Ryan Keely's DIY Journey: Building a Production Studio at Home

Eleanor Vance · 2026-08-22

Ever wonder how a content creator transforms a standard one-bedroom apartment into a fully functional production studio? Ryan Keely, the digital creator and media personality known affectionately as 'America's Favorite Stepmom,' is showing us exactly how it's done. She's launched a brand-new YouTube series called 'Home Hacks,' and it's not your typical home improvement show. This is about the real, hands-on work of creating a multipurpose space that's both beautiful and broadcast-ready. ### The Vision Behind 'Home Hacks' Ryan is tackling this renovation entirely on her own, blending serious DIY grit with clever, accessible design. The goal? To prove that high-end, functional interior design doesn't require a Hollywood budget or a massive crew. She's documenting every step, from the initial planning to the final touches, showing that a dream and some determination can go a very long way. As Ryan puts it, “All you need is a dream.” She's not going it completely alone, though. For expert guidance, she teamed up with Rock Zehler, an up-and-coming interior designer. Rock's business, Secret Spaces, focuses on making dramatic impacts in personal areas, and their advice is tailored for these unique, multi-use layouts. They provide the professional insights and space-maximizing strategies that take the project to the next level. ### More Than Just an Office Makeover This project hits on a need many modern creators have but few resources address. Ryan explains, “There is plenty of information on how to put an office in your living room, but there isn’t a whole lot about putting a production studio in your home.” Her mission is to show others how to optimize their living spaces for production without sacrificing comfort or style. She wants the journey to inspire, educate, and entertain anyone facing a similar complex challenge. The series is executive produced by Ryan with support from seasoned producer Marcy Guevara, whose credits include shows like *Top Chef*. Marcy is thrilled to dive into the short-form digital space with this project. “Ryan's creativity and breadth of knowledge make her an easy talent to produce!” Guevara says. “I love that this shows that ladies can do it ourselves... I have personally learned so much about home renovation from Ryan—she makes it fun, sexy, and accessible!” Rock Zehler, also known for the viral Twitter account 'Cocaine Decor,' highlights the unique dynamic of their collaboration. “The relationship with a space keeps evolving as what someone needs from a room changes. Multipurpose doesn’t have to mean compromise... And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from Ryan, it’s that she doesn’t do things halfway.” ### What Viewers Can Expect Each episode will zero in on specific transformation elements. Viewers will get: - Budget-friendly design swaps and smart shopping tips - Practical, real-world advice for maximizing small, urban spaces - Candid behind-the-scenes moments and honest renovation challenges - Actionable takeaways you can use in your own home The raw, unscripted nature of the DIY process is a big part of the appeal. Octavio Arizala of Media Grinders, who handled post-production, notes, “You never really know what you’re going to find when the dailies come in.” It's this authentic, problem-solving-in-real-time approach that makes 'Home Hacks' feel genuinely helpful. So, if you're a creator looking to upgrade your space, a DIY enthusiast wanting a realistic project, or just someone who loves a good transformation story, Ryan Keely's 'Home Hacks' is worth checking out. It premiered on her YouTube channel and offers a fresh, empowering look at what it truly means to build the space you need.