Joanna Gaines' Clever Flooring Idea Made One Fixer Upper Dining Room So Unique

On "Fixer Upper," Joanna Gaines' job is all about making home owners' dreams come true. In Season 3, Episode 12, the goal was to preserve the rustic charm of an adorable country house that the Gaineses affectionally nicknamed "Beanstalk Bungalow" after the curious tree in the front yard. The dining room, one of the celebrity designer's favorite rooms, was originally a laundry space, then split into two to incorporate a little eating nook. Because it was situated at the back of the house and led right onto the backyard through newly-installed French doors, Gaines wanted to give it a patio feel. So, she went with an unusual flooring choice: Brick pavers. The result was one of the most stunning floor design choices we've seen on "Fixer Upper."

Typically used outside for their decade-lasting durability and tougher feel, brick pavers can be a gorgeous, unique choice for indoor spaces as well. In this dining room design, their use is particularly genius because it's precisely meant to invoke the outdoors, even if the room is entirely indoors. More specifically, Gaines wanted to channel a "patio diner in Europe" (via Magnolia).

For the fans of all things rustic and warm-toned, brick pavers, or clay pavers, are a brilliant alternative to mainstream indoor flooring. Because they have been used for millennia, bricks immediately evoke a sense of history and continuity, whereas their connection to nature makes them staples of the biophilic interior decor trend. Like Joanna Gaines, you may be a fan of European architecture and want to recreate an ancient Mediterranean villa in your dining room. Whatever the reason, you'll be pleased to learn that not only are indoor brick pavers distinctive and sophisticated, they're also functionally great.

Made at high temperatures to withstand heavy loads, extreme weather, and fire, brick pavers can last up to 100 years with the right care. This makes them a great choice for high-traffic areas like dining rooms, reducing the need for repair and increasing the overall value of the property. Even better, brick flooring is relatively inexpensive compared to natural stone and ceramic tile. There is one downside, however. As a porous material, clay brick is highly susceptible to staining, so food and drink spillage can be a headache unless you're disciplined with your periodic sealing. Every three to five years is how often you should be resealing your pavers, but it all depends on the quality of brick and sealant.