If you’ve been following along, you know I just wrapped up my primary bathroom renovation for the spring One Room Challenge. That project took me four months longer than expected—so I swore I wouldn’t sign up for the fall round. But old habits die hard. And here we are: I’m officially announcing that my next big project is a Fall One Room Challenge home office makeover.
This space has been begging for attention, and honestly, I’ve been robbing Peter to pay Paul—stealing curtains, artwork, and accessories from my office for other rooms in the house. What I’m left with now is essentially a white box. And that’s where I’m supposed to do my most creative work? No thank you. It’s time to give my home office the layered, moody, inspiring feel it deserves.
The Starting Point
The home office is already better off than when it started. Originally this was a pink bedroom with carpet, popcorn ceilings and a dated ceiling fan. Shortly after moving in I decided to paint it white and add an accent wall of peel and stick wallpaper. Needless to say, I’m glad it was peel and stick.


Right now, the space is full of promise but painfully uninspiring. My favorite pieces are already in place:
- A Maitland Smith desk I scored from an estate sale earlier this year
- A vintage Eastlake dresser from Facebook Marketplace for $150 (the perfect storage for files, fabric swatches, and paint samples)
- A mix of vintage lamps and small décor pieces
But aside from that, it’s basically just a white-walled holding pen. My goal with this home office makeover is to create a space that sparks creativity every time I walk in the door.

The Plan
I’m pulling out my DIY tool belt again, and here’s what I have in mind for this Fall One Room Challenge home office makeover:
1. Trimwork with Character
Unlike the elaborate wainscoting I just completed in the bathroom, this time I’m keeping it simple:
- A chair rail
- Picture frame boxes below
- New crown molding to top it all off
Fun fact: none of the upstairs rooms in my house have crown molding. It’s always bothered me. But after learning how to install it during my bathroom renovation, I’m ready to add it to this room—and eventually every other one upstairs.
2. Wallpaper with Personality
Instead of color drenching, I’ll add wallpaper between the chair rail and crown molding. I’ve already ordered samples and I’m excited to land on something that feels bold and inspiring. This will be the moment the room stops being a white box and starts being a true creative space.

Two (of many) wallpaper samples I’ve been starring at for the home office makeover
3. Cohesive Paint Palette
The trim, woodwork, and crown molding will all be painted the same color for cohesion. For the ceiling, I’m leaning toward a complementary cream for warmth and depth.

One of the mock-ups I’ve started playing with for the home office makeover
4. Lighting Upgrade
The current light fixture is too small for the room. I’ll be swapping it out for something more to scale and something that balances function with a little design drama. This light fixture has been on my wishlist for a while now and I’d love to find an excuse to bring it into the office.
5. Vintage Rug Hunt
No room feels complete without a rug that grounds the design. I’ll be on the hunt for a vintage option that ties all the colors and textures together.
The Challenge
On paper, it doesn’t sound too complicated. But there’s a twist: the first week of the challenge, I’ll be traveling. That means zero head start for me. I’m truly committing to the eight-week timeline this time around. Seriously, I’m pointing at the finish line from the very beginning.
Why the Home Office Makeover Project Matters
Unlike a kitchen or bathroom, this project feels lighter and more fun. But it also matters deeply. This is where I do the kind of work that feeds my soul—designing, writing, and creating. A Fall One Room Challenge home office makeover is my chance to build an inspiring environment that reflects my style and supports my creativity.
I hope you’ll follow along, and if you’re feeling extra inspired, join in! The One Room Challenge is all about inclusivity, connection and community.


Related Content

Love that you’re using some amazing thrifted finds as your starting point. I can already feel this room coming to life with your vision and can’t wait to see the pieces come together over the next two months!