I am hooked on Joanna Gaines' new Mini Reni series, and with its focus on small, easy-to-achieve projects, these episodes are speaking to me even more than the big, inspiring projects we've seen on Fixer Upper. This series is about overhauling a space quickly but effectively, taking underused or underloved rooms and turning them into something beautiful and functional.
In the latest episode, she takes a characterless guest bedroom that's restricted in size and transforms it into a magical playroom that looks like it leapt right out of a storybook.
The space is filled with whimsical playroom ideas, from a vintage-style wallpaper inspired by maps to a hidden door fitted between the shelves of books. Joanna explains in a recent video about the episode, 'I feel like playrooms really allow you to tap into that childlike wonder that we all have in us.'
Before
Joanna was not put off by the small guest bedroom from which her transformation was to start. She explains 'This playroom was one of my favorite projects because it's such a small space, but we got to really maximize every square inch of this room.'
You can see Joanna has enhanced the bones (which, despite being a small room, are beautiful) of the space, highlighting the large window by fitting a window seat and creating a feature out of the curved bookcases by selecting a strong paint color.
Hidden between the shelves of books is a secret door that leads you into the magical world of nature that Joanna based the design around. Hidden door ideas are so fitting for a kid's room as they incorporate a sense of novelty. She says, 'I think the cherry on top is the secret door. What kid does not want a secret door into their playroom?'
After
To truly bring the design to life, Joanna gave the space a theme that clearly connects to the children's interests. She says, 'Laura, whose playroom this is, has three kiddos, and they are all outdoor lovers.' Using her newest book (The Wonder You See) as inspiration, she explains, 'They are always bringing nature inside, whether that's the rocks, the pinecones, the flowers, and so I felt like this book felt perfect in the space.'
There are so many points of interest in the space. From the clever storage idea of using the peg board across the left wall to the plush window seat opposite, there are plenty of areas for the children to enjoy. 'Everywhere you look, there's a detail or something we really were excited about implementing into this design.'
The closet is tucked away and gives the room practicality, fitted with drawers for storage. 'One of the things that I just love in here is this once-plain closet. We added this fun wallpaper and this Magnolia lamp, which is one of my favorite lamps. The yellow with this shade is just so cute. Then we added this vintage-inspired tray that I think fits so good in the space. '
Shop the look
Joanna says, 'One more thing I pulled from the shop are these pillows that we designed with Loloi. This just adds that texture and the layers of color that really help bring everything together.'
From rattan to wood, you'll notice an array of warm textures in the playroom. This adorable lemon-shaped canister is perfect for storing trinkets and giving an empty shelf some fun.
Providing ample lighting and tucked neatly away, this vintage-inspired sconce gives the playroom a charming, lived-in feel that works particularly well in the space.
Joanna says her newest book was the inspiration behind the playroom's nature theme. She places it at the heart of the bookshelves so the children can reach for it with ease.
Nodding to the nature theme, Joanna hangs this pressed flower picture on the wall for a sense of charm and character that ties in with the rest of the scheme.
Joanna says she loves this light as 'it's so cute.' Its uplifting yellow base and pleated shade bring a playfulness that's so fitting for the playroom.
Joanna's playroom project is the epitome of fun and playful design that looks great but doesn't focus so much on aesthetics, it loses focus on the people who will be using the room the most – the kids. It's a space that couldn't be more fitting for kids, serving as the perfect place for playing, reading, and relaxing.
For more one-of-a-kind transformations, tune in to Joanna's Mini Reni series every Wednesday at 8 pm ET until July 9th.
