By Arabella Peterson Interiors 29.06.2025

Martina Calvi’s Studio Makeover Is Full of Genius DIY Décor Ideas

Explore these charming, affordable and easy tips for adding whimsy to your work or living space.

Once upon a pre-COVID time, the distinction between home and office was stark. Home was where you could let your personality shine and truly unwind. The office was where productivity ruled – neutral, impersonal, and often uninspired.

Now, if you have a “computer job”, whether you're in a creative field or not, you might want to be more fluid with your space, bringing your whole self into your work environment, including your taste, your quirks, and the things that bring you joy.

As a multi-hyphenate creative, professional crafter, and author, Martina Calvi knew exactly what she wanted to create when she got the keys to her Sydney studio this year. In just a few months, the space (dubbed Tiny HQ) has transformed from a bare-boned nook above a bookstore into a magical hub overflowing with individuality and colour. The room, which she describes as a “living, breathing mood board,” is home to sentimental treasures and handmade creations that celebrate self-expression.

“I wanted it to feel like my own tiny wonderland to discover. When you walk in, I want it to feel like stepping inside my brain: colourful, nostalgic, whimsical, and a bit messy,” she explains. “There's the initial impact: the bright wallpaper and colours, and then there's the slow discovery of all the tiny delights and details.”

Granted, Martina lives and breathes creativity, so maximalist flair is par for the course when it comes to her personal space. But if you have an office or studio that you’re looking to inject a little personality into, Martina is here to offer some easy, crafty, and affordable ways to romanticise your work environment.

1. Start with a space that speaks to you

For those right at the beginning of their journey to finding a studio, bring your intuition and sentimentality into the process. In this economy, it may well be a take-what-you-can-get situation, but if time, budget, or flexibility are on your side, look for somewhere that feels special to you – even if it's small or imperfect.

Martina was enamoured by the history and small details of her studio from the start. It was a Greek delicatessen in the 1950s, and she notes that it has the same window latches as her childhood home. “I love the creaky wooden floorboards and the winding staircase,” she says. “It’s the same reason I love antiques and thrifting: you can feel so many stories have lived in these walls. Finding a teeny, tiny sunlit room, tucked away above a bookstore felt so romantic and fitting for a sentimental soul like me.”

If it’s in the realm of possibility for you to be choosy, character, history, or just a good dose of natural light can make all the difference.

2. Let your personality lead the design

If you’ve already got a studio – whether at home, in a shared space, or elsewhere – that doesn’t quite have the same charm as a mid-century bookstore loft, never fear. There are countless ways to bring life to a less-than-inspiring space – starting with you.

Martina recommends using moodboards (Pinterest will be your best friend) and beginning with a few key pieces you love and can build around. “Some things I knew I wanted before I even moved into the space: the custom wallpaper, the toadstool lamp from Ariel Books, and the red Mustard locker.”

These items don’t need to match – they just need to mean something to you. Aim to create a space that reflects who you are. Think colour, nostalgia, and playful details that spark joy and showcase your unique style.

3. Make the most of what you have

Work with your space’s quirks and repurpose what’s already there. A weird layout or leftover furniture can become a feature with a bit of creative thinking. The size and shape of Martina’s studio proved to be a challenge that needed adapting to. “The room is a strange shape, with no right angles, which was a huge challenge to decorate,” she says, “We were going to buy a new desk, but the previous tenant had left one behind that was cut to perfectly fit the strange corner of the room, so we just kept it.”

“The other challenge has been the size. I love a cosy space, but I have a LOT of craft supplies. I've found clear acrylic drawers on Amazon to put inside my Mustard locker, so I can store my craft supplies neatly.”

Low lighting? Use battery-powered wall sconces, or clamp-on desk lamps to brighten dark corners. Rental restrictions? Try removable wallpaper, decals, or fabric panels attached with velcro to add personality without risking your bond. No storage? Go vertical. Add floating shelves, over-door organisers, or tall bookcases to make use of vertical wall space. Awkward nooks or alcoves? Turn them into micro zones: reading corners, coffee stations, or display shelves for art or collectibles. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

4. Try easy, budget-friendly DIYs

No matter your budget, DIY projects can add some serious charm – no power tools necessary. A few of Martina’s crafty highlights include vinyl window decals (her favourite feature), custom wallpaper (designed by her, naturally), and a sign made especially for the space. The incredibly simple standout feature if you ask me, however, is the custom coffee cups. Adorable!

“Having an official sign for the space really made it all feel real. I designed it on Adobe Illustrator and cut the shape out of removable vinyl sheets using my Cricut machine. Totally renter friendly. We also built a custom pink display shelf (we call it 'The Library') and I designed the wallpaper myself as well,” she says.

Some of the easiest budget DIYs for the less technically proficient are:

Framing or hanging postcards as art
Making fabric bunting, garlands or bows to hang across shelves or windows
Using peel-and-stick wallpaper or contact paper to line drawers, desks, or shelves
Vinyl appliqués that mimic traditional glass painting or stained glass
Styling a stack of books or magazines by colour for a sculptural, curated vignette
Creating a gallery wall using brass clips or double sided velcro to secure the art for an stylish, low-commitment display

5. Design a space that supports your workflow

Consider how your space can inspire and function – whether it’s separating home from work, storing supplies smartly, or setting the tone for creativity. According to Martina, her studio has given her a “sense of separation from home life as well as creative play.”

“I love being able to enter Tiny HQ and think of nothing else than my work and my next creation. I love having a set up dedicated to filming and shooting content. When my collaborators walk in they immediately understand my style and little world,” she says.