Joanna Gaines’ new series, ‘Mini Reni’, is the renovation series I have been waiting for. Of course, Joanna is known for her large-scale, total gut renovation projects, and I love to follow along with those, but this new series felt closer to home, more relatable, and more achievable. And that’s the whole point.
In the trailer for the new show, Joanna opens by saying, ‘What I always like to tell my clients is, as your home evolves and as the story of your family evolves, you want to make these spaces work for you. The idea of Mini Reni is this is where I can feel a bit more freedom to try new ideas and end with these fresh finished spaces that didn’t require months of work.’
The premise of the show, which premiered last night, is not to rip everything out and start again; it’s to work with what you’ve got, get creative, and not overspend. And I think that’s something so many of us can relate to.
‘What I love about Mini Reni is the freedom to go all-in on just one or two smaller spaces,’ says Joanna. ‘These aren’t whole-house renovations, so the heart behind the show is to inspire people to design their home gradually, and thoughtfully, so that instead of having to wrap your mind around the million details that go into a bigger renovation, you can enjoy the process of creating beauty by narrowing in, flexing your creativity, and embracing the small details that really tell your story.’
So this show won’t be about doing up a whole home. It’s not the huge projects we saw with The Castle, The Hotel or The Lakehouse, it’s small-scale projects in real homes belonging to the real local people of Waco, Texas.
Each episode sees Joanna take on a ‘mini reni’, right in her own hometown. The focus is on just one space, not the entire home. The turnarounds are quick and the budgets are realistic, and the results are beautiful. Each project begins with three words that describe how the homeowner wants the space to feel.
‘At Magnolia Network, we’re always seeking stories that are both inspiring and approachable, and Mini Reni embodies both,’ says Allison Page, President of Magnolia Network. ‘Joanna has a remarkable talent for making design feel relatable and engaging, and this series reflects those strengths in a fresh format.’
When Joanna announced the new series on Instagram, it got a lot of love from her followers. Clearly, we were all ready to see something like this from Joanna, the same iconic modern-farmhouse style she creates in her massive reno projects, just on a smaller, more accessible scale.
‘Our goal was to capture Joanna’s creative vision and bring her design process to life in a way that feels true to who she is,’ says Jarrett Lambo, Executive Vice President of Blind Nil, the Gaines’ production company. ‘Having collaborated with Jo on numerous Magnolia Network productions over the years, our team has developed an understanding of her unique approach to storytelling. Projects like these have always grounded Jo after large-scale renovations, giving her the chance to reconnect with the heart of what inspires her most.’
‘You’ll see in Mini Reni, we focused on the magic Jo creates – it wasn’t about extensive rebuilds, but about meaningful spaces and the dynamics between how people live and where they spend their everyday lives with their loved ones.’
Shop Joanna Gaines’ signature style
Luckily, Joanna has made her style so simple to shop with her Magnolia store, and the new summer collection is perfect for some quick and easy updates. Here’s what I am picking out to give a mini update to my home.
Dusty Blue and White Distressed Canisters
I have lots of vignettes around my home that I like to switch around whenever I stop noticing them. There’s one on my kitchen countertop that’s due a change up, and this ceramic canister would be perfect for adding a touch of vintage charm.
Snowball Hydrangea Bundle
I’ve always been skeptical of faux flowers, but Magnolia’s selection is so beautifully realistic, not a plastic green stalk in sight. These hydrangeas look just like the real thing and will last far longer.
Your Story Wooden Display Cabinet
In the theme of a Mini Reni, I think this is one of those small, affordable pieces that can really update a room. Pop in a kitchen to keep your nicest glassware on show or in the bathroom for some chic yet practical storage. It’s the perfect little space to create a characterful vignette.
Maxine Gingham Duvet Cover
I love to update my bedding with the seasons, it’s a mini change I can make in an instant that really impacts the feel of my bedroom. I am obsessed with gingham right now (isn’t everyone), and this lovely mossy green colorway feels perfect for this time of year.
Made with a vintage-inspired watercolor motif originally painted by Magnolia’s in-house artist, this little yellow and blue plate is too pretty to keep in a cabinet. There’s a whole collection of similarly adorable pieces – the Luna Collection – so plenty to mix and match with.
Forged Tulip Taper Holder
This is my personal favourite piece from the new summer collection. I have been on the hunt for something similar second-hand, but when I saw this, for that price, the search was over. Pair with some pastel taper candles for the perfect summer tablescape addition.
I am already invested and feeling inspired by Joanna’s new show, and it’s definitely got me thinking about the three words I want my spaces to feel like and the little tweaks I can make to get there. The first episode of Mini Reni aired last night (15/04) on Magnolia Network and Max, and there will be nine episodes of the series, airing each Wednesday through to July 9.
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