Joanna Gaines Completely Flipped Her Historic Farmhouse for This Exciting Reason

Family gatherings are important to Joanna Gaines, which is why she jumped at the opportunity to take over hosting duties from her mother when the chance arose. But in order to do so, Gaines embarked on a massive renovation of the farmhouse to not only fit the entire family, but also maintain the charm of their late 1800s home. In the Fall edition of Magnolia Journal, the Mini Reni host guided readers through her personal process while also providing crucial renovation tips.

Known for years for beloved designs that inspired at-home designers to incorporate her style into their spaces, Gaines opened the doors to the intimate next chapter of her life. The designer revealed:

“A handful of years ago, my mom announced that she was ready to pass on hosting our annual family gatherings and that the torch was mine if I wanted it. Of course, I said yes. I love every part of bringing people together: dressing up the table, creating the menu, and the reward that comes as the food settles and all that’s left to do is sink into warm conversation.”

She also shared how the renovation of her farmhouse dining room created a spot for the entire family.

HGTV’s Joanna Gaines Keeps Character In Historic Homes

After hosting a massive 35-person Easter, Joanna had a new vision of how family gatherings could look in the future. At that time, she had to pull together tables to fit the family, but she had a vision of something different. She shared a maybe-someday image of “all of us in one room at one long table — maybe two — face to face and shoulder to shoulder. I imagined our five kids with families of their own and all the memories that might await in a choice to make space for more.” With a vision of the future, Joanna told her husband, Chip Gaines, it was time to embark on a massive renovation to make the dining room of her dreams. She noted, “The most important elements I knew right away: The room needed to be big enough to seat a lot of people (even if that meant two dining tables), and because our home was built in the late 1800s, I wanted this new space to look and feel as if it had always been there.”

Through this process, Joanna shared crucial tips on the renovation of older homes, saying, “When it comes to adding on to an older home, you want to select materials and finishes that look and feel period-correct.” Though Joanna’s design style has centered around bringing farmhouse-chic to the modern world, her tips on preserving history are crucial. The space, for better or worse, will dictate the direction. Pops of color and timeless material may be incorporated in the finished design, but the story of the past must match the present. She emphasized preserving the home’s character while bringing modern functionality. At the end of the day, the space must not only be functional, but it must also work for you and yours. With major holidays coming soon, Joanna is eager to celebrate the next era of family gatherings in a beautiful new space.

Fans Have Watched Joanna Gaines’ Farmhouse Evolve

Fans of Chip and Joanna have closely followed the journey of their farmhouse. Joanna is someone who practices what she preaches: she celebrates functionality. It’s why the farmhouse is a project that is always changing. Located just outside the Waco perimeter, the 1885-built home has evolved over time to meet the needs of the growing family. From a breathtaking garden to an expansive living room, the home has always been a work in progress with new dreams infused. Even on an episode of Mini Reni, Joanna revealed the transformation of her son’s room into a butler’s pantry.

What’s true in the final product is that the farmhouse is a complete story. Joanna has ensured that when you move from one space to another, it’s seamless. While they can live on their own, there’s cohesion. Through color, materials, and more, the farmhouse is a reflection of the Gaines family.

Joanna Gaines Is All About Family First

Although she’s far from being an empty nester, Joanna has some advice for parents watching their babies fly from the nest: Be there for your children. By sending care packages, doing surprise visits, and lending a supportive ear, the big change will be an easy transition for all. Paired with the family gathering story, the Fall edition of Magnolia also included Joanna’s advice to those parents of college-aged kids.

With Ella heading to school, this marks Gaines’ second child leaving home. She admitted that the only way she knows how to parent is by being in close proximity. “My confidence as a mom is deeply intertwined with physical presence,” she revealed, acknowledging she’s had to refine how she’s there for them. So, while she can’t be there with them at school, she supports them in other ways by sending gifts, texts, and more. She said, “The hope, I think, is that my children will know — no matter how far or near they are — that proximity isn’t what truly connects us.” Maintaining a strong closeness with her children will help make her vision of a big family gathering at holiday functions a reality!