Designing a Space That Feels Equal Parts Luxurious and Practical: My Home Office Transformation with TWOPAGES

By Ashley Southworth

After nearly 20 years in education—working as a special education teacher, program specialist, and adjunct professor—I finally made the leap into interior design full-time. It’s something I’ve loved for as long as I can remember. Creating spaces that nurture and inspire has always come naturally to me. Getting to share that passion with others and help them make their homes places of rest, joy, and beauty is truly a dream come true.

In August of 2023, I founded Southworth Interior Design, and just two months later, I earned my certification through the Academy of Home Staging and Interior Design. I continued to teach during the 2024–2025 school year while growing my business on the side, and by June 2025, that side hustle had grown into something much more. I was officially hired part-time by Rustic Trendz, a luxury interior design firm in Bakersfield, California while taking on my own clients—and with that, it was time to fully step into this new chapter.

From Classroom to Creative Studio

In making the transition from education to interior design, one of my first goals was to refresh my home office. This room had been a work in progress since we moved into our home in 2015. (Check out the realtor listing images of the space when we purchased the home!) After moving in it was a functional but uninspired space I used during my years in academia. Now, it needed to evolve with this new chapter. I wanted it to be more than just a workspace. It needed to reflect who I was becoming—a designer, a creative, and a business owner. I also wanted it to serve as a space where I could confidently welcome clients for design presentations.

The vision? A space that felt refined and intentional. Elegant but approachable. And it all started with one major update: the window treatments.

Why Custom Drapery Matters

When you think about transforming a room, curtains might not be the first thing that comes to mind—but they absolutely should be. They anchor a space. They frame the light. And in my case, they were the missing piece between “functional” and “fabulous.”

I had previously hung sheer linen drapes in this room. They were soft and airy, but the natural wrinkling and relaxed look no longer suited the direction I wanted for this office. I needed something more structured—more tailored—to reflect the elevated experience I want clients to have when they step into my studio.

I had been eyeing TWOPAGES for a couple of years and admired their offerings from afar. I don’t know what took me so long to give them a try, but once I did, I instantly knew I’d made the right decision. Within a week of hanging my own TWOPAGES drapes, I had already ordered a pair for a client. That’s how impressed I was.

TWOPAGES: A Designer’s Dream

What makes TWOPAGES stand out first and foremost is their customization. These drapes are 100% made to order—down to the inch in width, height, and even pleat style. Whether you like your panels to kiss the floor or billow dramatically at the base, they give you full control. And for someone like me who’s detail-oriented (and maybe a little particular), this is everything.

Another feature I love? You can select the level of light filtration you want—whether you’re going for a blackout effect or something sheer and diffused. For my office, I wanted a space that could feel bright during the day but also provide privacy and softness during client meetings. TWOPAGES allowed me to achieve both. 

Hands down though, my ultimate favorite feature is their memory training option! (When I say trust me on this just know this is coming from someone who has burn scars on their right shoulder from dropping a steamer while installing curtains.) When my drapes arrived, they were ready to hang—literally. I didn’t have to steam or fuss with them. They looked perfect right out of the package, and the adjustable hooks made installation a breeze. If your curtain rod is slightly off or your floor isn’t perfectly level, no problem. You can raise or lower the panel with a simple click of each adjustable hook to get that perfect, polished line. These adjustable hooks come with each panel so one less thing to worry about!

From a practical standpoint, the curtains were easy to install. From a design standpoint, they took the room to an entirely new level.

The Transformation

My home office now feels like it’s dressed for its workday—and she’s showing up in style.

The drapes I chose are a rich, neutral-toned linen blend with structured Triple French Pleats that exude understated luxury. They frame the window beautifully and add a sense of depth and height to the room. When the light comes through in the morning, it creates the most peaceful ambiance—a perfect backdrop for creativity and productivity.

But more than that, the space now feels intentional. It feels like me.

I paired the new drapes with a mix of thoughtful design updates including:

• A new desk inspired by the classic lawyer’s desk with an inlaid leather top and French-inspired detailing
• One-of-a-kind vintage rug, hand-knotted in Isparta, Turkey
• Waterproof and scratch proof Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring
• Soft neutrals, curated décor, and hidden storage to keep the space beautiful and functional

Together, these elements created a room that is both a personal retreat and a professional setting. I start every workday here feeling energized and ready to create—and when clients visit, I’m proud to welcome them into a space that reflects the care and attention I bring to every project.

Why Custom Window Treatments Are Worth It

Gone are the days of grabbing curtains while simultaneously picking up your groceries. Now don’t get me wrong—there’s a time and place for convenience. But when it comes to pieces that impact the overall feel and function of your space, investing in custom window treatments from a dedicated provider is absolutely worth it.

Let’s be honest: it’s kind of strange that we’ve normalized buying a rug, a floor lamp, a pair of drapes, bananas, and wine all in one place. As I’ve grown deeper in my knowledge of design and quality sourcing, I’ve come to appreciate the value of products made by companies that specialize in what they do. TWOPAGES is one of those companies.

They don’t just sell drapes—they craft them. And that difference shows in every detail.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a homeowner looking to elevate your space or a fellow designer searching for reliable, high-quality window treatments, let this be your sign. TWOPAGES is a brand that delivers on its promises. Their drapes helped me transform my home office into a professional sanctuary that reflects who I am and where I’m headed.

Now, every time I walk into this room—whether it’s to meet a client, build a mood board, or sip a coffee while I plan—I’m reminded of just how far a little intention (and a lot of heart) can go.

To order the exact window treatments photographed for this blog post you will select: Liz Linen Drape Pleated > Color: Ivory White > Triple French Pleat > Select your custom Width and Custom Height > Lining Type: Blackout Thermal > Body Memory Shaped with Memory Training.

Please note: if you have white walls I recommend selecting the Color: Beige White or Snow White as the Ivory White will display yellow tones next to a white wall.

*All photographs credit: Ashley Southworth

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