Joanna Gaines' Fixer Upper Flip Proves She Can't Get Enough Of One Hot Design Trend

If you're a "Fixer Upper" fan, you are likely familiar with Joanna Gaines' appreciation for the modern farmhouse style. However, in one recent renovation, she leans into a mid-century modern aesthetic instead. In her latest lakehouse project series, "Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse," you'll witness a true testament to her artistry and ability to seamlessly combine form and function. The star of the show this season? The tiny tile.

Trendy tiny tiles can be found at almost every corner of this Lake Waco, Texas, renovation. From the cozy coffee nook to the mess-friendly mudroom sink, you'll find green gridded tile, yellow square tile mosaic, and more. Joanna's innovative use of smaller-sized tiles creates a custom yet clean-lined look that highlights useful spaces that may have otherwise been overlooked, making it a hot design trend for anyone who wants to maximize their space and make a statement. 

Throughout this 1960s lake house renovation, you'll find "nods to mid-century style with minimalist, clean lines," as Gaines shares in her Magnolia blog. One of these "nods" is the small square tiles she incorporates in many of the rooms. If you take a look around, you may just be inspired to incorporate some clever backsplash or shower tile ideas with tiny tiles in your own home.

With a bit of planning, tiny tiles have the power to make small spaces seem larger and bring forgotten areas to life. The way Joanna Gaines strategically decides the placement, size, color, and pattern of tiny tiles is what makes them so effective in capturing one's attention without being distracting or overwhelming. By thoughtfully planning your tiny tile placement, you too can highlight a useful space or add dimension to your backsplash with trendy tiles in a way that is cohesive and practical.

In another Magnolia blog post, Gaines advises, "For a simple, clean, and modern look, set your tiles directly on top of or beside one another. This style fits in especially well with mid-century design." Her consistent use of square tiles creates a uniform look that flows from one room to another, while a playful use of various colors creates focal points without disrupting the flow. In this particular project, Gaines' color choices are inspired by the surrounding nature of the property, including mid-century greens and yellows that also reflect the style of the house.

When it comes to incorporating small tiles in your own space, remember to choose shapes, colors, and placements that best suit your personal style. During the planning phase, it may be helpful to consider the time period your house was built or look to your surroundings for inspiration. 

There's much to consider before installing tile in your home including materials, labor, timing, and cost. For example, if you're drawn to materials like glass and granite, you'll end up spending more than if you go with the budget-friendly travertine or ceramic. The average cost for professional installation of a ceramic, travertine, or porcelain tile floor is $8 to $44 per square foot.

If you want your home to look like it was designed by Joanna Gaines without breaking the bank, try some of these tiles on for size. Shop at Home Depot to find prices for about $9 per square foot, like the EpicClean Milton Glamour 13 x 11-inch Glazed Ceramic Penny Round Mosaic Tile. If you're looking for something a bit more bold, check out the Merola Tile Twist Square Green Kiwi 11¾ by 11¾-inch Ceramic Mosaic Tiles that cost around $12 per square foot at Lowe's.

You can also explore tons of tips for making your tile look more expensive than it is, such as arranging them in a trendy pattern, using a thoughtful color palette, or by drawing inspiration from the style of your home. By shopping smart and getting a little creative, you can achieve the high-end look of Joanna Gaines' style while staying on budget and making it your own.