My Bold & Cozy Home Office Makeover (Goodbye White, Hello Creativity)
There’s something about a home office that sets the tone for how you show up in your work. For me, I wanted a space that no longer felt sterile or overly polished. I wanted something warm, colorful, and inspiring. A space that reflected creativity, encouraged big ideas, and felt like me.
For too long I had denied myself the expression I really desired for my own personal spaces. If you know our story than you know that this home is experiencing its second wave of design and this space was no different. If I was going to be bold enough to give my girls the purple and pink rooms they asked for, I was going to be bold enough to allow myself a space that truly reflected my personality.
The First Design
As you can see the space was completely uninspiring. And honestly, I don’t think that at this time, I needed it to be. I was working full time as a nurse and the days I had off were spent with my really young girls. I needed a space for a desk and chair, but still, it was so sad. I can remember using these white Ikea curtains I already had and feeling like it fit my needs. Not only did the time I spent in this corner change drastically but so did my entire outlook on designing our home for us to LIVE in.
It All started with the curtains…
I had plans for another project ahead of this corner but then, a friend of mine gifted me the most beautiful velvet teal curtains and the lights went off in my head. I immediately saw a mustard color as their complement and needed to push this project to the top.
I decided on the color Turmeric from Behr and went to Pinterest for inspiration and found the coolest corned that I wanted to replicate.
I wasn’t sure of the tools used to create these scallops but I knew a plate would be the perfect size. So armed with a pencil, a ruler and a paper plate, I was able to create this look in my own corner office space.
I loved it more than I thought I would and couldn’t wait to complete it!
Why This Office Works
I wanted this office to feel cozy but energizing. Colorful without being chaotic. Budget friendly and achievable. And also space where creativity feels effortless. Most importantly, I wanted to break out of the typical gray, white or beige office mold. This space needed to feel lived in, layered, and joyful.
Around the workspace, I added pieces that reflect both creativity and aspiration. Travel-inspired artwork to remind me of how exploration fuels my ideas. A colorful sign that adds personality and warmth. A framed article from my feature in HGTV Magazine — a reminder of what’s possible and how far this journey has already taken me. Personal photos and meaningful keepsakes layered throughout the shelving.
The vision board was inspired by one of my favorite IG follows, @kelseyklos! I partnered with Felt Right Tiles for these acoustic panels. They were incredibly easy to install were perfect for displaying all the things that encourage creativity.
And the best part? This room is continuing to evolve. As I grow into new creative ventures and design work, this office will grow with me. Proof that your home can support the life you're building!
My design takeaways
Don’t be afraid to use color in workspaces
Paint can mimic the look of wallpaper on a budget
Bold doesn’t have to mean overwhelming
Design your space for how you want to feel, not just how it looks
This spot can also change with the seasons! Making for an ever changing festive background.
