*Note: there is an updated office post here!
Colorful & Eclectic Home Office Decorating
Ilove my newly decorated home office. It is my own space at last, and I couldn’t be happier. For years I wanted a place just for me — a calm retreat from a loud, busy home. I wanted a room that felt vibrant and eclectic, filled with color and things I love, yet comfortable enough to breathe, relax, and recharge.
Finally having this space brought me to tears. It was long overdue. Now I feel refreshed, organized, and ready to take on whatever comes next.
It may seem silly to be so moved by a home office, but when my daughters and I first closed the door, we discovered our own little girl space. That first moment of bliss confirmed everything — it remains a favorite spot for us.
The room is cozy rather than grand, and I didn’t buy every new piece on the market. Instead I curated a joyful mix of items I already owned, a few new finds, and sentimental pieces that make me want to spend time here. While some people prefer minimal, neutral spaces, I thrive surrounded by memories, scent, and color — they calm and energize me.
This is my happy place. My splurge on patterned Anthropologie curtains makes me smile every time I see them. A plump orange cushion from World Market brightens the antique swan chair. A sketch from our Disney vacation brings happy memories. Scents from a favorite candle and a little whale print on the wall remind me of family and bring a daily smile.
Most of our home walls are neutral, but I took a risk here and painted this room a deep, rich navy (Glidden Rich Navy). The color complements the curtains and perfectly sets the mood I wanted. If you’re hesitant about bold color, try it in just one room — it can transform the feeling of the space.
It has quickly become a favorite room in the house. Everyone wants to be in here, although I jokingly tell most guests — with the exception of my dad — that it’s a girls-only room.
This desk has been with me for years. It’s a Pottery Barn piece that still serves me well, so I reused it rather than buying new. Reusing furniture saved money and supplied the storage I needed to keep the room functional. I also love having a window view—watching the trees move while I work is calming and inspiring.
I enjoy layering old and new. The antique swan chair adds character and a quirky charm you can’t achieve with all-new matching pieces. The eclectic mix creates personality and warmth.
The tufted “Cute as a Button” chairs live up to their name. My girls love to sit there to read, craft, and chat — it’s a cozy little nook for them, too.
Small treasures add personality: an owl bookend I’ve had for years, a turtle box that holds paperclips, and metallic accents that lend texture and shine. I even brought in a beloved file box to keep things organized — it has a place in this room now.
To refresh existing bookcases without painting, I lined the backs with map paper and added small blue knobs for a touch of sparkle. Little changes like this brighten dark wood and make furniture feel new again.
We have a “whale on a shelf” tradition here — a playful twist on Elf on the Shelf that suits our family perfectly.
A white elephant statue adds another quirky focal point. I like rooms that include conversation pieces and unexpected elements.
I’m a sucker for cute pens and pencils. They live in a mason jar on my desk and make simple tasks more enjoyable.
A favorite mug, a pretty pen, and my blogging journal sit within reach — it’s the little things that make the space useful and personal.
The round rug from Pottery Barn layers over patterned carpet to add light and softness. Its shape draws the eye to the center of the room and highlights an antique crystal chandelier — a fixture I saved from a previous home that finally found the perfect spot here.
Outside the door, subway-style art lists names of places from our hometown, adding a personal touch to the entry.
I covered the back of a lawyer’s bookcase with blue polka dot fabric to soften the cabinet and add a whimsical contrast. I like mixing feminine touches with more serious pieces to create balance and surprise.
Sea life art in mixed-metal frames brings coastal charm to a wall, and swing-arm reading lights on dimmers provide soft, adjustable illumination for reading or relaxing in the chairs.
A small whale print above the mirror is a sweet, meaningful piece that ties into our family’s love of whales and adds a gentle, reassuring message to the room.
I found a small sailboat accent I adore — the kind of detail that makes the room uniquely mine.
My Home Office Makeover!
So, there you have it — my finished home office. I’ve already started planning a few new projects that will bring elements from this space into other rooms while letting each area maintain its own personality. There are a few surprises in the works that I can’t wait to share.
Thanks for stopping by! Now you know where to find me — I’ll be in my office. If you have questions about anything in the room, ask and I’ll share sources in a follow-up post.
Wall Color: Rich Navy, Glidden
All the Home Office Makeover posts