Innumerable fashion blogs gained popularity in 2010, then quickly faded from memory. One that has stood the test of time, however, is Man Repeller : a quirky, feminist, tongue-and-cheek site started by journalism student turned entrepreneur Leandra Medine . Though she began her accidental career as the founder of an ever-growing media empire alone in a 400-square-foot work space, she now manages ten employees in a 2,200-square-foot SoHo location. With the help of Homepolish’s Elisa Shankle and AllModern , Medine transformed the blank space into an inviting home for the start-up. “My inspiration was the fun and playful character of Man Repeller. I wanted to create a place that had predominantly modern clean lines with a retro vintage feel,” says Shankle. Medine adds: “I wanted to remove the remnants of the space’s previous lives and start fresh, new, and airy, with a warm and welcoming environment where people feel excited to come in every morning and inspired to stay for as long as they want.” And the result is just as cool as its occupants. Here’s how Shankle and Medine revamped the space to accommodate all of the website’s needs.

Finding a harmonious blend of whimsy and comfort was top of mind for the space. “My priority was to utilize an eclectic mix of materials and textures, and a lively color palette to bring the space to life,” says Shankle.

Shankle used mostly warm neutral tones throughout, but the floral sideboard in the conference room adds an unexpected pop of color. “Not only is it a print, but the façade of the piece is fabric, so it adds another great textural component,” she says.

For the new office, Medine chose to stay in the same SoHo neighborhood as her former headquarters. “The intersection of Nolita, Chinatown, and Little Italy is really inspiring. So many of our photo shoots take place in the surrounding magazine shops, restaurants, and markets, and against the graffiti walls. And the food and coffee options! They go on forever,” she says.

Developing “quiet corners for writers to work comfortably without our business development and sales teams feeling like they have to whisper” was important, says Medine. Here, anyone can take a break from their desk to relax on a comfortable couch. “The space has a lot of character. It feels like a second home.”

“Leandra celebrates all things girl power, quirky, and fashion-oriented,” says Shankle. “The SoHo vibe embodies all that Man Repeller represents.” Exhibit A? This stand-out print in the bathroom.

“Our first headquarters was open, but here there is a private office and a conference room where meeting and phone calls can occur without disturbing anyone trying to do quiet work,” says Medine, pictured in her office. “From a style perspective, we’ve kept it relatively minimal with a mostly white and clear plexi space that uses accents in materials like wood and mirror. And we have a kitchen! Major plus.”