In a world where every square foot counts, maximizing small spaces has become more essential than ever. Enter Chip and Joanna Gaines, the dynamic duo renowned for their transformative designson Fixer Upper. Their latest venture, Mini Reni, airing on the Magnolia Network and streaming on Max, zeroes in on revamping limiting spaces areas with style and functionality.
In the premiere episode, Joanna breathes new life into a modest foyer by introducing Southwestern-inspired terra-cotta tiles, paired with earthy tones and natural textures. This makeover not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also demonstrates how thoughtful design choices can make small spaces feel both cozy and expansive.
If you're looking to reimagine your small space, the Gaineses' approach offers practical and inspiring solutions that prove size doesn't limit style. Keep reading for their 6 best tips.
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1. Be intentional with storage
5 | Stylize your storage. ShutterstockThe smaller the space, the more important decluttering is. "A great way to stay organized is to create intentional spaces for toys, craft supplies, and odds and ends," Joanna once told Architectural Digest.
"I think storage is the most undervalued part of a home. Adequate storage can make every room feel more peaceful and beautiful simply by removing clutter and freeing up visual space. If you don’t have room for a piece of furniture, use unique baskets, bins, and crates that help organize the mess. Look for practical pieces that tell a story and fit your style. These may take longer to find, but they’ll be worth the wait."
2. Don’t be afraid to size up
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Joanna recommends fewer, larger pieces of furniture in small spaces (for example, a large couch) instead of lots of smaller pieces cramming the space.
"In tighter spaces, people think you have to go smaller, but I always like to do the opposite," Joanna once said in an episode of Fixer Upper.
3. Use a bold wallpaper
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Joanna loves bold wallpaper in small spaces. "Small spaces like bathrooms, mudrooms, and entryways are ideal for trying out a bold pattern because they’re fairly low-risk in terms of the amount of real estate you're covering,” she wrote on her Magnolia blog.
"There are other benefits to incorporating wallpaper in small spaces. For example, in a bigger area, like a living room, you have more opportunities to bring in colors, textiles, wall hangings, or design elements that are representative of your style. In a small space, you’re limited in what you’re able to do, and wallpaper is a great material to help bridge that gap."
4. Play around with different textures
Different TexturesShutterstock Joanna recommends giving your space a new refreshed look with blankets and throws.
"I want the home to feel even cozier, so I bring out the chunkier blankets and more textured fabric pillows in prints like plaid to really warm up a home," she once told HelloGiggles. "Just simple shifts in color and texture make all the difference."
5. Experiment with fun colors
united photo studio / ShutterstockJoanna says color can make a huge impact in a small space. "If you’re feeling a little more bold or want something more dramatic, change up the color in your home," she told HelloGiggles.
"Just a hit of color can make a big statement in a space. You can experiment with color and have fun with it."
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6. Get creative in your bathroom
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The bathroom is a perfect place to get creative, Joanna says. "Bathrooms can have their own personality," she once told Country Living.
"If you want to have wallpaper on the walls or lighter walls, you can paint the vanity in the shade 'Weekend' [from Gaines' Magnolia paint collection] with some brass hardware—that’s just a fun statement that feels a little more unique and makes your space feel different."
