Fixer Upper-Inspired Designs That Make Sense For Small Spaces

Although Chip and Joanna Gaines typically design large, Texan homes in "Fixer Upper," they also have plenty of space-saving tips you can steal for a compact interior. Just because you're lacking space doesn't mean your home has to lack style. Borrow inspiration from the king and queen of innovative designs and turn your small-scale space into a functional and fashionable abode. From a few key accessories to life-changing furniture pieces, there are plenty of concepts to try. Designing and decorating your home like Joanna Gaines is all about being intentional with the spaces you have, which is especially true if you are working with very limited square footage.

Whether you want to maximize your kitchen or find a creative place to put your bed, there are tips for a range of rooms and layouts. Choose the arrangement or decor concept that works best for you and start creating a home that works for your needs. Here, we've highlighted the top tips from Joanna and Chip that can be applied to small spaces to inspire your next project.

Joanna and Chip got creative with their kitchen design in Season 4, Episode 2. Most notably, they added a multi-purpose piece of furniture that combined a dining booth with a kitchen island. This added extra prep space and seating with one fluid piece. To add even more value, the duo created storage cabinets within the structure itself. Custom, multi-functional furniture is ideal for making the most of a small space, especially if you have an open kitchen without a designated dining area.

If you aren't able to commission a custom piece like the one showcased on "Fixer Upper," there are some existing furniture options that have a similar effect. Look for dining sets with built-in storage like this Riverbay Breakfast Corner Nook. You can also attach floating seating directly to your kitchen island using Good Bones' creative barstool idea for a small kitchen space. Or, try Joanna Gaines' clever upcycle if you're low on kitchen storage space and create an island using an antique cabinet or vintage dresser, then add a small stool or two for seating.

You don't have to forgo a large bathroom mirror just because of a lack of wall space. In Season 4, Episode 3, Chip and Joanna came up with a space-savvy solution that still allowed for an expansive mirror. Instead of installing traditional bathroom light fixtures either above or flanking the mirror, they attached two sconces directly onto the surface itself. While this might require some creative wiring, it is a great way to save space without compromising on luxury.

If you want to install a wall-to-wall mirror but it leaves you limited space for statement lighting, don't give up. A larger mirror can make your space appear more open, as can the right lighting. By installing sconces onto the edges of your mirror, you can maximize and enlarge your space. Cutting glass can be difficult, so it's best to hire a professional glass cutter to create holes in your mirror and an electrician to wire and mount the sconces. Or you can opt for a DIY-friendly solution, like these Battery-Operated Wall Sconces from iThird, that can mounted on the surface of your mirror with the included adhesive tape.

In Season 5, Episode 14, Chip and Joanna added a creative piece of wall decor to their clients' kitchen. Because the sink was against an interior wall, they wanted to create the illusion of a nicer view. Joanna hung a grid-style mirror above the sink to reflect light and make the space appear more open. This is an excellent solution if you want to visually expand your small cooking space. It will reflect the rest of the room, or even the view outside if you have a window on the other side of the kitchen. 

There are a few different types of mirrors to consider for hanging above your sink. If you want to closely replicate Joanna Gaines' stunning kitchen design without spending a fortune, Amazon has several similar options. Try this farmhouse-inspired Black Grid Wall Mirror by Wamirro. Or, if you want to create a more elegant, vintage appearance, experiment with an antique French mirror with a gold frame. You can also create a backsplash by tastefully incorporating mirrored tile into your kitchen. All of these tricks will maximize natural light and your sense of space.

Joanna and Chip designed their first-ever loft in Season 5, Episode 16. In order to maximize the open space, they created a cube-style home office with a lofted bed on top. This unique feat of construction allowed them to turn one corner of the apartment into two distinct living spaces. In fact, a DIY lofted bed is more doable and less expensive than you think. If you're lacking floor space but you have high ceilings, this is a clever solution.

Rather than having the office/loft combo custom-built, you can purchase a combination version on Amazon. This Twin-size Loft Bed and L-shaped Desk has plenty of storage. For a larger version, opt for this Full Loft Bed with a Desk from Harper & Bright Designs. Another alternative is a Murphy bed with a foldable desk this Queen-sized Cabinet Bed from Bekeknlny. Although this isn't as elaborate as Chip and Joanna's solution, it will still save floor space and give you a designated work area. 

In order to create an additional eating space in an unconventional layout, Chip and Joanna added a breakfast nook to a bay window in Season 5, Episode 2. They built a window seat and then extended the bench along the sides of each adjacent wall. This created more seating in an otherwise compact area. Adding built-in benches or furniture that sits flush against the wall is a great way to keep a small space from looking cluttered.

A bay or recessed window offers an excellent opportunity for additional seating. While you don't have to wrap the bench all the way around the sides of your room, even a single window seat can elevate a small space. Try placing a bench against the window and adding a table with two small chairs in front. To take full advantage of the space, make sure the bench or booth you choose has built-in storage. For a similar Chip and Joanna-inspired idea that works for a compact dining area, tuck a breakfast banquette like the Yongqiang Modern Settee between a small table and the wall.

Chip and Joanna usually renovate sprawling homes. However, the tiny farmhouse in Season 5, Episode 9, was an exception. The kitchen was very small, but Chip thought of a smart way to include all of the necessary appliances. He sourced models designed to be installed in RVs. Although you might think your kitchen is too small to add little luxuries like dishwashers or a full-size oven, these compact appliances can solve the space issue.

Because the appliances are intended to be used in a mobile environment, RV-approved appliances typically use less electricity. So, this can be an energy-saving solution if you are revamping a small, off-grid, or low-consumption space like a cabin or tiny home. However, many RV appliances run on propane gas, so make sure to select an electric option.

Maximizing light in every capacity is key for visually expanding a space. In Season 5, Episode 3, even the clients couldn't believe that their dining room was the same size. Gayle asked, "So, is this the same size room as it was before or is it bigger?" Joanna responded, "It remains the same. It's just by adding those French doors, obviously this recessed lighting..." The combination of natural and artificial light illuminated the space from several different angles, making it look brighter and feel more open.

To create an ultra-bright space, go for French doors that have see-through glass panels. If privacy is a concern, try frosted glass or add privacy film. Allowing light to pass through between rooms or from the outside is key. Adding recessed lighting can be a more involved process, but there are some DIY variations that don't require rewiring. For example, these Magnetic Ceiling Lights by Koopala have several brightness and color temperature options while running entirely on batteries.

Separation of space is key if you have a studio apartment or a combined living, dining, and kitchen space. If you're working with a small space, it can be tricky to make your home feel open and airy while still maintaining designated areas. However, blocking light with a wall or divider is a risky choice. Chip and Joanna came up with a brilliant solution in Season 5, Episode 1. They added see-through bookshelves that allowed light to flow from one room to another without committing to an entirely open-concept floor plan.

Search for a backless bookcase with cabinets at the bottom to recreate Chip and Joanna's look without a remodel. This Sicotas 5-tier Bookshelf is available in one, two, or three pieces depending on how long you want your divider to be. For a sleeker look, IKEA offers the TROTTEN Double-sided Cabinet with sliding doors. Whatever open shelving you choose, just make sure not to pack them too full or it will counteract the airy, two-sided effect.

In order to make a compact master bedroom feel larger, Chip and Joanna added small details that made a big difference. One of the most notable design choices from Season 5, Episode 7, was the closet with reflective paneled doors. Joanna added mirrored squares in a grid pattern, adding character and making the room appear more spacious. While it's no secret that mirrors can make a space feel larger, mirrored furniture is an excellent solution that is often overlooked.

Although old-school mirrored closet doors might appear dated, there are ways to utilize reflective glass in a more chic, updated way. For example, Joanna's creation used a grid pattern, which is a top-trending designer technique. You can add mirrored panels to your dresser or wardrobe by purchasing Frameless Mirror Tiles from Demaike and attaching them with a strong adhesive. If you can't find mirrored panels to fit your piece of furniture, don't fret! You can use metallic spray paint to make any surface appear ultra-reflective. While it won't have the exact same effect as a real mirror, coating pieces in a finish like Rust-Oleum's Chrome Spray Paint will help bounce light around, brightening your small space.