This project was not on our radar when we initially concepted this season of Mini Reni, but when my friend Hoda Kotb called me and asked if I’d be interested in helping her renovate her new office space in New York City, I knew I had to say yes and we’d figure out the details later. Hoda and I met through the TODAY show years ago, and I always felt drawn to her warmth and depth—and truly, her joy is contagious! I was beyond excited to get to work on this project together. The job to do was turn a plain, corporate-feeling office floor into an inspiring and purposeful space where Hoda and her team can build and grow her new company, Joy 101. It was an honor to create this new space for their team, and I can’t wait to see the beauty they build here shared with the world!
What We Updated: Everywhere
Paint: We warmed up the space with a creamy white paint on all the walls, Blanched Interior Paint in Eggshell Finish. (From Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines crafted by KILZ.) For all trim and applied molding, we color matched to the pressed tin ceiling tiles in a satin finish.
Trim: Throughout, we added thicker baseboards and updated door and window casing to help the space feel less like a standard office and more like a historic New York apartment. To give the walls in the entry and main office a more interesting look, we added simple applied molding and a chair rail.
Ceiling: To bring in texture and character, we replaced the old drop ceiling with white antique-inspired metal tiles.
Floors: We removed the carpet and replaced it with waterproof laminate plank flooring in a light-oak finish.
Partitioned the space: The office was open concept, so we added a few walls to partition rooms and frame out the space. Read on to see room-specific additions and styling!
Entry
What we updated: Since it’s the first thing people see the entry sets the tone, so we were intentional about establishing the color palette here. In addition to the updates mentioned above, a new chandelier brightens the space and custom white-oak lettering on the wall anchors the office in its new-found purpose.
How we styled it: We grounded the area in a vintage rug, topped with the Oakley Sofa, Linn Chair, and Mora Nesting End Table. Our Deco Marble Coffee Table holds more decor—like open books, a brass tray, and a Fresh Start Candle. On the sofa, our Cream Striped White Essential Tassel Throw and Leslie and Cameron pillows (from Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi) add a welcome layer of comfort. The light white tones are further accentuated by our Selena End Table and Clove Floor Lamp. Last but not least, the walls! To open up the entry and make the area appear larger, we propped a large wooden mirror against the front wall near our Shadow Floral Wall Pocket. To the left, we added steel racks holding magazines for guests to enjoy—as well as a custom art piece by Heather Essian with inspirational words layered beneath the paint.
Team Offices
What we updated: We divided the hallway into three small office spaces and installed antique doors from Portugal at the entrance of each. The doors arrived in rough shape, so we sanded the wood, replaced the glass, updated all hardware, and repainted them white to match the trim. We intentionally chose antique-inspired cremone bolts that looked similar to the original door hardware. We also added matching semi-flush chandeliers to all three rooms.
How we styled it: In each office, we included one of our Carlisle Rugs (from Magnolia Home with Joanna Gaines x Loloi). The one pictured above is the Carlisle Slate Ivory Rug. We also added a white table-turned-desk, our Quill Desk Chair, and two Gina Boucle Ottomans. Small accent pieces dress up the desk, like our Scalloped Marble Accent Bowl, a green plant in our Magnolia Ceramic Planter, and a candle. We centered the small space with a neutral art piece on the wall, as well as an acrylic calendar and cork board.
Hallway + Propagation Wall
What we updated: We carried the same flooring and paint throughout the hallway, making space for the team to congregate and easily flow from room to room. We also installed custom propagation shelves on an unused wall. A local artist in Waco helped bring this vision to life, crafting the wall using white-oak planks and glass beakers filled with plant clippings (many were sourced from the Gaines’ farm!). This was a low-maintenance, natural way to bring in a little color and life.
How we styled it: About halfway down the hallway, there’s a small table nook that acts as a catchall for the office—topped with faux dahlias, books, brass accents, and a large candle.
Conference Room + Coffee Nook
What we updated: In addition to fresh trim and molding, we installed cork board walls and a track light system for pinning inspiration. A feminine candelabra-style chandelier hangs above the conference table and sconces on the outside wall tie into the light fixture for a coordinating, cohesive look.
How we styled it: In the conference area, we set the scene with our Gloria Natural Ivory Rug (from Magnolia Home with Joanna Gaines x Loloi) and added the Manon Table surrounded by plenty of Moore Chairs for team meetings. We centered the table with an acrylic tray, vase with faux flowers, and a candle from our collection.
In the kitchen area, we went with white SMEG countertop appliances. The shelf is lined with our Cream Scalloped Plates, Cream Scalloped Serving Bowl, and our Atlas Ribbed Stacking Glass Tumblers. Our Sophie Grid Napkins add a subtle hint of texture and color.
Hoda’s Office
What we updated: Leading into the main office, we installed antique doors with updated hardware and a fresh coat of white paint. A large chandelier makes a feminine statement while highlighting the tonal color palette with a hint of texture.
How we styled it: The room’s foundation is our Ruth Ivory Ivory Rug (from Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi), topped with a cream resin desk, our Hughie Desk Chair, and a pair of Blair Chairs for seating company. The Robin Sideboard offers additional storage, plus more opportunity for styling. Atop it, we added a blush-colored lamp, brass accents, and a cream-colored turntable. More wall art by Heather Essian fills the walls, tying back into the entry.At the heart of this reno are the personal items that make it special and meaningful. Jo curated a display box, including a liturgy on new beginnings, notes from Hoda’s daughters, and photos to serve as inspiration for the impactful work that will be done in this space.
Shop the Room
Shop a curation of pieces featured in and inspired by this light, bright office space:
To see Jo bring her latest renovations to life, watch Mini Reni on Magnolia Network and HBO Max.
MORE DESIGN SOURCES
FLOORING: Hydroshield Plus Grand Oak Waterproof Laminate Plank, Floor & Decor | CEILING TILES: Pattern #7 Creamy White Satin, American Tin Ceilings | ENTRY CHANDELIER: Ariel Okin for Mitzi Gladwyne Large Chandelier in Textured White, Lamps Plus | STAFF OFFICES CHANDELIER: Bezel 3-Light Flush Mount (60") in Champagne Bronze Base/White Shade and Sand Blasted Glass, West Elm | TEAM OFFICE DOORS + HARDWARE: Vintage Solid Brass Pulls (6.5″), Amazon; Restorers Corinthian Cremone Bolt in Antique Brass, Van Dyke's Restorers; Antique Doors, Etsy | COFFEE NOOK TILE: Marrakesh Stripes in Travertine, Otto Tiles & Design | CABINETRY HARDWARE: Quincy Large Traditional Cabinet Latch in Aged Brass, Rejuvenation; Ansel Drawer Pull (8") in Aged Brass, Rejuvenation | CONFERENCE ROOM CHANDELIER + SCONCE: Julie Neill Alberto 40" Large Single Tier Chandelier in Plaster White, Visual Comfort; Julie Neil Alberto Medium Sconce in Plaster White, Visual Comfort | HODA’S OFFICE CHANDELIER: AERIN Hampton Grande Chandelier in Plaster White, Visual Comfort | HODA’S OFFICE DOORS + HARDWARE: Pair of Antique Wood Doors w/4 Panels, Antiquities Warehouse; 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" Plain Bearing Square Corner Mortise Hinge with Ball Tip in Antique Brass, Nostalgic Warehouse; Passage Egg Door Knob With Oval Rose in French Antique Brass, Emtek
After photography by Lisa Petrole
