Last updated on: May 4, 2026
Ella Rose Gaines is the eldest daughter of home renovation stars Joanna Gaines and Chip Gaines. Born on October 20, 2006, Ella has grown up in the spotlight of her parents’ wildly successful Magnolia empire while quietly carving out her own path. Now 19 years old (as of 2026), she is studying design at one of the world’s top schools and has already made her television debut alongside her famous family.
While her parents built an empire around home renovation and lifestyle, Ella Rose is stepping into her own spotlight — blending creativity, business sense, and the signature Gaines charm.
Quick Facts About Ella Rose Gaines
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ella Rose Gaines |
| Date of Birth | October 20, 2006 |
| Age | 19 years old (2026) |
| Parents | Joanna Gaines & Chip Gaines |
| Siblings | Drake Gaines, Duke Gaines, Emmie Kay Gaines, Crew Gaines |
| Education | Parsons School of Design, New York City |
| Known For | Appearing in Fixer Upper: Colorado Mountain House, early entrepreneurship |
| Interests | Interior Design, Cooking, Entrepreneurship, Family Business |
Early Life and Family Background
Ella Rose Gaines is the second child and oldest daughter of Joanna and Chip Gaines. She was born in Waco, Texas, and grew up in a bustling household filled with creativity, construction, and constant family activity. Her older brother Drake was born in 2005, followed by Duke (2008), Emmie Kay (2010), and the youngest, Crew (2018).
The Gaines family became household names through the hit HGTV show Fixer Upper, which turned their Waco-based renovation business into a global lifestyle brand. Despite the fame, Joanna and Chip have always prioritized keeping their children grounded and involved in real family life.
Education and Move to New York City
In 2025, Ella Rose Gaines graduated high school and made a major life decision — she moved across the country to attend the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York City. This marked a significant milestone for the family, as Ella became one of the first Gaines children to leave Texas for college.
Joanna has openly shared how emotional this transition has been. In interviews, she spoke about helping Ella decorate her dorm room and the bittersweet feeling of watching her daughter spread her wings. Chip has proudly described Ella as someone with “the sky’s the limit” potential.
Her choice to study design at Parsons perfectly aligns with her mother’s creative legacy while allowing her to develop her own unique style far from the family’s Texas roots.
Design Debut on Fixer Upper: Colorado Mountain House
In late 2025, Ella Rose Gaines officially stepped into the family business spotlight. She made her television debut in the new Magnolia Network and HGTV spinoff Fixer Upper: Colorado Mountain House, where she took on design responsibilities during her parents’ break from the show.
Fans and viewers praised her natural talent and fresh perspective. Ella’s involvement signaled the beginning of a new generation taking the reins at Magnolia — something Joanna and Chip have always hoped for.
Entrepreneurial Spirit from a Young Age
Ella Rose Gaines has shown business instincts since childhood. Along with her sister Emmie Kay, she ran small ventures selling produce, eggs, and baked goods door-to-door and at her parents’ office. Joanna often shared photos of young Ella baking cookies and banana pudding for the Magnolia team.
These early experiences clearly shaped her. By her late teens, Ella was already interning at Magnolia and contributing creatively to family projects. Her entrepreneurial mindset combined with her design education positions her as a strong future leader in the Gaines empire.
Personality and Relationship with Joanna
Joanna Gaines has frequently said that Ella Rose takes after her the most. In a 2019 interview, Joanna noted that Ella shares her wide range of interests — from cooking and design to business ideas (including once dreaming of owning a donut truck).
Ella is often described as funny, creative, and quietly confident. While she has grown up with cameras around, she has maintained a relatively private personal life compared to some celebrity children. Her move to New York and new television appearances show she is becoming more comfortable sharing parts of her journey with fans.
Family Bond and the Gaines Legacy
The Gaines family remains incredibly close despite Ella now living in New York. Joanna and Chip have built their brand around authenticity and family values, and it shows in how they support each child’s individual path.
Ella’s journey from selling cookies as a kid to studying at Parsons and appearing on national television represents the next chapter of the Gaines story — one where the children are not just part of the brand, but actively shaping its future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ella Rose Gaines
Who is Ella Rose Gaines?
Ella Rose Gaines is the 19-year-old eldest daughter of Joanna and Chip Gaines. She is currently studying interior design at Parsons School of Design in New York City and recently made her television debut on Fixer Upper: Colorado Mountain House.
How old is Ella Rose Gaines in 2026?
Ella Rose Gaines is 19 years old. She was born on October 20, 2006, and turned 19 in October 2025.
Where is Ella Rose Gaines studying?
She is studying at the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York City, one of the top design schools in the world.
Has Ella Rose appeared on Fixer Upper?
Yes. In 2025, Ella made her design debut on the new spinoff Fixer Upper: Colorado Mountain House, stepping in while her parents took a break from filming.
What is Ella Rose Gaines’ relationship with Joanna Gaines?
Ella and her mother Joanna are very close. Joanna has often said that Ella takes after her the most in personality and creative interests, especially in design and business.
Final Thoughts
Ella Rose Gaines is no longer just “Joanna and Chip’s daughter” — she is quickly becoming a talented designer and entrepreneur in her own right. From her early days selling baked goods to studying at Parsons and appearing on national television, Ella is writing her own chapter in the Gaines family legacy.
With her parents’ support and her own clear vision, the future looks incredibly bright for this young Gaines. Fans can expect to see much more of Ella Rose in the years ahead as she continues to blend her family’s signature style with her own fresh perspective.
