Maximalist Makeover: My Studio & Bedroom Glow-Up
I’ve always believed your home should reflect the life you’re living and the one you’re still dreaming up. For me, that meant one thing: it was time to bring some serious maximalist magic to the sleepiest corner of our house and one we just couldn’t solve — our bedroom — and turn it into a space worthy of every reel, photoshoot, and styling session that happens there. Enter Erik and Brennan of EK HOME to lead the charge with me on this maximalist makeover. Our bedroom isn’t bad, and honestly there are things that I like about. But, it just never truly felt like me or Alan. Over the 12 years we’ve lived here, it’s gone through so many changes, but since we completed the second story build out, it’s just never fully landed! The space lacked that lush, layered, soul-filled je ne sais quoi I crave. That’s where one fateful connection through a friend led to an introduction to Erik and Brennan that led to the start of this transformation from functional to fabulous.
As designers, they understand my vision for a maximalist bedroom but, and this is key, they have the design vocabulary to bring it to life. One zoom call and we got started right away.
Here’s my takeaway so far on working successfully with a designer.
Step 1: Knowing How You Really Use Your Space
Before I sent a single Pinterest link or mood board, I got honest with myself and Erik and Brennan. I told them how we live: filming content, lounging with our daughters, stealing moments of creativity between vintage hunts. Your space shouldn’t just look good; it should serve you. Every room and person is unique so be sure to get clarity on your story and how you utilize a space. And be open to what they feel will help the space rise up even more to how you want to move through it.
Step 2: Make the Mood Board of Your Maximalist Dreams
If you’ve ever wanted permission to go all in with a design vision, here it is. I poured my heart out into an inspo board that felt like velvet, brass, and vintage wallpaper had a baby. Think: jewel tones, upholstery, bold patterns, and textures you want to touch every time you walk by. When you see your favorites side by side, you begin to feel your style instead of just seeing it.
Pro tip: Don’t edit your vision too early – just let it evolve wildly before you refine it. If you’re working with the right design team, like Erik and Brennan, they’ll amplify the right things and connect the design dots with you.
Step 3: The “Kid in a Candy Store” Sample Moment
Soon after EK Home sent me a box bursting with design samples including fabrics, wallpapers, materials, all asking to be touched, loved, and considered, Alan and I sorted them like a maximalist Marie Kondo. Our “yes,” “no,” and “maybe” piles were everywhere. Some screamed “statement wall,” others whispered “maybe one day.” But each piece helped me and Alan home in on what felt like us.
The thing I’ve come to see with EK is that they also encouraged us to both be heard about hard nos and gave us the confidence to leap toward a vision that maybe we didn’t always see.
Step 4: Four Concepts and an Instant Yes
Then came the real magic: Erik and Brennan flew to LA, design concepts in tow. Seeing each concept in person was a total design high. And when Alan and I (both known for our strong opinions) instantly agreed on one look, I knew we had our winner. It is rich, textured, and unapologetically bold. It is a visual symphony of layers and personality. It didn’t just reflect our style…it amplified it!
Step 5: Creating a Space That Works as Hard as It Inspires
The new design isn’t just beautiful – it’s functional, too. It’s the perfect backdrop for my content, a soothing yet stimulating environment for creative work, and a reminder that good design should do more than look good, it should elevate how you live. Erik and Brennan have made so many recommendations to help maximize the room and how I shoot content which I cannot wait to share! I kept telling them that they really understood me and how I utilize the space…and they delivered — majorly — on both the design and the functionality of the space!
What I’ve Learned Along the Way (And You Can Too)
If you’re itching to transform your own space into something more expressive, bold, and personal, here are a few lessons from my journey:
- Function first. Be clear about how you use your space before anything else.
- Go bold on the mood board. Curate with heart, not fear.
- Get tactile. Touch, feel, and live with your samples.
- Trust the process. Virtual collabs work wonders when there’s clear communication.
- Your home is your brand. Whether you’re a content creator or simply living fabulously, your surroundings should reflect you.
- Don’t be afraid to work with a designer. Before we got started I was worried about giving up control or losing my vision. The opposite has been the case in actuality. I’ve gained confidence through them. So even if it’s a one time session or package, there might be a way that an expert can help you over a home hurdle.
We’re just getting started on this home transformation series, and I can’t wait to bring you along as we turn every corner into a maximalist dream come true.
