Joanna Gaines will always be known for her impressive large-scale renovations and beautiful home transformations. She is the master fixer-upper, after all. However, her latest endeavor is a bit different from what viewers typically see on Magnolia Network.
In her new series Mini Reni, Gaines takes on a number of small projects with quick timelines. And rather than working directly alongside her husband, Chip Gaines, as usual, she's taking on each "mini" renovation solo.
"Anytime I come off of a big renovation I find myself craving smaller projects," Gaines tells Good Housekeeping. "With Mini Reni, this is where I can feel a bit more freedom to try new ideas and end with these fresh finished spaces that don’t require months of work. You can make a big impact when you’re open to getting a little creative and thinking outside the box.”
In the series premiere that aired May 14th on Magnolia Network and Max, the Fixer Upper star takes on an entryway foyer and dining room renovation. The vision? Dreaming up a Southwestern-inspired space for a young couple in need of function.
If you missed the premiere episode, don't worry. We're sharing exclusive before and after photos of Joanna's very first mini renovation. With earthy materials and bold patterns, Joanna designs a warm and inviting foyer and dining room.
“A lot of the elements that we chose for this space will tie back to the story that the homeowners are wanting," says Gaines. "The Southwestern vibe, you’ll see that in the art, in some of the textures and the textiles, and you’ll see a lot of nature coming through, bringing that story to life in a really tangible way.”
Although the renovation is contained to a small part of the home, there's still major a transformation to be noted — one that feels much more attainable for homeowners across the country who might not be able to afford a large-scale renovation.
Mini Reni encourages viewers to forgo the "all-or-nothing" mentality so many of us adopt when planning a home renovation. Focusing on smaller spaces with a smaller budget can still result in a home that feels updated, and Gaines proves that time and time again throughout the series.
Ready to check out more transformative small-scale renovations by the master herself? Tune into new episodes of Mini Reni on Magnolia Network and Max every Wednesday at 8pm ET through July 9th.
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC's TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.
