It can be easy to forget that the spaces in our homes don’t have to stay one way or forever serve the same purpose they did when we moved in. This project reminded me that sometimes simply switching up the roles our rooms play can make our home feel fresh and intentional. For this young family, we ended up swapping their existing living room and dining room to create a more natural flow through their main living spaces, and we centered the design around their favorite style—Southwestern—with terracotta floors, an earthy color palette, natural finishes, and plenty of practical details to make sure these spaces functioned beautifully.
What We Updated: Foyer
Paint: We refreshed the walls and ceiling with Blanched Interior Paint in Eggshell Finish, then the trim and door with Embossed Letter Trim, Door + Cabinetry Paint in Semi-Gloss Finish for contrast. On the cabinets, we went with Remote Trail Trim, Door + Cabinetry Paint in Satin Finish as a focal point. (All from Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines crafted by KILZ.)
Millwork: To help hide the extra clutter that can collect in entryways, we installed custom-made shaker doors on existing open shelving. This addition included new antiqued brass hardware, and a built-in bench seat with corbels and an upholstered cushion. Then, we repurposed a flatweave jute rug for the seat cover!
Lighting: The ceiling light was replaced with an oversized woven flush mount to help center the space.
Floor tile: New terracotta-based tile was installed with a stack-bond laying technique to add hints of Southwestern style.
Ceiling beams: Vertical cedar wood beams (with a golden-oak stain) were added for architectural interest across the ceiling.
Shades: Roman shades were installed on the windows to make a statement while including another woven element, pairing back to the light fixture and decor.
How We Styled It: Foyer
Across from the entry, an acacia wood console table serves as a catchall for elements that tie into the room’s color palette and organic feel, like vintage books, a potted plant, and stack of stones. Our Farrah Table Lamp with a scalloped rattan shade offers height and light texture to the table, sided by our Magnolia Linen Candle.
Above the console table hangs custom artwork done by a local artist—a nod to Southwestern architecture and its notoriously warm earth tones. Two handwoven throw pillows dress the custom-made bench seat, the Penelope Terracotta Down Pillow and Joy Pillow. (From Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi.)
Throughout the space, Jo made sure to incorporate plenty of functional elements that also play into design, like a wicker stool, woven baskets, and a wall-mounted key rack near the door.
What We Updated: Dining Room
Convert rooms: One of the first things we did was swap the living space with the dining room, formerly near the back of the house. This helped to create a better flow for the homeowners and allowed for more natural lighting.
Paint: Everything was painted Embossed Letter for cohesion and overall flow—Eggshell Finish for walls and ceilings, Semi-Gloss Finish for the trim and door. (From Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines crafted by KILZ.)
Ceiling: To highlight the original tray ceiling, we cut and sanded 4"x4" cedar planks down to 3"x4" beams (in a golden-oak stain) to install across the center, equally spaced. This was an easy, inexpensive way to add texture and tone to a space with materials found at any local hardware store.
Walls: The walls were originally textured, so we smoothed them to mimic the appearance of a lime wash while staying within budget. This also allowed for the soft curves already present in the room to be a highlight.
Lighting: A three-light wicker chandelier was installed—but the shades were cut down to avoid overpowering the small space. To add extra character, we flanked the doorway with hardwired, pleated sconces.
Shades: Two Roman shades were added to this space, too, corresponding with the entryway and creating more woven accents throughout the home.
How We Styled It: Dining Room
First up, the rug. To ground the space, we chose a handknotted rug marked with traditional motifs and a two-tone color palette—the Ingrid Ivory Earth Rug. (From Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi.)
Leaning into the down-to-earth style of the homeowners, we incorporated warm, earthy hues and textures here, too. The oversized sideboard along the wall features semicircle shaping and hand-applied half-moon hardware, making it a geometrically interesting addition while also providing a storage solution. Atop it, our Dawn Rose Napkins and fluted wine glasses with matching coupes complete the scene.
We styled a metal and marble bar cartOpens in new tab (from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia at Target) with more glasses from Magnolia’s own collection, as well as a hammered copper bottle opener and shaker. Faux dahlias (shop similar) in a handled glass vase add organic movement to the corner.
To fill the walls with personality and charm, Jo chose artwork that felt understated, yet storied—like a still-watered landscape and high-textured gallery.
Lastly, the table. A shapely take on a classic trestle table anchors the room, surrounded by woven dining chairs and an olive green slipcover chair at each end.
The tablescape is centered with two terracotta vases—Camila Terracotta Vase and Camila Rust Teracotta Vase—and plenty of oversized greenery. Twisted brass taper holders (+ hand-dipped candles) are interspersed throughout for a hint of storied charm. Zooming in on the place setting, Lucian Round Placemats are layered with Halston Plates and antique gold flatware.
Shop the Room
Explore a curation of pieces featured in, and inspired by, these Southwestern-style spaces:
To see Jo bring her latest renovations to life, watch new episodes of Mini Reni every Wednesday at 8p/7c on Magnolia Network and Max.
MORE DESIGN SOURCES
ENTRY TILE: Artillo 4x8 Concrete Tile in Cafe Ola, Arto | ENTRY CHANDELIER: Stetson Semi-Flushmount by Alder & Ore, Lumens | CABINET HARDWARE: Marella Classic Round Cabinet Knob with Backplate in Antique Brass, Van Dyke's Restorers; Distressed Antique Brass Cabinet Pulls in Antique Brass, Goo-Ki | DINING CHANDELIER: Valier 72" Wide Vintage Gold Leaf 3-Light Chandelier, Troy Lighting | SCONCES: Modern Original Solid Wood Pleated Semi-Circle 1-Light Wall Sconce Lamp in Beige-Pleated, Bulbsquare | SHADES: Wooden Romans (dim) in Quinta Adobe, Budget Blinds
