A home office should be more than just a functional space—it should inspire you. And until recently, mine did the exact opposite. It was drab, impractical, and far from cozy. I’d been working from home in a room that felt more like a forgotten corner than a creative space. But thanks to a little online inspiration and a helping hand from the team at Julian Charles, I finally began the transformation my tiny office so desperately needed.
Let me take you back to where it all started.
The Blank Canvas Moment
You might remember I raved about Julian Charles in a previous post about autumn homeware. Their bedding was the star of the show then—soft, stylish, and surprisingly affordable. That’s when I started keeping an eye on the brand, especially after spotting more of their collections at my local C&H Fabrics. Their homeware had that perfect mix of elegance and coziness, so when their in-house designers reached out to collaborate on their #BlankCanvas campaign, I jumped at the opportunity.
The concept was simple: transform an unloved space in your home into something purposeful and beautiful. Share your sad corner, tag it with #BlankCanvas, and get free design advice directly from their team. Genius, right?
So, I put my humble, uninspired office corner out there for the world to see—big clunky chair, no real personality, and certainly no warmth. It wasn’t embarrassing, per se, but it certainly wasn’t Instagram-worthy either. What I received in return was a flood of ideas and encouragement that completely reframed how I thought about my workspace.
The Cozy Office Makeover Begins
The Julian Charles team, along with some lovely folks on Instagram, offered simple yet impactful suggestions. One of the best tips? Add curtains. I’d never even considered how much softer and more private my space could feel with just that small change.
Armed with this advice and a little help from Julian Charles—who generously provided some key pieces—I got to work on refreshing my workspace.
First, the curtain update. I swapped out my generic Ikea rod for a stunning Swish wooden curtain pole—thick, sturdy, and full of character. It added the warmth my office lacked and paired perfectly with Julian Charles curtains and a delicate voile for layered coziness. Not only did it enhance the room aesthetically, but it also helped muffle noise and gave the space a sense of seclusion that’s essential for writing.
Little Touches That Make a Big Difference
With the curtains and pole in place, it was time to layer in the comfort. I added a soft throw, rearranged the furniture so my desk actually made sense in the room, and—perhaps most important of all—brought in Rita, my quirky Ruby Ruth Doll office companion. She’s an oddball delight, a touch of whimsy that makes me smile every time I look her way. (Side note: If you’re unfamiliar with Ruby Ruth Dolls, check them out. Even Zoella’s a fan!)
These little additions helped give the space a soul. It no longer felt like a neglected corner I was forced to work in. It felt like my space—a room that reflected my personality and made me want to sit down and create.
Why This Matters (Especially for Writers)
Writers often romanticize the perfect workspace. We imagine grand studies, antique desks, perhaps a view of the countryside. But the reality is, most of us are squeezing creativity into chaotic homes, repurposed bedrooms, or, like me, mismatched corners of our living spaces.
What this transformation reminded me is that you don’t need a castle tower to write. You just need a corner that’s yours—somewhere that feels calming and comforting, somewhere you want to spend time in. A few intentional changes can completely shift your mindset.
And if you’re not sure where to start? Ask for help. Use that #BlankCanvas tag and tap into the wisdom of people who do this for a living. You don’t need to tackle it all at once. Start small. A curtain here, a lamp there. A cozy chair. A quirky desk buddy.
Final Thoughts
My little office is still a work in progress, but it finally feels like it’s becoming what I need: a cozy, creative haven for writing and daydreaming. And I owe a huge thanks to Julian Charles for helping me see what was possible with just a little inspiration and a few thoughtful upgrades.
If you’re staring at your own blank canvas, wondering where to begin, I wholeheartedly recommend taking that first step. Even small changes can make a big difference—especially when they help you fall back in love with the space you work in every day.
And hey, if you ever need help designing the rest of your rooms… I know a great hashtag. 😉
