Joanna Gaines Shares A Budget-Friendly Way To Upgrade Any Room Without Going Broke

In "Mini Reni," Joanna Gaines showcases simple, budget-friendly upgrades that can be completed in a short amount of time for less money than a full-scale renovation. In season 1, episode 2 of the show, Gaines shares with viewers a budget-friendly way to upgrade a room using lumber as faux ceiling beams. This episode featured a mini renovation of a foyer and dining room in a Southwestern-inspired design. A combination of earthy materials, textures, and refined details, including ceiling beams, created an inviting and functional space at an affordable price. 

Ceiling beams are a timeless architectural feature that adds character and sophistication to homes in many design styles. Installing decorative ceiling beams is an economical way to upgrade the aesthetic of your home. Additionally, this is a ceiling design idea that can make small rooms look bigger, making it ideal for compact spaces. In smaller rooms, ceiling beams draw the eye upward and create the illusion of taller ceiling heights. Joanna Gaines uses this quick upgrade to elevate the style of the home for less. 

Joanna Gaines used a simple paint refresh and added texture by creating beautiful ceiling beams in the foyer and dining room of the home in "Mini Reni." She used 4 x 4 posts and cut them down to 3 x 4 to fit nicely against the existing ceiling. To use this trick in your own home, you'll need to cut the posts to the correct length to fit your ceiling. Once the posts have been cut to size, they should be sanded to a smooth finish to create the look of refined beams.

You can personalize this design idea by designing your ceiling beams in the way that best suits your home's style and desired aesthetic. Decorative ways to style and elevate the look of ceiling beams can be as simple as the color you choose for paint or stain. If you want a more natural tone, a lighter wood stain will achieve the desired look. If you prefer more contrast, a darker brown or black can provide a dramatic effect. 

Of course, no design idea is a good fit for every home. Some people don't like the look of exposed beam ceilings because they think it is visually distracting or makes the room feel cluttered. Other people think only genuine exposed beams are acceptable and don't like adding beams to an existing ceiling because they are not authentic.

Authentic exposed beam ceilings are timeless and elegant, so the preference for authenticity is understandable. However, genuine exposed beams also have drawbacks. Important things to consider before creating an exposed ceiling in your space include higher heating and cooling costs due to a lack of insulation, and a potential negative effect on your resale value.

While this budget-friendly upgrade may not feature authentic exposed beams, this inexpensive project allows you to avoid the disadvantages of exposed beams. If you love the look of ceiling beams and want to add texture to your home without going broke, a little paint and some wood posts may provide the low-cost solution you need.