The paneling update is taking a little longer than we hoped, but we expect to have news soon. In the meantime, here’s a look at an inspiring office we recently visited.
Occasionally a shop or workspace inspires us so much that we can’t resist crashing it for a quick peek. That’s what happened when we visited Towne & Reese, a Charlotte-based jewelry brand named for the founders’ daughters. We first met the owners during a house visit a few years back, and when we learned they had transformed a blank office into a stylish studio, we had to see it in person. Below are a few photos to jog your memory from that earlier visit:
The couple in the photos are Christi and Barret, and Christi is one half of Towne & Reese. With a strong eye for color and texture, Christi turned a bland office into a bright, welcoming workspace. Here’s what the room looked like before the makeover:
Today the entrance wall is painted a cheerful blue and features the company logo painted right on the wall. The bright color immediately establishes the brand’s playful, boutique tone and welcomes visitors into the space.
The whole office palette started with a rug purchased on sale at Anthropologie. Christi pulled the blue for the feature wall directly from the rug and used another color from it as a bold accent in a separate zone. Natural leather and a simple side table from a local shop add warm texture without competing with the color scheme.
To the right of the logo wall is a teal display wall filled with jewelry. Christi mounted linen canvases in various sizes and shapes to pin and display delicate pieces. The canvases are elegant and practical—perfect for showcasing the jewelry while adding softness to the wall.
Interspersed with the canvases is a large secondhand mirror with a subtle textured frame. The mirror serves both as a dramatic decorative element and as a functional feature for customers or staff who want to try on pieces.
Christi sourced the linen canvases affordably by signing up for a preferred customer program, which gave her access to the best deals at her local art supply store. That pragmatic approach to sourcing is a great reminder that you can create a polished look without spending a fortune.
From another angle you can see a sliver of the other accent color used beyond the jewelry wall: a vibrant raspberry tone that adds energy to a meeting area. The raspberry paint (Panama Rose by Olympic) frames a secondhand conference table and layers in contrast against the blue and teal walls. Simple rugs from Ikea ground the zone and keep it relaxed and approachable.
The industrial metal chairs are an economical, stylish choice that balances the softer elements in the room. Reproduction metal stools and practical faux greenery add polish without clutter. From a design standpoint, the mix of elegant industrial pieces, secondhand finds, low-cost staples, and vibrant color choices is what makes the space sing.
One wall features a rich, deep chalkboard paint that reads almost jet-black rather than cloudy gray. Christi used Valspar’s Chalkboard Paint to achieve that saturated look, which provides a playful surface for notes, sketches, and customer doodles—especially from curious kids who stop by.
The space even includes a small kid-friendly corner with an Ikea table and colorful poufs, making it easy for visitors with little ones to feel welcome. Playful touches like a grid of photos, framed little moments, and a simple jewelry display made from dry beans on a plate (a charming, low-cost styling trick) reinforce the boutique, approachable vibe.
Christi’s design is an excellent example of how thoughtful color choices, a mix of new and secondhand furnishings, and budget-friendly sourcing can create a joyful workspace. It feels both curated and lived-in—stylish enough for photo shoots, warm enough for everyday work. A big thank-you to Christi and Jessica, the two women behind Towne & Reese, for welcoming us into their space and sharing their creative process.
What’s your favorite detail here? It’s hard to pick just one, but the linen canvases, the bold raspberry wall, and the rich chalkboard finish are definite highlights.
Check out other spaces we’ve visited in our house-crashing archives.