This small two-bedroom condo was my landing pad while I returned to college for a master’s degree at an out-of-town university. My goal was to make a comfortable environment for writing, studying, thesis meetings, and overnight stays. It was only an 18-month rental, so we were required to work with the existing white walls. It was also a budget project, so we recycled furniture from a prior project and added quick mail-order items to supplement the need and look. Our irresistible custom dining banquette was a key addition as it provides practicality, as well as personality in its fun pattern and color surprise. For an inexpensive large-scale art solution, we added super-sized custom graphic quotations for inspiration and humor. Our neutral, yet feminine color palette was a cheerful, yet soothing environment for my rigorous study adventure. This project is proof that good design does not have to be BIG budget. As architect Bobby McAlpine says, “Beauty is the place we love to go, the place where we exist at our best.” It is true; I did exist at my best in my little condo cocoon.