Ever since she was a little girl helping her mom stage living rooms on HGTV, everyone kinda assumed Ella Gaines would just become "Joanna 2.0." For years, we saw her in the background of Fixer Upper, the quiet, creative daughter who looked more like her mother every day. But honestly, as we hit early 2026, the real story isn't about her following a script.
It’s about her finally writing her own.
If you haven't been keeping up, Ella Rose Gaines is 19 now. She’s no longer just the kid on the farm in Waco. She’s currently living a life that is about as far from a Texas farmhouse as you can get, and she’s doing it with a level of independence that seems to have caught even Chip and Joanna a bit off guard.
The Big Move: Manhattan over Waco
Most people thought she’d stay close to home. Her older brother, Drake, stayed in Texas for college, attending the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. It made sense. The Gaines family is tight—like, "living on a 40-acre farm together forever" tight.
📖 Related: Chris Evans Leak: What Really Happened with that Instagram Story
But Ella? She had other plans.
She moved to New York City. She’s currently a student at the Parsons School of Design in Manhattan, one of the most prestigious (and intense) design schools in the world.
Think about that for a second. Going from the wide-open spaces of Waco to a tiny dorm or apartment in Greenwich Village is a massive culture shock. Joanna actually talked about this on the Today show and in Magnolia Journal, admitting that Ella was the one who pushed for it. She wanted to be known for just being "Ella," not just "the girl from that TV show."
It was a "bittersweet" transition, according to Jo. They used to spend their days hitting up antique shops and plant nurseries together. Now, their rhythm is FaceTime calls and holiday reunions. It's the classic "leaving the nest" story, but with a lot more paparazzi interest.
That Colorado Debut (The "Challenge" Accepted)
Even though she's busy with classes in NYC, Ella hasn't completely cut ties with the family business. If you caught the recent spinoff, Fixer Upper: Colorado Mountain House, you saw her take a massive professional leap.
📖 Related: Justine Bateman Fire History: What Most People Get Wrong
Chip had this "wild" idea to let Ella design the guest cottage on their new Colorado property. Usually, Joanna is the one with the final say on every tile and textile. This time, she actually stepped back.
Why the Colorado Project mattered:
- It was the first time a Gaines kid had full creative control over a televised build.
- It showcased Ella’s specific aesthetic—which is "kinda" like her mom’s, but definitely more "Gen Z."
- It proved she isn't just a "nepo baby" on set; she actually understands the technical side of the job.
In the teaser for the show, Ella simply said, "I'm accepting the challenge." No big speech. No drama. Just a 19-year-old getting to work. The results were pretty stunning—she leaned into a mix of mid-century vibes and cozy mountain textures that felt fresh compared to the classic "Modern Farmhouse" look we’ve seen for a decade.
The Plant Obsession is Real
If you follow Joanna on Instagram, you probably saw the video she posted late last year. Ella’s bedroom back in Waco is basically a jungle.
When she left for Parsons, she left behind dozens of "plant babies." Joanna joked that she’s now the "caretaker" and hopes the plants like her as much as they liked Ella. Fans were losing it in the comments, suggesting she should have studied botany.
But that’s the thing about Ella—she’s multifaceted. She isn't just "the design girl." She’s an avid baker who used to run a "donut truck" business from the family kitchen. She’s an artist. She’s a plant whisperer. She’s a first-time voter who made headlines just for going to the polls with her dad.
She’s a normal person living an abnormal life.
🔗 Read more: Joey Heatherton Today: Why the 60s Sex Symbol Really Disappeared
What's Next for Ella?
Honestly, the "Ella Gaines now" vibe is all about the pivot. While she’s clearly talented enough to take over Magnolia one day, she seems more interested in building her own brand of creativity right now.
She’s currently in her freshman/sophomore era at Parsons, likely grinding through late-night studio sessions and navigating the subway. We’ll probably see her pop up in more Magnolia Network specials during her summer breaks, but don't expect her to move back to Waco full-time any time soon.
She’s finding her own voice in a city that doesn't care who her parents are. And for a kid who grew up under the spotlight of a multi-million dollar empire, that might be her most impressive "fixer upper" project yet.
Practical Takeaways from Ella's Journey:
- Identity matters: Even if you're part of a family legacy, it’s okay to move 1,500 miles away to find out who you are.
- Start small: Ella didn't design the whole Colorado mansion; she started with the cottage. Success is often found in the "little" projects.
- Versatility is a strength: Being "like your mom" is fine, but having your own hobbies (like baking or botany) is what makes you a real person, not a brand.
Keep an eye on her. By the time she graduates from Parsons, the design world is going to look a lot different, and she’ll likely be the one leading the charge.