Joanna Gaines' unusual wallpaper tip will add instant depth to your small space
The celebrity designer's secret will turn your tiny space into a focal point – and create an unexpectedly stylish statement
The question of how to enhance your small space is a favorite amongst designers worldwide, but Joanna Gaines has the answer.
If anybody knows how to style spaces of all sizes, it is Joanna, the Fixer Upper star who has curated rooms of all shapes in front of a global audience. So, when she shared the simple secret to enhancing a tiny room, we were taking notes on everything she had to say.
Revealing her interior design tips, Joanna suggests that instead of turning away from a bold pattern (which is sometimes expected in a small space) – you should experiment with bold, patterned wallpaper that will enhance the area.
'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 explained in a post on Magnolia. While conventions may have previously encouraged you to avoid audacious patterns in tiny spaces, Joanna's tip will not only add depth to your room – but it will create a statement too – and Wallpaper designer Elizabeth Ockford agrees.
'There's a bit of a myth that small rooms require plain, light wall coverings,' she begins. Elizabeth builds on Joanna's wallpaper idea, suggesting you choose a 'medium or large-repeat pattern' that will add a 'sense of depth' that did not exist before. This will ensure your room appears 'more expansive and rooms feel more spacious.'
'The key to making the most of your small space is choosing a wallpaper with a large or medium repeat and hanging it correctly. Wallpapers with a larger repeat will create a cohesive look which will visually expand the sense of space.'
'Once you've committed to your chosen wallpaper, it's best to avoid breaking up the space by painting some walls or using other patterns, as this can emphasize tight quarters and make the space feel even smaller,' Elizabeth adds.
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.
Following Joanna's new wallpaper rule, Elizabeth also shared her small hallway ideas, explaining how you should use wallpaper with a meandering pattern that will 'lead the eye and create a feeling of movement in a connecting space.' 'In narrower areas, pattern adds visual interest without encroaching on precious square footage,' she says.
It's time to redesign your hallway, the Joanna Gaines way.
Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
-
Pro cleaning never put these thrifted items in their home without sanitizing them first – here's why it's vital
Not sanitizing these items first could be a health hazard, experts warn
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
-
Burgundy kitchens are everywhere – this rich-looking color is the new favorite hue for a timeless space
Burgundy kitchens are an emerging trend that's here to stay
By Molly Malsom Published
-
Joanna Gaines's mid-century modern kitchen is the best room she's ever designed – 6 chic and functional buys to replicate the look
Chip and Joanna Gaines's latest project – to celebrate their 10th Fixer Upper anniversary – is their best one to date
By Jennifer Ebert Published
-
Joanna Gaines' Castle kitchen is the best example of 'modern country' I've ever seen – and we should all be replicating it in 2025
Whether you live in a quaint cottage or want to bring some rural charm into your urban home, follow Gaines' lead with this pretty yet practical trend
By Jennifer Ebert Published
-
Joanna Gaines's bathroom makeover has made us rethink this dated trend, and we can't stop admiring the transformation
Complete with statement marble and walnut cabinets, Joanna's bathroom makeover reminds us that a white and gray color scheme will always stand the test of time
By Megan Slack Published
-
Joanna Gaines' latest bedroom makeover isn't a hit with fans – but design experts love the transformation. Here's why
The designer's latest project has triggered a debate – but experts adore its space-enhancing qualities
By Megan Slack Published
-
Joanna Gaines' latest home makeover proves that small spaces can still be spectacular
The Magnolia designer reminds us all that 'fast, minimal work can make all the difference' – and lead to unbelievable results
By Megan Slack Published
-
Joanna Gaines doesn't ever 'want to leave' her garden cottage, and it's easy to see why
The Fixer Upper star has given this plant-lovers paradise an early spring clean – we take a look around
By Megan Slack Published
-
Joanna Gaines converted a sitting area into a butler’s pantry – and it's a lesson in how to perfect modern farmhouse style
The Fixer Upper star created the perfect entertainer's kitchen in a historical setting – here's what the process involved
By Megan Slack Published
-
Exclusive: Joanna Gaines on why neutral rooms are best – but how she's experimenting with moody tones at home
From fall to the festive season – this is how the Magnolia designer uses color to dress her home through the seasons
By Megan Slack Published