Small Office, Big Upgrade: My Easy Workspace Refresh

I’m excited to share a little space that’s made a big difference in my everyday routine, my home office. Tucked upstairs, this little office nook just needed a bit of love, and with a few simple updates, including beautiful new drapes, it now feels warm, cozy, and truly me. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a space that doesn’t inspire you, this refresh might just be the nudge you need. Let me show you how a few intentional changes can turn even the smallest office into a space you love spending time in.

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“The colors and design of a home should be a reflection of the people who live inside.” — Amy Wax

Why My Small Home Office Deserved a Makeover

Like many spaces that evolve over time, my home office had become a little too…gray. Not that there isn’t anything wrong with gray, however, the walls, furniture, and even the accessories all blended into the same soft tone. While it wasn’t unpleasant, it lacked warmth, my love of color, and the bit of personality I crave in the spaces I spend time in. I wanted it to feel more cheerful, more me and Big Al, without a major overhaul.

New drapes from TheHues in a lighter, softer fabric gave the space an instant lift. I brought in colorful artwork that made me smile and added a few warm accessories—a pillow here, a pop of greenery there. Those simple updates brought the room to life. It’s still calm and cozy, but now it has color, charm, and a whole lot more of my Mitten heart.

Close-up of fabric featuring a detailed bird perched on a branch with pink and green floral patterns.

The Power of Drapes: Softening My Office Space

Drapes aren’t just for privacy, they’re an easy way to add warmth, texture, and a cozy layered look to a small home office.

When I originally updated the office space, about eight years ago, it was the last space in our home to be updated so the budget was running low. I’m sure many of you can relate! Anyway, the curtains I purchased were very inexpensive and have faded terribly over time. So, I decided new window treatments were the best place to start.

Why Window Treatments Matter in a Small Space

Every detail counts when working with a small space. Drapes aren’t just functional, they can transform the feel of the room. I like to think of them as the statement piece. Surprisingly, in my office space the window takes up almost one whole wall. Therefore, I wanted something that would soften the natural light and add a cozy, finished look to the room.

The Drapes I Chose for My Cozy Home Office

For my new window treatments, I partnered with TheHues to bring in a pair of drapes that felt light, elegant, and timeless. I selected Peacock/Spring because they complement the rest of my cottage-style decor and add just the right amount of pattern and texture without overwhelming the small space. Thanks to the meticulous lining, pinch pleats, and memory training, these drapes hang flawlessly, looking as if they were professionally installed.

Close-up of pleated floral curtains with a bird and botanical print, from TheHue hanging from a dark curtain rod with rings.

The moment I hung these drapes, they instantly brought the office to life! The soft green color throughout, along with the pinky-peach blooms create a gentle, cottage-style backdrop. However, it’s the beautiful birds perched throughout the pattern that truly make these drapes special. Each panel feels like a little piece of art, with different birds nestled among the flowers, adding whimsy, warmth, and just the right touch of nature. They frame the window beautifully and bring a peaceful, garden-inspired charm to the whole space.

The drapes are beautiful and immediately gave the room a more charming and polished feel.


“There is a magic in that little world, home; it is a mystic circle that surrounds comforts and virtues never known beyond its hallowed limits.” – Robert Southey

Accessorizing My Small Office for Style & Comfort

Adding accessories to any space is one of my favorite things to do. From lighting to artwork, accessories can really add charm and personality, transforming any space.

I started with the artwork. First, I tried some artwork I already had stashed away, but nothing was quite right. I can’t tell you how pieces I bought and brought home. I ended up with three new pieces and used an existing piece on a different wall. You may think that is a bit much to purchase three new pieces, however, I bought them at Marshall’s and the price point was fabulous!

You can’t have too many throw pillows or covers, in my opinion! A pillow cover or a new pillow, for my office upgrade, was the question. Typically, I’m a big pillow cover girl because they are less expensive and so easy to switch out when you need a change. However, for this project, I found the perfect accent pillow to offset my beautiful drapes! With the same color scheme, the paisley print looks amazing in the space. If you’re looking for a new throw pillow, you can see some of my favorite pillow covers and pillows here.

Ornate light-colored wooden accent chair with a patterned cushion and matching ottoman on a grey carpet. The furniture has a distressed or antique finish, complementing the classic decor.

I’m obsessed with beautiful lighting. So, picking out a new lamp for the credenza in this space was a fun and exciting decor change. I found this gem on sale and it was the same green in the Peacock/Spring drapes.

Last but not least, I added a little greenery! Real or faux, a little greenery makes every space feel more alive.

A few helpful decor tips

  • Shop Your Home: Before you buy anything new, take a look around your home because you might already have the perfect pillow, plant, or picture frame tucked away in another room. I love moving decor around from room to room. It makes any space feel new!
  • Mix High and Low: Consider splurging on one item that makes you smile or you feel you just have to have. For instance, a beautiful piece of art or a handmade pillow, then pair it with more affordable finds from big-box stores or budget-friendly retailers.
  • Shop Secondhand First: There are plenty of beautiful items to be found in secondhand stores. Especially when you are shopping for accessories. Thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, estate sales, and garage sales are treasure troves for budget-friendly, one-of-a-kind accessories like artwork, lamps, and vintage textiles.
  • Check the Clearance Aisle: Big box stores like Target, HomeGoods, and Hobby Lobby often have clearance sections tucked away in the back. It’s worth a quick look as you never know what gem you’ll find!
  • Take Photos of Your Space: Have a few pictures on your phone so you can reference colors, furniture styles, and dimensions when you’re out shopping.

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Shop My Storefront

If you enjoy the home decor, DIY projects, and cozy finds I share here on the blog, you can find many of my favorite items in my Amazon storefront. Shopping through my storefront is a wonderful way to support Cottage in the Mitten, and it means so much to me. Thank you so much for being here and following along!

Bright and cozy home office with floral pleated curtains, from TheHue, a white desk with greenery, a light wood cabinet with mirrored doors, and soft neutral decor including a green lamp and blush pink planter.

My Transformed Small Office: Ready for Productivity & Style

There you have my small office transformation! If my experience has inspired you to tackle your own home office, know that even small changes can lead to big results.

And while each accessory added something special, it was the drapes that stole the show! The soft pattern of florals and birds brought warmth, movement, and just the right amount of cottage charm to my small office.

Thanks for being here today for my office update! I hope it encourages you to take a look at your own workspace and add a little updated beauty, comfort, and charm.

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16 Comments

  1. What a beautiful transformation, Kim! The floral drapes are just dreamy—so soft and timeless. I love how they add such charm and warmth to your home office. You did such a lovely job partnering with The Hues Home to bring this vision to life. The pleats, the print, the whole feel… just perfection. So inspired by how you create such peaceful, welcoming spaces!

  2. Those drapes are amazing… love the birds as you know. It turned out just fabulous. I will have to check out the Hue as I finish decorating my cottage on the island.

  3. Kim, I love the draperies you selected from The Hue. They are stunning and such a small change can have a huge impact in your space. Your office is beautiful and those draperies are stunning!

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