Magnolia Farms
[author: Natalie]
Chip and Joanna Gaines are my absolute favorite. You may recognize their names from HGTV’s Fixer Upper, but they aren’t your typical TV couple in 2016. The two are insanely down to earth, have four beautiful children, and are giddily, goofily, madly in love. A huge inspiration to me, or #couplegoals, you could say. Chip typically handles the structural demo and issues with the old houses, while Jo is able to create heavenly, rustic, serene spaces with her incredible design sense. I’ve seriously considered applying to work for them, they’re that wonderful.
The Gaines and their HGTV show have grown so popular, they decided to open up a marketplace that sells home goods seen in Joanna’s designs. When I realized a trip to Waco, Texas was possible, I began to beg for a visit to their store. With everyone’s buy-in, we made the hour detour possible.
The giant, rusted cotton silos stick out from the quiet Waco street like beautiful, iconic, sore thumbs. Despite some exciting construction projects (including a new bakery!!), the grounds were breathtaking and breathed Joanna’s style in every square foot. The sprawling Astroturf park was spotted with black and white striped bean bags, covered picnic tables, and a row of handmade (Chip-made, to be precise) swingsets.
As I entered Magnolia Market itself, I had to resist throwing every item in my Magnolia burlap sack (it felt very similar to an Anthropologie experience). From dainty hand-painted ceramic kitchen pieces to inspiring cursive script signs, the market was stocked with beautiful, covetous items to make a house feel like a home. I splurged for a few items I will cherish and use daily, reminding me of my wonderful day at Magnolia Farms.
