Category: reading nook

How to Create a Cozy Nook in Your Home
There’s something so inviting seeing a cozy nook in someone’s home. Nooks have a way of just making you feel warm and comfortable just looking at them. They’re the perfect spot for reading, sleeping or just relaxing. Nooks are like your own private getaway within your own home. Don’t have a cozy nook in your home just yet? No worries. Carving out your own special space for quiet time is a relatively easy thing to do. Here’s some things you can consider to get you started. via Jenny Keenan Design
1. Determine Its Purpose
First of all, how many people need to fit in this nook at a time? When planning your nook, make sure everyone is going to fit inside comfortably, without ever having to feel claustrophobic. What activity is going to be taking place within the nook? If it’s only going to be used for reading, then it can be relatively small, especially when you choose a comfortable reading chair. Sites like homeideas.com can help in this regard. However, if your three kids are going to be playing with their toys there, you may want to create a nook up in your attic area where they’ll have plenty of space.

Comfortable place for rest with different cushions near window
1. Decide On Its Location
Since most nooks are small, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a little space to set up your nook. If your home has stairs, you can set it up underneath them. Otherwise, all you need is a corner in whatever room you’ve chosen. If possible, utilize a window within your nook, so you can enjoy the natural light flowing in. A simple padded bench placed under the window gives you a well-lit space to enjoy a good book. Simply paint your nook in a different color so it stands out from the rest of the room. If you happen to have a closet you can sacrifice to use as a nook, you can use it to make one that is large enough for one person to fit inside. You might even place a little nook at the end of a hallway. If you have enough money in your budget, you may opt to put a larger nook inside of your attic. Its low roof lines will make your nook feel extra warm and comfortable.
1. Define the Space
If you’re setting up your cozy nook in the corner of a room, you need to make sure you’re somehow defining it from the rest of the room. A good way to do this is by laying down an area rug. Not only will it provide definition, but it will keep your toes cozy warm. via Jenny Keenan Design
1. Decorating Your Nook
The furniture you select for your nook will depend on what you’re using your nook for. For example, if you’re creating a breakfast nook in a corner of your kitchen, you would need a table and proper seating. On the other hand, if you’re designing a reading nook, you might opt for a big, comfy chair with a throw blanket, throw pillows, and a small bookshelf next to it. It would also be a good idea to always have a small table or surface to place a cup upon. You don’t want to have to figure out where to put your morning cup of coffee while you read the paper. Allow your personality to shine through when decorating your nook. This is your special space, so it should reflect who you are. Think out of the box, and don’t be afraid to try something new. The only common thread with your nook is that whatever design elements you choose should have a relaxing feel to them, which is relative to the individual. Think about the things that make you feel happy, and surround yourself with them. via Jenny Keenan Design
1. Provide Appropriate Lighting
When it comes to designing your nook, don’t overlook the importance of the right lighting. Even if your nook is in front of a window, you’ll need a light to be able to read at night. To make your nook look elegant, you could go with a crystal chandelier that becomes the focal point of your nook. If space is limited, you could opt for wall lights, such as a dimmable LED sign. This will help create the perfect ambience without taking up any space.Overhead or recessed lighting can also be used as an accent to bring attention to your special space.

Final Thought Creating a cozy nook doesn’t have to be a big investment of your time, money or effort. Allow your imagination to guide you through your design process and in the end you’ll create something amazing. So are you ready to create a cozy nook within your home? Thanks to HomeIdeas for consulting
September 3, 2020
3 Tips for Making Your Home Warm and Inviting

There is nothing like the feeling of coming home at night after a long day at work to a home that is warm and inviting. You simply want to sink down into the comfort of your favorite chair for a few moments to let the stresses of the day slip away before you do anything at all. You aren’t in the mood to open your mail, change your clothes, and for sure, you aren’t ready to start dinner at the moment. But for some reason, you feel as though you’ve left something out. Your home just isn’t as warm and cozy as you’d like it to be, so what can you do to change that? Actually, it’s a simple fix. Here are just three of the things you can do to give your home that warmth you are seeking.

1. Earthy Tones Work Best

Scientifically speaking, earth tones work best because they have a calming effect on the mind. Don’t use bright colors because they energize. You have been at the top of your game all day long and you don’t want energy at the moment; what you want are some peace and quiet. That’s what natural earth tones provide, so make sure everything, from walls to furniture, is the soft tones of Mother Earth. Neutral beiges, soft greens, and even soft pastel greys work well when you are looking to add warmth to any room.

2. Use Elements from Nature

You have heard it said over and over that when you are particularly stressed, you should take a walk outdoors. Why not bring nature into your home? Use wood instead of metal wherever possible, have plants in every room, and even use things like rocks and branches as part of your décor. Some people choose limbs from trees to use as wall hangings because they can also be seasonally decorated with tiny lights or ornaments as the season’s demand. A little electric rock waterfall also helps to bring nature inside, and the sound of cascading water is as calming as it gets.

3. Pay Special Attention to the Bedroom

The bedroom is, after all, where you go to relax when you are particularly tired or stressed. This is the room you want to be the warmest and most inviting of all. Start with natural bedding if at all possible. Besides the fact that synthetics are not good for the environment, they easily give static electricity sparks in dryer weather. The website Down Comfort Expert explains that Egyptian cotton comforters filled with goose down are the softest and warmest choices you can use for your bed. Snuggle up in the luxury of a soft and warm natural comforter, maybe for the first time in your life, and you’ll understand why they are so popular.

Although you want your home to be warm and inviting to anyone who visits, you are there every day of the week and you are the one who deserves to enjoy a cozy home. Take time to look around. Notice those things which don’t seem to bring you a sense of serenity and then begin systematically replacing them with elements specially chosen from nature. In no time at all, you will notice that your body relaxes the moment you walk in the door – and that is what you really need. You want a sanctuary from the stresses of life and this is something a warm and inviting home has to offer. Now, isn’t that just what you need?

*all images via Decorpad

May 15, 2018
Interior Design Tips for Adding Versatility

Interior Design Tips

No sooner have we got the home looking perfect and summery than the days start getting shorter, and thoughts start to turn towards Thanksgiving. The temptation is to completely change the décor again, but that is not always practical. Here, we take a look at four design tips for adding versatility to your living space and making it perfect whatever the season.

via Instagram

via ?

Start with the doors

Every room has them, but they are often the last thing you think about when it comes to interior décor. The fact is, the choice of door sets a tone for the look of the entire room. A light wood finish gives a fresh, airy sense in the summer months, yet is still warm and inviting when the weather turns colder.

In a smaller room, white is a great choice, as it gives a better feeling of space, but be careful in larger rooms, as it can end up feeling cold and stark. That does not mean white should automatically be ruled out, but think about combining it with soft furnishings and perhaps wall hangings.

There is a huge variety of doors available, why not have a look here to see what would work best in your home?

Soft furnishings

via Glitter Guide

via ?

When it comes to setting a theme without spending too much time or money, there is nothing like focusing on the soft furnishings. Everyone loves cushions, and it is so easy to change the covers from something pastel and bright in the summer to something warmer and darker in the winter.

However, it does not have to stop there. Also think about throws and blankets. In the summer, a white or stonewashed style throw over the back of the sofa gives that seaside feel. As the weather gets colder, change it for something thick and textured – perfect to snuggle under on a cold night.

Accessories

via Design Love Fest

A wooden basket is one of the most versatile accessories your room can have. In the summer, use it to store newspapers or magazines, and in the winter, it can become a log basket. Even if you don’t have an open fire, it is a great accessory to give your room that feel of being a sanctuary from the cold weather.

Think about what goes up on the walls too – those seascapes or wicker hangings that look great in the summer can be replaced by something warm and textured in the winter months. It is the work of five minutes, but makes a big difference.

Try a little Feng Shui

via The Snug

via The Decorista

Some people go for years without moving a piece of furniture, but we say you should redesign the layout according to the seasons. In summer, you want an airy, more minimalist feel, and if you have large windows looking out onto the world, these should be the focus of your attention.

In winter, bring things together. Create more of an inward focus, on either the fireplace or, of course, the TV. It will feel like a completely different room.

*this is a collaborative post

July 17, 2017
Mixing wood and white

Mixing wood and white in your interior

Contrasting elements, like mixing wood and white, add a lot of visual interest to a space. I’ve gathered up some images of spaces that marry two of my favorite interior elements: white, and wood. I personally don’t think there’s anything more classic, crisp, and “home.”

Those floors are gorgeous!

The shelves are a great use of an otherwise hard-to-use wall adjoining a gabled ceiling.

Do you like white and wood?

1.-2. Rue Mag 3.-5. Sweet Home Style

April 18, 2017
Hygge Interiors Inspiration – What does it mean to you?

Get your Hygge Interiors inspiration here people! Okay, I know I’m really late on the band wagon, and probably some other trend is already popping up over the blogosphere. Regardless, I felt I needed to look into the Hygge trend myself and share interiors that illustrate what Hygge means to me. For those of you that don’t know Hygee, here’s a definition:

What is Hygge and Hygge interiors?

“Hygge (pronounced hue-gah) is a Danish word that is a feeling or mood that comes taking genuine pleasure in making ordinary, every day moments more meaningful, beautiful or special. Whether it’s making coffee a verb by creating a ritual of making it then lingering over a cup to a cosy evening in with friends to the simple act of lighting a candle with every meal. Hygge is being aware of a good moment whether it’s simple or special.” Read more here.

So when it comes to making your home hygee, the philosophy would be to surround yourself with what makes your home comfortable and beautiful. Obviously that can be subjective from person to person, but below are some interiors that would be my definition of hygge.

A hygee dining room, minimal but warm. The rustic table, branches in a vase, and art books make it hygee for me.

via ?

Super comfy chairs for curling up in, exposed beams, and a lot of beautiful windows for natural light make this living room hygge.

via Bloglovin.com

I find white interiors soothing, and layers of texture make it cozy.

via HomeDeco

What’s more cozy than a reading nook? I also love the blue and yellow color scheme.

via theculturetrip.com

Good craftsman ship and natural elements are also beautiful to me, and make a home feel comfortable.

via House and Garden

February 7, 2017
We’re back! A new year, a new Decorology to welcome 2017!

Let’s welcome 2017 as a new year of health, kindness, beauty, respect for the planet, reverence for our bodies, reverence for our souls, accepting others and embracing our differences, and PEACE. As cliche and naive as it may sound, why can’t we all be “humble and kind,” as Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind” pleads?

Below are images I’ve found that illustrate and inspire my goals this year to have a beautiful home, healthy body, clean food, meaningful relationships. I hope you enjoy!

Details like stunning pull ring fixtures, an ornate backsplash, and brass fixtures make this kitchen. The wood front fridge and farmhouse sink keep the space from looking too polished. And those windows.

via Pinterest via Design Chic

A built in window seat embellished with cushions is welcoming. Love the Saarinen table contrasted against the wide plank hardwood floors.

via Pinterest via Domino

I’m no longer a vegetarian because I’m lucky enough to get me from my parent’s farm, but I strongly believe in less processed foods.

via Cook Republic

It’s all about fitspiration for me not thinspiration. Fit individuals age much better than thin individuals. My goal is to stay strong. I mentioned to my son’s physical therapist that ever since I had him, and spend a lot more time on the floor that my hips and knees have been hurting. She recommended yoga to keep joints flexible and open.

via Pinterest

We cannot eat, breathe, drink, and be nourished by money. No matter what or who the cause of changes on our planet, it’s care and wellness should be a top priority.

via Pinterest via Weheartit

Another big goal for me this year is to continue on my path to live simply and minimize. I’ve continued going through all of our possessions and trying to donate or sell everything that has no functional or sentimental value. It’s an ongoing, long process, but we’ve made good progress and I love what it is doing to our home!

What are your goals and what inspires you this year?

January 3, 2017
Reading nooks perfect for a cloudy day

This weekend we saw some sun, but the DC area has been under a cloak of clouds for about 15 days now. Usually I’ll try to post uplifting sunny gardens or light and bright house tours on rainy days, but I’ve decided to embrace it today. So I’m coming to you today from the chaise of my sectional cuddled up with a faux fur throw. If you can, I encourage you to enjoy the following photos in a similar fashion.

One day I will have a gorgeous antique leather arm chair.

Love the wood beams, most likely repurposed specifically for the creation of this charming reading nooks.

I love that this nook makes use of what would otherwise be underutilized hall space.

I’d either be reading or just staring out the gorgeous window.

May 9, 2016
All of our love to Paris

My thoughts have really been with Paris this week. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting twice, and cannot wait to return. Keep them in your hearts!

Here are some gorgeous spaces done in the way only Parisians can!

Super clean lines in the furnishings allow the amazing bones of this place to really shine.
via Pinterest

via My Domaine

via The Entertaining House

via Dot & Bo

November 19, 2015
My home office inspiration

I’ve been trying to find jus the right shade of peach to paint my home office for the last few months. I find shades are either too pink, or too salmony. Anywhere, here is some inspiration

This was the original office that inspired me to paint my office peach
via Decorology

LOVE this.
via Pinterest via The Glitter Guide.com

This bedroom has been a favorite of mine for a long time.
via Pinterest via The Designer’s Muse

Maybe a bit too salmon for me, but I like it
via Pinterest via Babble

This color is just what I’m looking for!
via Pinterest via The Tao of Dana

This is gorgeous too but maybe a bit too warm.
via The Tao of Dana

via Pinterest via BHG

August 7, 2014
Mixing white and wood

Happy Friday everyone! I’ve gathered up some images of spaces that marry two of my favorite interior elements: white, and wood. I personally don’t think there’s anything more classic, crisp, and “home.”

Those floors are gorgeous!

The shelves are a great use of an otherwise hard-to-use wall adjoining a gabled ceiling.

Do you like white and wood?

1.-2. Rue Mag 3.-5. Sweet Home Style

January 11, 2013