Dear Alice | Interior Design

Episode: Remodel Masterclass: Jess' Home Office

Date: March 5, 2026

Episode Overview

In this vibrant, personal installment of the Remodel Masterclass series, host Jessica Bennett (Jess) takes listeners through the step-by-step transformation of her own home office. Co-hosts Suzanne Hall (Sue) and Cori join her in a candid discussion about the challenges—and rewards—of designing for oneself, the philosophy of starting with a feeling, and actionable tips on using color, finishes, and furniture to reinvent a space. The episode also features a practical, confidence-boosting guest appearance from Alice Lane’s senior designer, Maddie Stewart, who shares her own bold powder bath makeover.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Challenge of Designing for Yourself

• Self-reflection in Designer Projects:
  • Jess emphasizes how working on her own home was “really, really hard,” noting that helping clients is easier than making decisions for yourself.
    • “We as designers can help other people all day… but when it comes to our own house… how do I hone it down?” – Jess (00:20)
• The Power of Trusted Second Opinions:
  • The hosts speak to the value of having designer friends to bounce ideas off of, especially when you’re “on a hard hike” of indecision.
    • “Give me a pep talk because I can't make it up that next part.” – Jess (01:03)

Jess' Home Office Transformation

Finding Inspiration Through Feeling

• Prioritizing Emotion Over Images:
  • Jess begins with feelings, not aesthetics or Pinterest boards:
    • “How do I want to feel in this space?... Something about this just does something to my insides…it's restful…sort of this getaway or vacation feel.” – Jess (03:15)
    • She selected an image of an “old Italian sports car” in “icy Italian blue” as her North Star for the project (03:30).
    • “Sometimes it's looking at an outfit. You're like, oh, I want to turn that outfit into a room… Maybe don’t look at rooms!” – Jess (04:10)

Color Selection & Paint Process

• The Marbled Wall & Ceiling:
  • Jess describes the evolution from a dark, “blackened navy” to a glossy, almost candy-coated blue (Rain by Sherwin Williams, SW6219), to better tie in with a hand-marbled paper art installation.
    • “It was white, and textured…untapped potential…I decided to take it all the way, all the way down to the baseboards. Even became Sherwin Williams Rain.” – Jess (07:49)
    • On full commitment: “We painted all of the beautiful white casings, everything in the space out that blue color all in with it. And it has been an absolute thrill.” – Jess (08:29)

Window Treatments as Mood Enhancers

• Drapery and Window Details:
  • Jess installed a custom, semi-sheer Roman shade in an arched window (“so sexy…airy, floaty”), and full-length drapes on French doors with polished nickel rods.
    • “Such a mood. Gave me that feeling. Back to the sports car again…just dreamy. I love going in this room now. It makes me so happy.” – Jess (11:18)
  • Sue praises the impact:
    • “That sheerness is just such a dream…There’s nothing sexier. That Roman goddess. Hello.” – Sue (12:17)

Furniture & Accessories

• Mixing Classic & Modern:
  • Transitioned from upright chairs to two “cocoon chairs” in front of the French doors—“they look like they're having a conversation.”
    • “I feel like I'm more comfortable and confident in who I am in my brain today. And the confidence is more of this really low, wide stance, swivel that just makes you feel relaxed.” – Jess (18:59)
  • Accessorized with:
    • Shirley table (drinks table vibe)
    • Oscar stool
    • Cowhide rug
    • Brass etageres, featuring the marbled paper (gives “old first edition book” energy)
  • New house-designed lighting: Prototype “mod sconces” in red for a French-girl, signature-red-lip pop
    • “Something about that icy blue with red, that combination is so fresh…I feel so French about it.” – Jess (14:59)
    • “They're just unforgettable.” – Jess & Sue (16:29)

The Power of Layered Lighting

• “I just turn on the sconces and no other lights, and they shine on the room…just give the room a glow.” – Jess (15:11)
• Sconces at eye-level are praised for creating flattering, comfortable light rather than harsh overheads.

Styling Secrets & “Cheat Codes”

• Tips for bookshelf styling:
  • Stack books by color for a “studious and put-together” look
  • Add boxes or decorative objects atop stacks
    • “Laying the books down horizontally also gives you that confident low stance…That was sort of the thing I just kept playing with…” – Jess (20:58)
• Bringing in height with pedestals, and evolving art over time (“building your story”)

Takeaways: Making Change Feel Accessible

• Small changes make a big impact:

  • “It's just paint and drapery. But it's not a difficult remodel…Some remodels can be this easy.” – Jess (18:00)

• Begin with a FEELING, not just a look.

• Confidence in “relaxed” furniture fosters confidence in yourself and your guests.

  • “The visibility of being relaxed…I feel very relaxed when I look in there.” – Sue (18:41)

[24:00] Maddie’s Mini-Makeover: The Bold Powder Bath

Special Guest: Maddie Stewart, Senior Designer

• Going Bold in Small Spaces:

  • Maddie used Sherwin Williams “Marooned” (deep merlot) on walls, trim, ceiling, and even door, creating a chic envelope for art and fixtures.
    • “It is complete opposite of what I did before…It's like the impression my guests are going to see, and it's better to go bold in a small space.” – Maddie (23:40)
  • Added Alice Lane’s single red “mod sconce” and caviar flush mount light

• Painting Advice:

  • Do the walls first, then trim, then details (switches, vents) for a seamless look (27:04)
  • Painting the ceiling and doors makes the small space feel larger (“no stopping point”—Sue, 29:05)
  • “Bigger with the art size…you can put bigger pieces.” – Maddie (26:40)

• No Fear DIY:

  • Maddie did all the painting herself, confirming listeners can do the same in a weekend.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On starting with a feeling:

  • “There's this image of an old Italian sports car...something about this just does something to my insides...it feels restful. And I thought that's...that picture is how I want to feel when I'm in my office.”
    – Jess (03:32)

• On high-gloss paint:

  • “It still gave it...a lot of intention and it gave it a feeling and it brought me back to that sports car. So that's the feeling I wanted.” – Jess (06:10)

• On relaxed, low furniture:

  • “There's a real confidence with pulling that weight down and being more relaxed…you feel like you’re on vacation.”
    – Sue (18:22)

• On lighting:

  • “They're just unforgettable.” – Jess & Sue (16:29)

• On DIY accessibility:

  • “It's just paint and drapery…Some remodels can be this easy.” – Jess (18:11)

• On tackling a small bathroom:

  • “It's better to go bold in a small space. So I'm obsessed with it now. It's like a game changer for me.”
    – Maddie (24:00)

Noteworthy Timestamps

• 00:20: The struggle and process of designing your own space
• 03:06: Starting design projects with a focus on feeling, inspiration boards
• 06:30: Selecting Sherwin Williams Rain and the transformative effect of glossy paint
• 10:19: Custom window treatments—the “sheer Roman” solution for arched windows
• 14:34: Introduction of Alice Lane’s new “mod sconce” lighting in the space
• 17:00: Furniture and rug selection: cocoon chairs, brass etageres, cowhide
• 20:58: Styling hacks for bookshelves and building a personal narrative
• 23:40: Maddie Stewart’s practical powder bath makeover—going bold, painting all surfaces
• 27:03: DIY painting sequence and tips for beginners

Final Thoughts

The episode encourages listeners to pursue their own “restful getaway” right at home—by starting with a feeling, taking risks with color and finish, layering in unique furnishings and lighting, and breaking the rules in ways that make a space personal and unforgettable. Both Jess and Maddie show how even seasoned designers have unfinished rooms and highlight that accessible, joyful transformation is possible for anyone.

Shop the New Classics and House Lights collections at alicelanehome.com. Submit your questions to DearAlice@alicelanehome.com and don’t forget to leave a review!