This project was pure transformation magic. My bestie Elle (we’ve been friends since way back in the jr. high days and she flew me out to California a couple years ago to remodel the downstairs: peep the before and after here) flew me out to California to makeover her spare room. The goal? A space that could pull double duty: functional home office during the day, zen yoga studio when it’s time to recharge... I guess I’m writing blogs about all my projects now... Moving on.
She’s got a feminine, glam style that’s all her own—no men live here energy—and this room needed to reflect that. What started as a blank, slightly cluttered space turned into a layered, moody, and magical little sanctuary. And we did it all in just a few days.
Here’s the before and after...brace yourself for the glow-up 👇
The Plan 🪄
Before I ever hop on a plane with a tool bag, I’ve already got a whole spellbook of a plan ready to go. Every project I take on gets the full treatment:
- Floor plans so I know the flow will feel right.
- Elevations to figure out where all the details (like mirrors, trim, and lighting) should land.
- Mood boards so the vibe is locked in before a single paint swatch hits the wall.
- A daily schedule because these “power trip” renos happen FAST and every hour counts.
I’m a big believer in measure twice, cut once—but also in plan twice, work once. Having this mapped out means we can pivot when something inevitably goes sideways (because something always does) without losing sight of the bigger picture.
👉 You can peek at some of my mood boards and floor plan breakdown on Instagram here.
The Process
Day 1 – Plans went sideways (shocking no one). There was shopping. More shopping. And then some rearranging of the plan. But hey—that’s part of the magic.
Day 2 – Paint on the walls, wallpaper up, giant mirrors hung, trim rail going in. Suddenly, it was starting to feel like the space we envisioned.
Day 3 & 4 – Full-speed chaos. Lighting installed, vanity painted, accessories styled, and even a bonus mini bathroom refresh because… why not? We worked until the literal morning of my flight out. Extreme makeover energy. 🌪️
Design Details & Tips
- Trim rail = instant polish. Affordable, high-impact, and it makes a room feel designed.
- Mirrors with purpose. They’re not just glam—they let Elle check her yoga form (and okay, her court outfits too).
- Wallpaper drama. Don’t be afraid of bold patterns. This one gave the room depth and mood.
- Zones = balance. Workstation, yoga mat space, and storage all had their roles. That’s how you make one room multitask without feeling messy.
- Details matter. Lighting, accessories, and texture layering turned a basic room into something rich and intentional.
The Result
What started as a plain, cluttered spare room is now Elle’s personal power space: feminine glam meets grounded zen. A place to work, stretch, breathe, and thrive.
✨ Watch the chaos unfold and see the full transformation in action: