Take a Look Inside Joanna Gaines' 70s-Inspired Home Library

When Joanna Gaines took on her latest project—a 1960s Texas lake house in need of a serious makeover—she looked to the great outdoors for inspiration. Surrounded by breathtaking lake and forest views, the lake house had to blend seamlessly into its surroundings—it couldn’t overshadow what nature had to offer. After letting the natural world take the lead and combining its lessons with her decades of design experience, she came up with something truly special: a modern mid-century oasis with a modern twist.

As reported in To renovate: the house by the lake (which wrapped up last month), the Lake Waco property underwent an incredible renovation. Its living room is a master class in mid-century modern style, and the lake house’s kitchen screams quiet luxury. Plus, the design process inspired a seven-shade paint collection that lets you get the finished look right in your own home. But perhaps our favorite part of the final reveal so far is right off the entryway — the home’s library.

Inside the Lake House Library

A mid-century modern library with brown chairs and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves

The lake house library is both warm and enveloping, yet airy and bright. Drawing inspiration from nature with a deep, slightly moody touch, it’s a gorgeous example of mid-century modern at its best.

The centerpiece of this piece is undoubtedly the floor-to-ceiling bookcase that displays book covers in all their glory. The minimalist lattice design lets the literature speak for itself, combining two natural wood tones and featuring thin gold bars for functionality (as well as added charm).

The gold accent is echoed above in the form of a sculptural light fixture that draws the eye upward, further emphasizing the room’s high ceilings. But the pendant isn’t the only source of light in the library: large sliding doors open directly onto an outdoor space. Indoor-outdoor living couldn’t be more enjoyable.

A mid-century modern library with brown chairs and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves

(Image credit: Courtesy of Magnolia Network)

Home libraries are necessarily all about comfort, and Joanna’s design is no exception. Four textured brown accent chairs form a circle in the center of the room, with a round marble coffee table completing the arrangement.

The coffee table is also very well designed, with a tray filled with knick-knacks, a large vase and a selection of books. With seating for the whole family – and for reading, chatting or a combination of both – this piece has clearly been designed with a balance of beauty and functionality in mind.

The style and color palette of the decor blends seamlessly throughout the home, connecting each space in a natural way. In the library, two large wooden doors (with intricate glass fluting) offer a beautiful view of the home’s entrance, as well as the impressive custom-built wooden staircase that leads to the second floor.

A mid-century modern library with brown chairs and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves

(Image credit: Courtesy of Magnolia Network)

A full-length shelving system covers another wall of this sleek space, revealing the room’s earthy green hue: Magnolia’s Wooded Acres. The combination of natural wood and “woody brown with a hint of green” paint is warm, inviting, and on-trend for 2024.

As always, Joanna thoughtfully designed the shelves, placing a table lamp, nature-inspired accessories, a statement clock, and framed artwork within the cabinet’s asymmetrical shelves. With plenty of storage for books and accessories, the shelves are a necessary (but still stunning) addition to this serene space.

A Magnolia leather armchair

A small white vase on a large wooden shelf

Marie Aged Cracked Vase

A modern circular coffee table from Magnolia

Adeline oval coffee table

Mid-century modern style can be hard to replicate, but Joanna’s library hits the mark. With plenty of space to lounge, lots of natural light, and books galore, it’s a relaxing escape in an extraordinary natural setting.