Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson East has created homewares with both family and function in mind – the results are rustic-meets-modern
Shawn Johnson East has collaborated with Wayfair to redecorate her Nashville family home, and the former gymnast has opted for textured neutrals as a base


We're in the thick of summer Olympic fever, and as such, we are reflecting on the games of years past as we engage with current competitions. Those who watched the 2008 games in Beijing likely remember Shawn Johnson – an agile gymnast who brought home Gold and Silver medals for Team U.S.A. thanks to her incredible skills on the balance beam and floor, respectively.
Now, Shawn Johnson East takes up residence at her cozy family home in Nashville, which was recently redecorated in collaboration with Wayfair. The house is warm and inviting, decorated with light neutrals, soft fabrics, and lively details, like children's drawings on the fridge, turning the space into a home.
'We have toddlers who are constantly coloring on everything, so I wanted it to feel like a space you could truly live in and use, and you didn't have to tippy-toe around,' Johnson East states in a clip posted by Wayfair. It definitely reads like a masterclass in how to create a sophisticated yet cozy living room.
Johnson East explains in the video that the goal of the redecoration process was to make her home, which she shares with her husband and three young children, to feel more representative of their personalities and styles. One of the primary spaces this is addressed is the kitchen.
'The kitchen is kind of the heart of our home, I feel like we spend every waking second here,' she explains.
Wood cabinetry contrasts white marble countertops and black drawers with gold handles, making for a truly modern rustic space. We especially love the birch, rattan pendant light that hangs above the kitchen island – it adds an interesting textural detail to the room's otherwise smooth surfaces.
'I love texture, I love neutral colors, so I ordered a ton of it and it somehow worked,' Johnson East states.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Meanwhile, the living area features cozy couches in creams and greiges, textured throws, and in the center of the room sits a multi-purpose furnishing. 'This coffee table is one of my favorites,' Johnson East explains. 'I loved finding a rounded coffee table as a parent of toddlers. Sharp corners are kind of scary, so this is amazing.' The robust surface size is perfect for placing plants down as decor, or, in Johnson East's case, a common space for coloring.
Finally, the entryway makes the case for curating pieces in the home that bring joy. Johnson East's entrway is tastefully decorated with a checker-print, black and white rug, a vintage-inspired wood console, twinning black and white lamps, and a gold-rimmed mirror.
'My favorite Wayfair piece in this area? The rug is beautiful, the dresser/chest is gorgeous... I think my favorite is the mirror. But I also love the lamps.' The blend of modern and traditional pieces is in line with the kitchen and living areas, making for a home that feels cozy, yet sophisticated.
From inspiring us at the Olympics to inspiring our home decor stylings, Johnson East's Wayfair picks are available to shop here, or select from our personal faves below.
Add some texture to the kitchen with this neutral, pendant, featuring an adjustable length.
Round and robust, this wood coffee table is perfect for a communal space with high traffic.
We love these chic, paterrned mugs, which come in highly versatile black, white, and gold colorways.
Recreating the look is just as much about the right colors and textures as furnishings. A warm neutral color scheme paired with cozy soft furnishings would go a long way for a similar ambiance. However, personality is what makes Shawn Johnson East's home stand out, so it's important to consider how you can infuse your own family's energy into a similar design.
Balance is Shawn Johnson East's forte, both on the beam and in interiors.

Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.
Her love of film is rivaled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.
-
You won't believe the secret ingredient in this summery tomato salad – it adds a surprising twist
Trawl your local farmers' markets for tomatoes in a variety of colors and sizes for this flavor-packed salad, which is sweet, smoky and fragrant
-
John Legend has used this innovative and affordable deep fryer for over 18 years – it's on sale for under $120
When it comes to long-lasting appliances, nothing beats the singer's deep fryer – he's used it to cook everything from turkey to fries since 2007
-
Kelly Clarkson's textured pieces are the secret to a well-curated, cozy living space – our favorite picks start at only $32.99 (for a limited time)
The singer's Wayfair collection is a firm favorite among H&G's celebrity style team – her best and most versatile pieces are textured and visually pleasing
-
Kelly Clarkson's cozy winter living room furnishings tick all the 2024 trend boxes – designers say these small pieces will provide the perfect refresh
The singer's Wayfair collection has arrived just in time for the cooler months – complete with warming hues and tactile materials, it's a designer's dream
-
Kelly Clarkson's stylish wicker baskets are organizing experts' favorite way to upgrade your kitchen storage – and they're over 50% off for the Wayfair Big Holiday Sale
Storage can be beautiful, and Clarkson's wicker baskets are the perfect example – get these ultra-affordable and practical bins while supplies last
-
Kourtney Kardashian uses mixed metals for an industrial take on the classic farmhouse kitchen – she makes a commercial material irresistibly cozy
Mixed metals can have a raw edge, but in Kardashian's kitchen, it's never felt quite so welcoming – designers decode her warm yet contemporary space
-
Kelly Clarkson's urban collection celebrates all the fundamental elements of NYC design – and it's reduced for Way Day now
Quintessential NY design marries industrial bones with warm accessories, according to designers – and this collection captures this idea perfectly (plus, it's at the lowest price to date)
-
Selena Gomez's curated wall decor means her kitchen feels cozy instead of clinical – I've always loved this style, but she does it best
Gomez makes a case for personal decoration in the most functional of rooms – and her twist is the most individual I've ever seen
-
Kelly Clarkson proves that decorating with mirrors instantly elevates any gallery wall – her unique twist on the classic feature works everywhere
The singer, who recently launched her NYC collection with Wayfair, has shown us that mixing and matching media on a gallery wall makes it visually appealing
-
Kelly Clarkson’s living room features elegant 'conversational seating' – recreate the brilliant layout with her Wayfair NYC collection
The singer's move to New York City has inspired a collection perfect for elevating a cityside home – clean silhouettes and earth tones exude sophistication