Please note: I only collaborate with brands and products that I genuinely believe in and that align with The Defined Dish’s aesthetic. This post includes sponsored content from Sherwin‑Williams®️. Although I am compensated for this partnership, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
I’m beyond excited about my new home office. Having a dedicated workspace designed for efficiency and creativity has been a game changer for my business. This room gives me a clear, organized area to plan, photograph, and edit content — everything I need to do my best work.
When we moved into the house, I chose the bedroom next to the kitchen to become my office. Since I use the space as a studio for food photography, it made sense to be close to the kitchen so I can easily carry dishes into the room to style and shoot them.
Before renovating, the room had carpet and a mirrored closet that made the space feel smaller and dated. We removed the carpet and replaced it with wood flooring, and we opened up the closet area by removing the mirror to create more usable space. A fresh coat of paint and a large corkboard for inspiration were the final touches that transformed the room.
Choosing paint colors felt overwhelming at first — there are so many options. The Sherwin‑Williams Color ID quiz made the decision simple and fun. By answering a few questions about your design preferences and personality, the quiz recommends a Color ID and a curated palette of 16 harmonious colors. That range of colors is selected by Sherwin‑Williams color experts so the shades work together effortlessly.
My Color ID turned out to be The Minimalist — which fits perfectly. I love simple, clean spaces that let my work stand out. From the 16 colors in that collection, I chose two: Crushed Ice SW 7647 and Unfussy Beige SW 6043. These tones work beautifully together and create a calm, neutral backdrop that enhances food and prop photography without competing with them.
I was drawn to Unfussy Beige because it’s a warm, neutral shade with a subtle hint of pink — a soft undertone that complements many of the colors I use in my photos. Crushed Ice is a cool, light gray that pairs well with the beige and provides a clean canvas for styling dishes, props, and photography setups.
One wall in the office became a giant corkboard where I pin recipe ideas, color inspirations, and layouts. I painted the lower half of the corkboard with Unfussy Beige to add warmth and depth, while the remainder of the room is painted Crushed Ice to keep the atmosphere bright and neutral. The combination creates visual interest without overwhelming the space.
For paint, I used Sherwin‑Williams Emerald®️ Interior. It’s their premium interior paint and provided a smooth, durable finish with excellent color payoff. The result is a polished, professional backdrop that looks great on camera and feels inviting for daily work.
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What’s inside the room?
Desk | Light fixture | Book shelves | Acrylic wall calendar | Rug | Desk chairs
If you find paint selection intimidating, I highly recommend taking the Sherwin‑Williams Color ID quiz. It’s a quick way to discover a personality‑based palette and narrow your choices to colors that work together. From there, select your favorite shades, pick a quality paint like Emerald®️ Interior, and enjoy creating a space that supports your creative work.