joanna gaines is my spirit animal
The title says it all, yes?
I discovered Fixer Upper in Fall 2015 and proceeded to binge watch Seasons 1 and 2 with my mom, falling more and more smitten with Joanna's design eye. Dallas is only a quick hour and a half drive to Waco, the home of the beloved Magnolia Market. On my birthday week I convinced my mom to take a day and make the trek to design Mecca with me. #birthdayperks And it did not disappoint!
I most admire Joanna for her ability to maintain negative space. I am learning more and more about myself as a designer that I love the visual effect of negative space, but I struggle with wanting to fill it. I am learning to push myself and be bold enough to leave some spaces blank, because I always appreciate it in the long run.
Of course I had high expectations walking into this experience and Chip and Joanna blew them out of the water. They have so thoughtfully put together the space, no detail is overlooked. They have truly poured their hearts into this place and you can tell that they value every person who steps foot on the property. They have designed an impeccable experience, from the beautiful gardens and the wonderful lineup of food trucks, to the large green space devoted to play (kids) and lounging (adults). And that's only on the outside!
Inside, greenery is incorporated in every corner giving the huge warehouse space a more natural feel. The space is overflowing with their wonderfully helpful staff. They are strategically stationed around the grounds to do everything from answer questions, open doors, or take photos of guests at those signature photo-op spots! These are the details that show how intentional Chip and Joanna are.
The final coup-de-ta to my Magnolia experience came at the check out counter. My mom was the one who pointed it out and I just about lost my mind. Do any of my fellow Fixer Upper fans remember the episode where Chip and JoJo put their handprints in the concrete counter top at the Silos? Well this is it! It's on the far corner of the checkout counter and when I saw it I just about lost my marbles. What a fun little detail to get to experience. And I can attest that Joanna is right, Chip does have small hands!
One of my dearest friends from college is coming to visit me in October and we have already made plans to make the trek down to Magnolia. I'm looking forward to noticing even more details the second time around and see the updates and new additions! I particularly can't wait to go to the famed Magnolia bakery. When we were there we were so lucky to receive free cupcakes in promotion of the soon-to-open bakery, and I can't wait to see it up and running when I go back.
Stay tuned for a Magnolia 2.0 post! And until then #fixerupperforlife.
