Those of you who are new to my weekly design challenges: For part of my weekly blog posts I have decided to feature different design challenges followers, clients, and friends have asked me about. I will post a style board or real life images with a product list and give design tips on how to achieve the look.

This weeks challenge is how to get that "Fixer Upper" style. I had a friend recently tell me "I love the way Joanna Gaines decorates on her show Fixer Upper, but I don't know where to even start to achieve a look like hers."

There is no denying Joanna has her own style. When I think of "Fixer Upper" style I am automatically drawn to farmhouse, french, industrial, and cottage design features. Jo has that special way of using simple and fresh design features to create a timeless look. She has that special gift of turning something old into a new and amazing piece of decor.

Here are five easy steps to help achieve that "Fixer Upper" style:

1. Start with a neutral palette with some subtle light paint colors. In almost every one of Joanna's fixer uppers she uses neutral paint colors and brings brighter colors in with a pop here and there. This gives a nice simple, fresh, and clean slate for your design. Here are some paint colors that fit that "Fixer Upper" style.

2. Mix your materials and textures. Joanna uses a variety of mediums and materials- wood, metals, leather, cloth, etc. Hardwood floor is almost always a design feature in a Fixer Upper house. Wood elements help your space feel warm and inviting. But don't stop there.... Layer textures with a high-pile textured rug such as a jute. You can also bring in the warmth of wood with a piece of wooden furniture. The pictures below are a good example of how Jo mixes a variety of different materials.

3. Use something architectural and unexpected as a decor center piece. Whether it be large shutters behind your couch or some old windows above your fireplace. This is my favorite aspect of Jo's designs. I love seeing how she uses different architectural and industrials pieces so effortlessly in her designs. Items like these are found at antique festivals and shops. Your not going to find these one-of-a-kind pieces at your normal home decor store. The hunt for the treasured item is half the fun.

4. Use greenery. Nothing says fresh and clean like a vase of flowers or some greenery. These do not have to be living plants. Hobby Lobby has a great selection of faux greenery that fit the "Fixer Upper" style.

5. Declutter and find new uses for things you already have. All of Jo's designs appear effortlessly simple and fresh. She does not clutter or over decorate- and almost all items have a useful purpose. Sometimes less is more.

The "Fixer Upper" style is not something you can achieve over night. Although Jo makes it seem that way on the show. But hours of planning have been spent before she ever even steps into"design day." This style takes time and will evolve over time. Just as it has with Joanna Gaines. If you look back at some of her first design reveals you can truly see how far she has came as a designer. But starting with these 5 basic steps will get you on the right path to your very own fixer upper!

With love,