Fixer Upper's Joanna Gaines Shares An Easy Secret To Soften Up Harsh Tile Floors

Tile floors can ruin a homey interior design. While it might be great flooring for the bathroom or kitchen, it's not ideal for a lived-in space like a family room or bedroom. However, "Fixer Upper" star Joanna Gaines proves you don't need to remove the tile to create your cozy home — you just need to cover it up. In an Instagram post about her mini den renovation, Gaines used a large area rug to soften up the existing harsh tile. It gave the room a stylish finish and snug feel without an expensive or time-consuming remodel.

Layering a tile floor with an area rug is one of Gaines' decor tricks to add warmth to any space. Not only does the décor soften your design, it also can dampen noise and trap heat, which can help make the room feel cozier. Plus, rugs are also versatile and easy to swap out whenever you like. Try a circular rug for something unique, or include some tassels around the edges as a subtle way to add texture and style. Patterned rugs are also a great option, and anything from a decorative border to an end-to-end repeating print can make a statement piece under your feet. With the help Gaines' design trick, you can find the perfect rug for your space to style and soften harsh flooring.

As she shared on Instagram, the den in Joanna Gaines' remodel initially had white, square tiles on the floor. This created a cold basement vibe that wouldn't work for a stylish lounge area. Gaines softened up the harsh tile floor with a large area rug in a similar color to the tile, so the pair blended well with each other. The tile was still visible around the edge of the room, but the rug covered the majority of the space and framed the furniture. This design choice is a less expensive alternative to swapping out the tile for hardwood, which, although stylish, could still be uncomfortable without a rug.

Gaines went with a low pile rug for her design, but a thick pile rug, like a shaggy carpet, can also work to bring in more texture, style, and comfort. You can even add padding underneath the rug for more cushion. Although the "Fixer Upper" star used a neutral color rug, you're not limited to just black, white, and gray. The rug can match the color of your tile so it blends in and looks intentional, or, if you're one for dimension and layers, you could choose a rug that's a completely different color. An earthy green or blue, for example, can offer a near-neutral look and complement the other shades in your design. In this revamped space, Gaines proved that a rug is a budget-friendly way to give your floors an upgrade.