or how to even begin making meaningful changes.”
When there is limitless inspiration, it can feel paralyzing, Gaines says. “I liked the idea of creating a course that could help people get unstuck by showing them the process I've followed for the last 20 years of learning how to cut through all the design confusion and focused on your own story. “I want to tell it and then bring it to life in your home.”
In the course titled Design a home that tells your storyGaines reveals the inner workings of her signature design process. Additionally, viewers will learn how to develop their style using a “three word concept” that can be applied to any space. “These words can describe how they want the room to feel, how they want it to function, or what style they want to achieve,” says Gaines. “What I love about this approach is that it takes people’s eyes away from other spaces they have seen or want to emulate and focuses their attention on their own needs, wants and desires.”
Additionally, Gaines likens the “three word concept” to a North Star because it “acts as a sort of filter that helps you refine material selections, ultimately saving you time and money.”
One area where it is particularly useful is color selection. “I've been completely overwhelmed in the paint department more times than I can count, and I've learned how helpful using my three words can be to refine color choices,” says Gaines. She continues: “When I'm working on a room that I've been told is going to be hidden or moody, then I know to look for bolder, darker tones. If my words were light, airy or peaceful, I'll probably focus on lighter or more neutral tones.”
The method can become a guide for everyone. “It's not rocket science, but it helps quickly cut through the vast amount of color options available,” Gaines says.
Once you've decided on a handful of colors, Gaines recommends waiting a day or two before painting an entire wall. “Consider painting a large color sample on the wall or a wooden sample board, then pay attention to how the light affects the color in the room throughout the day.”
No matter what part of the design process you're in, Gaines believes it's important to continually anchor yourself to ensure what you create is timeless. When she feels stuck, she roots herself in nature. “I just go into the garden and sometimes stare at a flower,” Gaines said in an exclusive clip (above) from her MasterClass.
Whether you live in a tiny apartment or a sprawling home, Gaines' tips can be applied anywhere. Ultimately, it's about creating a space that truly feels like it's yours, no matter what you're working with. After completing her course, Gaines wants everyone to feel more equipped than ever to make their dream home a reality.
She explains: “If there's one lesson I want people to take away, it's this: You are the expert in your story, your family and your rhythm. As long as you design with these things in mind, you will create something truly beautiful and truly unique because it will be a reflection of you and the people you share your home with. Ultimately, I believe good design is about good storytelling, and anchoring your process around that will always result in a space that feels more layered and intentional.”
Follow House beautiful To Instagram And TikTok.