My Home Office Makeover (and the business mindset that made it possible)
After many years of working in my home office, it was time for an update; fresh paint, new furniture, a few organizational tweaks, and little details that make it a space I enjoy spending time in. I’ll share all the links, paint colors, and details at the bottom of this post, but first I want to share the bigger picture behind this makeover…
Why my office makeover matters more than just aesthetics
Over the years, I’ve built my photography business in a way that allows me to confidently invest in updates like this, whether that’s upgrading my gear, refreshing my office, or hiring help when I need it. It’s not because I’m spending recklessly or because everything has always been “easy.” It’s because I set up my business with healthy systems and sustainable pricing strategies from the very beginning.
That foundation means I always know what makes sense financially, without any guilt or second-guessing, and no “should I really be spending this right now?” spiral.
My pricing calculator
One of the first things I created when I started my photography business nearly 20 years ago was my pricing calculator. Just using this one tool helped me understand what it meant to run a business that was actually profitable year after year.
This calculator (and the business structure that followed) gave me confidence. I wasn’t guessing what to charge or booking clients at prices that left me burned out. Little by little, that clarity built a business that not only sustained my family but allowed me to do things like invest in an office makeover without stress.
I want this for you too!
If you’ve ever wondered how to move from just getting by in your photography business to running one that feels profitable, sustainable, and even joyful, this is exactly what I teach in my course: The Art of Business. It’s my all-in-one business course for photographers who want more than just “busy.” Inside, I walk you through:
- Setting up pricing that actually works (with my exact pricing calculator)
- Building systems and workflows that give you clarity and confidence
- Creating a business around your strengths, one that you genuinely enjoy running.
- Marketing your business, and so much more.
I even brought in the best of the best to make sure you’re getting top-notch advice. Attorney Paige Griffith of The Legal Paige is sharing her expert knowledge on contracts, when to consider taking the next legal steps in your business and so much more.
Melissa Arlena of Picture Perfect Rankings will teach you her expert strategies on how to harness the power of SE so your dream clients can find you online.
A healthy business doesn’t just give you freedom financially, it gives you freedom mentally … which is worth it’s weight in gold!
The Office Details (Affiliate Links Used)
Paint Color: Sherwin Williams Illusive Green (Walls are eggshell, trim is satin)
Motorized Standing Desk This has been a game-changer for me! I now walk the majority of the time while I am working
Tempered Glass Desk Topper I have found I much prefer tempered glass over other types of desk mats and protectors. Much easier to clean, don't damage your desk, and look really nice.
Under Desk Walking Treadmill I went down a rabbit hold of researching all the different walking treadmills and landed on this one because of the great reviews and ability to incline. I have been over the top happy with it!
Desk Chair My exact one is no longer sold but this one is similar
Arched Cabinets I really wanted two of these for my office but the reviews kept scaring me. I eventually gave in and tried them knowing I could easily return in-store. After building two of them and paying attention to the portions where the bad reviews came in, I found that most all the reviews were user error in building it which I was assuming was likely the case.
Framed Canvas The biggest and most affordable framed canvas I could find for behind my desk!
Gallery Wall Frames My favorite large matte wall frames! Order more than you need incase some arrive damaged in shipping (then just return the broken ones in-store). They go in and out of stock frequently, so if you're eyeing them and they are in stock, I would grab them!
Rug The only brand I buy rugs from. They are definitely on the pricier side but they last!
Round Side Table This one is the original Pottery Barn version; however, I bought this one and spray painted it matte black (the glass is separate, so it's very easy to paint!).
Marble Dish with Lid I store essential oils next to my diffuser in one of these and my other larger one on my desk (no longer sold) stores all of my SSD drives
Shelf Decor not listed here - If it's not linked, then it's really old or from HomeGoods
Details about my computer set up
Final Thought:
This makeover has been fun to complete, but the real joy comes from knowing I’ve built a business that makes decisions like this clear and stress-free … and that’s the kind of peace I want every photographer to experience.
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