Joanna Gaines Used a Southwestern-Inspired Swap to Transform This Small Space

Published on May 22, 2025

Joanna Gaines is gracing television screens again with her brand new series, Mini Reni, and it's as adorable as the name itself—with plenty of home inspiration, of course. Each episode focuses on a single small-space makeover that Gaines can tackle quickly, and the first episode proves it’s possible to bring new life to old spaces—and there’s one design tip in particular you might feel motivated to try in your own home once you see it.

Joanna Gaines' Terra-Cotta Tile Trick

In the premiere of Mini Reni, Gaines puts a fresh spin on her signature farmhouse style by transforming a foyer: She adds organic colors like soft greens and warm browns and incorporates materials like wicker, rope, and loads of greenery. But the tiled foyer is the element that ties it all together.

"This project was all about adding style and function to this older home," she wrote in an Instagram post. "We warmed things up with Southwestern-inspired materials like  the terra-cotta floors, an earthy color palette, and natural finishes—and then added in plenty of practical details to make sure these spaces functioned beautifully."

The inviting patterned flooring brings a whole lot of charm to the small room, adding intrigue without being too overwhelming. Gaines opts for terra-cotta tiles that feature some natural color variation for a lived-in, timeless feel.

While it may seem like light-colored, plain flooring is the only way to go with a small space, Gaines demonstrates that adding color and texture can really brighten and open up a room. The floors blend with the rest of the botanical aesthetic and are still light enough to make it feel larger.

Why Terra-Cotta Works in Any Space

The terra-cotta tiles encapsulate the episode’s focus on finding style while adding practicality: They're durable yet chic, easy to clean, and naturally add a warmth that can take any space from bland to rustic. They fit naturally with earth tones, warm neutrals, country or cottagecore homes, and traditional decor. 

Gaines also makes sure to use terra-cotta tiles that still feel semi-modern rather than dated. The shape is important here—while large square terra-cotta tiles are a classic, the rectangular version that she chose offer a sleeker look. The brown-red tones of the floors play off the warm green walls, and gold finishes complete the earthy transformation in the room. It's official: Terra-cotta can still be trendy in 2025.

Mini Reni premiered on May 14, and new episodes are released Wednesdays at 8/7c on Magnolia Network. You can also stream them on Max.