This bedroom started as a dated, overlooked space filled with floral wallpaper and a popcorn ceiling. By the end, it looked like a custom-built executive office — complete with hidden storage, soundproofing, and a high-contrast black-and-wood design.
Behind the transformation is Spencer Wolkon, the creator of Workin’ with Wolkon, who built the entire space himself on a tight budget of $2,095.
Starting From a Full Gut
The renovation began by stripping the room back.
The carpet and wallpaper were removed completely. A shared wall was opened to allow for new electrical work and ethernet wiring. At the same time, Rockwool insulation was added inside the wall cavity to improve sound separation between rooms.
The ceiling was also redone. The popcorn texture was sanded off, the surface was skim-coated, and then primed to create a flat finish.
These steps didn’t change the look of the room yet, but they created a clean base for everything that followed.
Materials and Design Choices
The room was rebuilt with a high-contrast color scheme.
- The perimeter walls were painted in Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (satin finish), a warm off-white.
- The back wall and built-ins were painted Black of Night, a deep near-black blue.
- Custom cabinetry and shelving were built from 3/4-inch maple plywood.
The combination of light walls, dark built-ins, and natural wood tones defines the final look of the space.
Flooring and Built-Ins
New luxury vinyl plank flooring in a natural oak finish was installed across the entire room without transition strips, creating a continuous surface.
Custom built-ins were constructed along one wall to serve as the main workstation and storage area.
The plywood edges were built up to create a thicker visual profile. The cabinetry was finished and integrated into the wall with crown molding to make it feel like a permanent structure rather than standalone furniture.
Desk and Function
The desk was custom-built to integrate a computer setup while keeping cables and hardware hidden.
A compartment was included to house a PC tower with ventilation managed through a built-in fan system. The goal was to keep the workspace visually clean while maintaining full functionality.
Cost Breakdown
The entire renovation was completed for $2,095.
| Category | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Built-in Materials | $300 |
| Flooring | $300 |
| Paint | $215 |
| Electrical | $215 |
| Desk Materials | $215 |
| Door / Trim | $215 |
| Decor | $215 |
| Subfloor Prep | $140 |
| Rug | $140 |
| Drywall / Mud | $70 |
| Insulation | $70 |
| TOTAL | $2,095 |
Result
The finished room is a fully functional home office with improved acoustics, built-in storage, concealed wiring, and a consistent material palette.
It replaces a dated bedroom with a dedicated workspace built entirely through DIY work and standard materials.
Check out Spencer’s full video on the renovation. Kudos to our man for one of the greatest renovations of a home office we’ve seen.
