Note: there is an updated office post here.
Colorful & Eclectic Home Office Decorating
I love my newly decorated home office. It’s mine alone and I couldn’t be happier. For years I wanted a private space to retreat from our lively household—a cozy, eclectic room full of color and things I love, yet calm enough to recharge. Finally having that spot makes me feel organized, refreshed and ready to tackle everything.
It may sound dramatic to celebrate a home office, but stepping into the room and closing the door with my daughters for the first time felt like pure bliss. It’s our little girl space and it still brings joy every time we use it.
The office is small and cozy—not a sprawling dream suite—but it’s a happy mix of pieces I already owned, a few finds I fell for specifically for this room, and functional storage that keeps the space useful. I didn’t chase every new trend; instead I layered meaningful items and colors that lift my mood.
Where some find calm in stark minimalism, I find comfort in memories and color. Scents, patterns and visuals around me spark creativity and calm. Small treasures—a favorite curtain splurge from Anthropologie, an orange cushion on an antique swan chair, a sketch from a family vacation, or a beloved candle—make the room feel personal and joyful.
The rest of our home tends to be neutral, but in this room I painted the walls a deep blue (Glidden Rich Navy) to complement the curtains and create the mood I wanted. If bold color feels risky, try it in just one room—you may be surprised how transformative it is.
Unexpectedly, this has become one of the most popular rooms in our house. Everyone wants to be in here. I jokingly insist it’s for girls only—except when my dad visits—and the girls love spending time here.
This desk has been with me for years; it’s sturdy and familiar, so there was no need to replace it. I repurposed as much furniture as possible for both budget and storage reasons—function matters in a home office. I also appreciate a view to the outdoors; watching trees move in the breeze is calming and inspiring while I work.
I love mixing old and new. The antique swan chair adds character and playful charm that you don’t get from a perfectly coordinated set. Eclectic layers make a room feel collected and lived-in.
The tufted chairs have been a hit—my girls love to sit, blog and chat in them. Small details like an owl bookend I’ve kept for years or a turtle trinket that stores paperclips bring personality. I also added metal accents for texture and shine; they elevate the room without overwhelming it.
To refresh dark bookcases without painting, I papered the backs with maps and added blue knobs for a little sparkle. These simple changes lighten the pieces and tie them into the room’s palette.
Our whimsical touches include a whale on a shelf (instead of Elf on the Shelf) and an elephant statue that keeps the room feeling playful. I also love practical pretties—cute pens in a mason jar, my favorite mug, a blogging notebook and fresh bouquets. Those little things make the daily routine nicer.
I arranged sea life art in mixed-metal frames for a collected gallery wall and added swing-arm reading lights on dimmers to create flexible mood lighting. A mirror with a sweet whale print above it brings a gentle, personal touch.
I layered a round rug from Pottery Barn over patterned carpet to add warmth and define the room’s focal point—the antique crystal chandelier I’ve saved for just the right spot. The chandelier’s sparkle makes the room feel special.
My Home Office Makeover
This is the finished space. I’ve already started new projects inspired by elements from this room and I’m excited to bring similar touches into other areas while creating distinct personalities for each space. I have a few makeover surprises planned and can’t wait to share them.
Thanks for stopping by—now you know where to find me. I’ll be in my office! I’ll share sources and answer questions in another post, so let me know if there’s anything you want to know.
Wall Color: Rich Navy, Glidden
All the Home Office Makeover posts