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When my brother asked me to surprise his fiancé (my future sister-in-law) with a small home office makeover, I couldn’t say no. But there was a catch: I had to pull off the transformation on a $1,000 budget and less than a week to design, purchase products, and pull off a surprise reveal.
With most of that going toward a new desk and office chair, I had my work cut out for me. Spoiler alert—it turned out amazing!✨ Don’t worry, I am going to share ALL the details, plus budget-friendly tips so that you can also recreate your own dream home office setup.


Desk | Chair | Laptop riser | Faux tree | Plug-in sconce | Rug | Picture frames | Pillow | Leather desk pad | Curtain rod | Curtains
Just LOOK at that before and after!
Start with the Essentials: Prioritizing Key Decor Pieces
The two absolute must-haves for any small home office design are a high-quality desk and a comfortable office chair. Whether you’re designing a space for long work hours or occasional use, investing in these pieces will make the biggest difference in functionality and comfort.
In my case, I found a gorgeous desk for $275 and a super comfortable chair for $139 after some serious hunting. Here’s what I recommend:
- Look for sales or secondhand options on desks and chairs to save money.
- Try to make your home office desk & chair take up LESS than 50% of your budget that way you still have room to spend on other design elements.
- Choose pieces that match your style but also prioritize ergonomics and durability.
Here’s the full budget for my makeover in case it is helpful:
- Desk: $275
- Chair: $139
- Laptop riser: $30
- Keyboard: $30
- Faux tree: $150
- Plug-in sconce: $99
- Rug – 4×6: $50
- Picture frames (Set of 3): $138
- Pillow: $25
- Leather desk pad: $14
- Curtain rod: $38
- Curtains – 52″x108″(Set of 2): $70
- Total: $1,058
Yes, I went slightly over budget—but it was worth it for the final touches that made the space shine!

Desk | Chair | Laptop riser | Faux tree | Plug-in sconce | Rug | Picture frames | Pillow | Leather desk pad | Curtain rod | Curtains
Make the Most of a Small Space: Tips for Maximizing Impact
Working in a room that was only 76 inches wide taught me A LOT about designing for a small home office. I knew I had to maximize every inch while making the space feel larger and more open. Here’s how I made a big impact in a tight area and how you can too:
1. Choose the Right-Sized Desk:
Measure your space carefully and opt for a desk that fits snugly without crowding the room. I went with a 60-inch desk that left just enough space for a faux tree and chair. You want the scale to feel just right to avoid the room feeling cramped.
2. Define the Space with a Rug:
A rug instantly elevates any space. For small offices, a 4×6 or 5×7 rug is usually perfect—it’s large enough to anchor your desk and chair but not overwhelming.
RELATED POST: The Best Rug Size Guide for a Pinterest Perfect Home (Room By Room)
3. Use Your Vertical Space:
Add a gallery wall or shelves to draw the eye upward and make the room feel taller. I used 16×16 gold frames in a grid layout above the desk for a polished and cohesive look.
4. Add Greenery:
A faux tree or plant can soften the space and add visual interest. If you’re short on floor space, opt for a smaller tabletop plant.
You don’t need a big budget or a lot of time to transform your space. To save time and avoid major renovations, just focus on small but impactful upgrades as I did for this mini makeover. Here are some easy upgrades anyone can try:
- Lighting Matters: Swap out a basic table lamp for a cute plug-in sconce. It’s affordable and adds a high-end look without requiring electrical work.
- Curtains for Height: Hang curtains close to the ceiling to make your space feel taller. Use hemming tape for a custom finish.
- Decorate with Intent: Layer in functional decor, like a leather desk pad, monitor stand, or pretty storage boxes, to keep your desk tidy and stylish.
Plan Like a Pro: Tools to Help You Stay on Track
Planning is EVERYTHING when designing on a budget. Here’s how I kept the project organized:
- Design Layouts with Canva: Canva’s free software helped me design the entire office and visualize the space before buying anything. This allowed me to see how everything would fit together nicely!
- Track Expenses in Google Docs: I tracked every purchase, delivery date, and expense in a shared Google Doc. This helped the project run smoothly and ensured no surprises when it came time for the reveal.

Desk | Chair | Laptop riser | Faux tree | Plug-in sconce | Rug | Picture frames | Pillow | Leather desk pad | Curtain rod | Curtains
Final Thoughts: You Can Transform Your Small Office Too!
At the end of the day, the best part of this project was seeing my future sister-in-law’s reaction. She went from working at a cold, uncomfortable standing desk with a hand-me-down stool to having a warm, welcoming space she couldn’t wait to use.

Desk | Chair | Laptop riser | Faux tree | Plug-in sconce | Rug | Picture frames | Pillow | Leather desk pad | Curtain rod | Curtains | Keypad and mouse | Coffee table book
Her excitement was contagious—when someone says they “can’t wait to work on Monday,” you know you’ve done something right! 🥰
On a personal note, I love how cozy the space feels now. With its layered textures, intentional design, and thoughtful details, it’s a true reflection of her style and a place she can enjoy every day.
Now it’s your turn! Whether you’re starting from scratch or just looking to refresh your space, you can create a stylish and functional office—even on a budget.
What’s the first thing you’ll upgrade in your small home office layout? I’d love to hear your plans, so feel free to share them in the comments below!

Desk | Chair | Plug-in sconce | Rug | Pillow | Curtain rod | Curtains
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