Joanna Gaines, the design mastermind behind the hit show Fixer Upper, has captivated millions with her signature style, a blend of modern farmhouse charm that’s both inviting and timeless. One of the most frequently asked questions about her aesthetic is: what white paint colors does she use? The answer, while seemingly simple, is more nuanced than you might expect. There isn’t just one white. Instead, Joanna expertly layers various shades of white to create depth, warmth, and that unmistakable Fixer Upper feel. This article dives deep into the whites she favors, exploring their undertones, ideal applications, and how you can recreate her iconic look in your own home.
Decoding the Gaines’ White Palette
Joanna Gaines doesn’t rely on a single, go-to white paint color. Her approach is much more strategic, considering the room’s lighting, architectural details, and overall desired mood. She often mixes and matches different whites to achieve the perfect balance. It’s important to understand that white isn’t just white; it exists on a spectrum with warm, cool, and neutral undertones. This section will explore some of her suspected favorites.
Sherwin-Williams: A Likely Suspect
While Joanna Gaines hasn’t explicitly revealed every single shade she uses, there’s strong evidence to suggest that she frequently turns to Sherwin-Williams paints. Sherwin-Williams is a popular choice among designers due to its wide range of colors, quality, and availability. Let’s examine some of the most probable contenders.
Alabaster (SW 7008): A Warm and Inviting White
Alabaster is a soft, warm white with subtle ivory undertones. It’s a versatile choice that works well in a variety of spaces, from living rooms to bedrooms. Its warmth prevents it from feeling stark or sterile, making it perfect for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere, which is a cornerstone of Joanna’s design style. The slight creaminess softens the light and allows it to pair well with both warm and cool accents. It’s a good choice for walls, trim, and even cabinetry in some cases.
Pure White (SW 7005): A Clean and Crisp Option
Pure White is a more neutral white, leaning slightly towards the cooler side, but not overwhelmingly so. It’s a fantastic choice for trim, ceilings, and doors, providing a clean and crisp contrast against warmer wall colors. It can also be used on walls in rooms with ample natural light, as it won’t appear too cold. Joanna may use this to highlight architectural details and create a sense of freshness.
Snowbound (SW 7004): A Cool and Serene Choice
Snowbound is a slightly cooler white with subtle gray undertones. It can create a serene and sophisticated look, especially in bedrooms or bathrooms. It’s often used for trim to provide a subtle contrast against warmer wall colors, or for walls in rooms where a cooler, more modern feel is desired. It works beautifully with natural wood tones and cool-toned accents.
White Dove (OC-17) by Benjamin Moore: Worth Mentioning
While speculation leans heavily toward Sherwin-Williams, it’s important to acknowledge White Dove by Benjamin Moore. This is another very popular white paint color known for its soft, warm, and incredibly versatile nature. It is considered a “safe” white that works well in almost any setting and is a frequent choice among designers looking for a reliable, classic white. It’s quite similar in tone to Alabaster, making it another strong contender for the white hues used on Fixer Upper.
Beyond the Walls: White in Accents and Furniture
It’s not just about the walls! Joanna Gaines skillfully incorporates white into furniture, textiles, and accessories. Think white slipcovered sofas, creamy white painted cabinets, and textured white throws. By using white in various textures and shades, she creates a layered and visually interesting space. This approach helps prevent the space from feeling flat or one-dimensional.
How to Recreate the Fixer Upper White Aesthetic in Your Home
Achieving Joanna Gaines’ signature white aesthetic requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some tips to help you create a similar look in your own home:
Understanding Undertones: Warm vs. Cool Whites
The first step is understanding the undertones of different white paint colors. Warm whites have yellow, orange, or red undertones, making them feel cozy and inviting. Cool whites have blue, green, or gray undertones, giving them a more modern and sophisticated feel. Neutral whites have very little noticeable undertone, offering a balanced and versatile option. When selecting your white paint colors, consider the existing elements in your room, such as flooring, furniture, and lighting. If you have warm-toned wood floors, a warm white will likely complement them better than a cool white. Conversely, if you have cool-toned gray floors, a cool white may be a better choice.
Consider Your Lighting: Natural vs. Artificial
Lighting plays a crucial role in how a white paint color appears. Natural light tends to enhance the undertones of a white paint color, while artificial light can alter its appearance. It’s essential to test paint samples in your room under different lighting conditions before making a final decision. Paint a large sample board (at least 12″ x 12″) and observe it throughout the day and night. Pay attention to how the color changes in different lighting conditions.
Layering Whites: Creating Depth and Dimension
Joanna Gaines rarely uses just one shade of white in a room. Instead, she layers different shades of white to create depth and dimension. For example, she might use a warm white on the walls, a cooler white on the trim, and a brighter white on the ceiling. This layering effect adds visual interest and prevents the space from feeling flat or monotonous.
Adding Texture: Bringing White to Life
White can sometimes feel sterile or boring if it’s not balanced with texture. Joanna Gaines is a master at incorporating texture into her designs. Think shiplap walls, chunky knit blankets, woven baskets, and textured pillows. These textural elements add warmth and visual interest to a white space, preventing it from feeling too cold or clinical.
Pairing White with Natural Elements: Wood, Metal, and Greenery
To prevent a white space from feeling too stark, Joanna often incorporates natural elements such as wood, metal, and greenery. Wood adds warmth and organic texture, while metal provides a touch of industrial chic. Greenery brings life and vibrancy to the space. Consider adding a wooden coffee table, metal light fixtures, and potted plants to your white space to create a balanced and inviting atmosphere.
Testing is Key: Never Skip the Sample Stage
Always, always, always test paint samples before committing to a full room makeover. Buy small sample sizes of the whites you’re considering and paint large swatches on your walls. Observe the colors at different times of day and under different lighting conditions. This will help you determine which white best suits your space and your personal preferences. This step is crucial because what looks good in a store or online may look completely different in your home.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Trust Your Gut
Ultimately, the best white paint color for your home is the one that you love. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades and find what works best for you. Trust your gut instinct and choose colors that make you feel happy and comfortable. While inspiration from Fixer Upper is great, your home should reflect your personal style and taste.
The Psychology of White: Why It Works So Well
White paint is more than just a design choice; it has a significant impact on our mood and perception of space. Here’s a look at why white is such a popular color in interior design.
Creating a Sense of Calm and Serenity
White is often associated with peace, tranquility, and serenity. It can create a calming and relaxing atmosphere, making it ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, and other spaces where you want to unwind. The lightness and brightness of white can help to reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being.
Making Spaces Feel Larger and Brighter
White has the ability to reflect light, making spaces feel larger and brighter. This is especially beneficial in small rooms or rooms with limited natural light. By using white on the walls, ceilings, and trim, you can maximize the amount of light in the space and create a more open and airy feel.
Providing a Blank Canvas for Decorating
White walls provide a blank canvas for decorating. They allow you to showcase your furniture, artwork, and accessories without competing for attention. White walls also make it easier to change your decor over time, as they can complement a wide range of colors and styles.
Enhancing Architectural Details
White paint can highlight architectural details such as crown molding, wainscoting, and fireplaces. By painting these features white, you can draw attention to their beauty and create a more refined and sophisticated look. Using different sheens of white paint can further accentuate these details. For example, a semi-gloss or gloss finish on trim will make it stand out against a matte or eggshell finish on the walls.
In conclusion, while there isn’t one definitive “Fixer Upper white,” Joanna Gaines’ style showcases the power of layering various white shades, considering undertones and lighting, and incorporating natural textures and elements. By understanding these principles and experimenting with different combinations, you can create your own beautiful and inviting white space that reflects your personal style and captures the essence of the modern farmhouse aesthetic. Remember to always test, test, test your paint samples before committing to a full room makeover. Good luck!
What is Joanna Gaines’ go-to white paint color for most of her projects?
While Joanna Gaines doesn’t exclusively use one single white paint color, a shade that frequently appears in her projects and is often considered her “signature” white is “Alabaster” by Sherwin-Williams. This color is a soft, warm white with subtle creamy undertones. It’s known for its versatility, working well in various lighting conditions and complementing a wide range of design styles, from farmhouse to contemporary.
Alabaster’s appeal lies in its ability to create a calming and inviting atmosphere. It avoids the starkness of a bright white, instead offering a gentle warmth that makes spaces feel cozy and comfortable. Its subtle yellow undertones ensure it doesn’t appear cold or sterile, making it a popular choice for walls, trim, and cabinetry throughout many of her homes showcased on Fixer Upper.
Does Joanna Gaines ever use other white paint colors besides Alabaster?
Absolutely! While Alabaster is a favorite, Joanna Gaines is a skilled designer who understands the importance of selecting the right shade of white for each individual project. She considers factors like the room’s lighting, the existing architecture, and the desired overall aesthetic. Therefore, she does utilize other white paint colors to achieve different effects and complement the specific design elements.
Some other white paint colors that Joanna Gaines is known to use, or that are frequently mentioned alongside Alabaster in the context of her design work, include “White Dove” by Benjamin Moore and “Swiss Coffee” by Benjamin Moore. These offer variations in undertones and brightness, allowing for greater flexibility in creating the perfect ambiance. “White Dove” is a slightly cooler white than Alabaster, while “Swiss Coffee” leans more towards a creamy, off-white.
What undertones does Alabaster have, and how do they affect a room’s appearance?
Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams possesses subtle warm, creamy yellow undertones. These undertones are key to its inviting and comfortable feel, differentiating it from cooler, more sterile whites. The presence of yellow prevents it from looking stark or clinical, adding a touch of gentle warmth to the space.
The creamy undertones in Alabaster mean it reflects light in a soft, diffused way, making rooms feel brighter and more welcoming. It also complements natural wood tones, metals, and various fabric textures beautifully, creating a cohesive and harmonious design. However, it’s important to consider the existing lighting in the room, as these undertones may appear more pronounced in certain lighting conditions.
How does natural light affect the appearance of Alabaster paint?
Natural light significantly impacts how any paint color appears, and Alabaster is no exception. In rooms with abundant natural light, Alabaster tends to appear brighter and more true to its intended color, showcasing its subtle warmth and creamy undertones. The natural light helps to balance any potential yellowing effect, making it feel clean and inviting.
However, in rooms with less natural light or with a northern exposure (which tends to cast a cooler, bluish light), Alabaster can appear slightly more muted or even a bit greyer. In these situations, it’s essential to supplement with warm artificial lighting to counteract the cooler tones and bring out the warmth inherent in the paint color.
What types of rooms or design styles does Alabaster work best in?
Alabaster’s versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of rooms and design styles. It’s particularly well-suited for living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens, where its warm and inviting nature can create a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. It also works beautifully in dining rooms, offering a sophisticated yet approachable backdrop for meals and gatherings.
In terms of design styles, Alabaster complements farmhouse, traditional, transitional, and even some contemporary aesthetics. It pairs well with natural materials like wood, stone, and linen, enhancing the organic feel of farmhouse and traditional designs. Its ability to create a neutral backdrop allows other design elements, such as furniture and artwork, to take center stage, making it a flexible choice for diverse interiors.
What are some coordinating colors that work well with Alabaster?
Alabaster’s neutral nature makes it incredibly versatile when it comes to coordinating colors. It works beautifully with a wide range of hues, both warm and cool. For a harmonious and cohesive look, consider pairing it with other neutral shades like greiges, soft grays, and warm beiges. Earthy tones like browns, greens, and muted blues also complement Alabaster well, creating a nature-inspired palette.
To add pops of color and visual interest, consider incorporating accent colors like deep navy blue, burnt orange, or mustard yellow. These bolder hues will stand out against the soft white backdrop of Alabaster, creating a dynamic and engaging space. Ultimately, the best coordinating colors will depend on the overall design aesthetic and the desired mood of the room.
Where can I find inspiration and examples of Alabaster used in interiors?
One of the best places to find inspiration for Alabaster paint usage is by revisiting episodes of “Fixer Upper” and other design projects featuring Joanna Gaines’ work. Many online design blogs and home decor websites also showcase rooms painted in Alabaster, providing visual examples of how it looks in different settings and with various lighting conditions. Sherwin-Williams’ website also offers a gallery of images featuring Alabaster in diverse interiors.
Pinterest and Instagram are also excellent resources for discovering real-life examples of Alabaster used in homes. Search for terms like “Alabaster paint,” “Sherwin-Williams Alabaster,” or “Joanna Gaines white paint” to find a wealth of images showcasing this popular color in various applications. These visual resources can help you envision how Alabaster might look in your own home and inspire your design choices.