Last summer, while chatting with my wonderful friend Thoa at my kitchen counter, I realized I felt stuck working from home. I urgently needed a fresh workspace. My laptop in hand, I shifted from the kitchen to the dining table, then to the couch and bed, consistently avoiding the designated home office that felt uninspiring. Although it was functional, it lacked the spark I needed, prompting me to seek small home office ideas for a quick makeover.
Thoa finally chimed in, “We’re redoing that back room, and I’ll design a new office for you.” I've always admired Thoa's style. As an art director and production designer, her creative skills extended into interior design in ways I hadn’t expected.
Now that it’s finished, I can honestly say I’ve never loved a space as much as this one. It truly reflects this chapter in my life, both personally and professionally.
Scroll down for the home office transformation photos and keep reading for my top small home office tips, ideas, and sources to redecorate on a budget. But first…
Prepare for the before:
Tip 1: Start with lighting.
Initially, my desk faced a wall. We repositioned it to face the windows, brightening the space and minimizing distractions behind me.
This room, added decades ago, had low ceilings and was dimly lit due to the oak trees in our Travis Heights home. Instead of traditional sconces or ceiling lights, we used inventive lighting solutions like lamps, vibrant colors, curtains, and a shell chandelier.
My sister insisted on getting an ergonomic chair for my health. Reluctantly, I moved my favorite vintage chair to the living room and invested in a Herman Miller. While it wasn’t my style, it was worth it.
Shop the look:
Anthropologie Washed Wood Desk, Herman Miller Sayl Chair, Anthropologie Peach Hanging Basket, World Market Studio Day Sofa, CB2 Metal Wall Ledge Antique Brass, Urban Outfitters Knotted Window Curtains
Tip 2: Prioritize functionality.
This room, nestled between our bedroom and bathroom, served multiple purposes including workspace, dressing area, and storage. It often felt like a neglected passageway.
I envisioned the room as a private studio. We cleared out unrelated items like towels and clothing, allowing only studio essentials to occupy the space.
Creating a meditative and serene atmosphere was key. I wanted a place for journaling and planning, while also ensuring family and friends felt welcome. The space needed to feel inclusive.
Shop the look:
IKEA Kallax, Anthropologie Katya Knobs, Vitruvi Stone Diffuser, Crate and Barrel Alina Table Lamp, Crate and Barrel Aosta Mirror, Jack and Jill Wall Tarp
Tip 3: Ask meaningful questions.
How do I envision my time in the studio?
Thoa asked a series of insightful questions to clarify the design intent before we began. I suggest doing this for any room you’re designing. It was invaluable.
- On a scale of 1-5, how comfortable are you with color? 1 being neutral and 5 being open to anything.
- Are there any color combinations currently inspiring you?
- What adjectives describe your ideal studio? How should it feel?
- What are your essentials and deal-breakers (e.g., keep the chandelier, include plants, avoid dark walls)?
- What’s your budget? Essential to know.
I rated my color comfort at 2/3, aligning with my personal style. I desired a warm, sunlit room with purposeful, minimal colors like taupes, ivories, mustards, and reds. Blending bohemian and vintage styles without an overly curated look felt right. I was also keen on incorporating my brand’s colors (shades of ivory, brown, and goldenrod).
I described my envisioned office as eccentric, warm, inviting, nostalgic, artistic, and peaceful—a space that ignites inspiration and comfort.
I wanted it to signify my journey while also providing a calming atmosphere.
Tip 4: Determine your budget.
Establishing a budget proved challenging. I considered working extra hours if I exceeded my initial amount—an impractical mindset, I know, but old habits are tough to break.
I’ve learned that cheap can be costly. For instance, purchasing several inexpensive items only to find them damaged soon after often leads to regretting not investing in higher quality. I set my budget at $2,000, knowing there were cost-saving options.
DIY projects, thrift shopping, and thoughtful gifts helped reduce expenses. My mom gifted me the desk for my 30th birthday, and I received the futon, cabinets, and credenza as presents. We painted the walls ourselves, and I found the rug, side table, and pottery at Revival Vintage, sourced the standing lamp from an antique store, and purchased the chandelier from Craigslist.
Tip 5: Incorporate mirrors to expand the space.
My favorite piece in the office is the mirror. The previous one was lovely but too dark and heavy for the room (we repurposed it elsewhere). I loved the arch cutout design, and the brass was a perfect match for the room’s warm tones and artwork.
With only 230 square feet to work with, a larger mirror leaning against the wall was ideal. It opened the space while adding a decorative touch.
Tip 6: Personalize your space.
We enjoyed curating the ledge with meaningful art—pieces I found in Florence, a self-portrait from my series, Manifest, taken in Zilker Botanical Gardens, and a dancing ladies painting by Ernie Barnes that my parents passed down to me.
Every decorative item carries a story, which I found crucial as a storyteller.
I added personal touches, including a cherished photo-booth picture of my sister, my mom, and me from childhood. I also incorporated plants to introduce the green I had envisioned.
Final thoughts...
The main reason I managed this project amidst work? We took our time. Thoa and I began discussing the office redesign last July, and I finalized touches just last week. Some changes were dramatic, others subtle. Patience played a vital role.
Most importantly, I know none of this would have happened without my friend. The room reflects our bond and symbolizes the love, effort, and care that often feels rare in human connections. I feel all of this when I sit in my newly transformed office.
Image by Whitney McGuire 
