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Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Jennifer Ebert

This popular 18th-century garden trendis having a 'quiet comeback' – and Joanna Gaines's Lake Waco retreat features the best modern example I've seen to date

Joanna Gaines.

In true Joanna Gaines fashion, the greenhouse at her family’s Lake Waco lakehouse isn’t just a functional space – it’s a masterclass in laid-back beauty, blending rustic charm with modern simplicity. Bathed in natural light and brimming with texture, this isn’t your typical potting shed. It’s a sanctuary. A space to breathe, to grow, to gather.

Step inside this serene yet thriving space for a modern, elevated take on the classic greenhouse trend – a look we predict will define garden design well into 2026 and beyond.

The charming greenhouse at Joanna Gaines’s Lakehouse in Waco, Texas (Image credit: Courtesy of Magnolia Network)

Set against the wooded backdrop of the Joanna Gaines’ Texas lake retreat, this greenhouse idea feels more like a garden room than a utility structure. It’s airy, artful, and intentional – every shelf, pot, and vine carefully considered. Rows of cacti, trailing vines, and potted herbs fill the space with life, their sculptural forms accentuated by the soft light pouring in through the glazed ceiling.

Instead of the expected rows of seed trays and garden tools, the space leans into a warm, lived-in aesthetic. There are woven baskets and terracotta planters, reclaimed brick and gravel underfoot, and a curated blend of vintage and utilitarian details – from weathered trowels to hand-thrown pots. The palette is soft and tonal, anchored by sage green beams and warm neutral finishes that echo the natural world just beyond the glass.

At the center of the greenhouse is a quiet moment: a sense of stillness beside a tall cactus, inviting pause. It’s a signature Joanna Gaines move – finding comfort and calm in the everyday. There’s a softness here that balances the strong lines of the succulents and cacti. Round, glowing pendant lights hang from the rafters, adding an unexpected sense of sophistication and warmth once the sun dips below the lake.

Similar greenhouse for inspiration (Image credit: Future)

Joanna’s greenhouse taps into the current appetite for houseplants, slow living, and sanctuary spaces – but without ever feeling like it’s chasing a trend. Instead, it mirrors the serial renovator's larger design ethos: create with intention, connect with nature, and make room for beauty in the everyday.

Whether you’re dreaming of your own backyard greenhouse or simply craving greener indoors, this space is pure inspiration. It’s a reminder that gardening doesn’t have to be rushed or rough – it can be graceful, grounded, and deeply personal. The entire space carries Joanna’s signature ease and quiet confidence.

Shop the greenhouse edit

Planning a greenhouse can be a considerable investment, but styling it well is what truly transforms it into a space you’ll want to spend time in year-round.

From selecting the right textures to balancing utility with charm, these are my favorite ways to decorate a greenhouse so it feels not only functional but also thoughtfully designed – a true extension of your home and garden.

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