Cozy. A word that brings to mind all kinds of goodness that is nourishing, warm and welcoming and well- cozy.
When I was little, I can remember curling up in my robe and flannel jammies with my coloring books and notebooks in hand. I would sit down and tuck my legs inside my robe and puddle it around me and plop right by the heater on the floor. When the heater came on- the air came up through the vent and warmed my toes and created a big air ‘balloon’ with my robe and I would sit there for hours with a pencil in hand doodling or writing the next chapter in the book I was working on.
There was something about being wrapped up in my robe with the heater warming my toes that brought contentment. A feeling akin to being wrapped up in a blanket when you were little. I can remember that feeling even now- something so simple that made me feel wholly ‘nourished’, calm- introverted & inspired.
Cozy & Inspiring
Even many years later as a ‘grown up’ in our home now, I have a habit of navigating towards the fireplace to plop down to sit on the floor next to the warmth of the fire. Spoiler alert- I am writing this post while doing just that right now. I suppose to some- it might be an odd thing. Sitting cross legged on the floor by the fire rather than pulling up a chair. But it is comfortable for me and brings a feeling of peace & contentment. The warmth on my back, a favorite cross legged pose- and maybe in some ways- it is just feeling more ‘grounded’. It seems to speak my language and I find it easier to rest some of the busy energy and to connect more with my inner creative side.
Of course, we aren’t here encouraging sitting on the floor to find that ‘cozy’. It is about finding and creating a cozy place where you can relax, rejuvenate and find inspiration. Where you can simmer for a bit and get lost in the story in the pages of a good book. Or simply spend a little time dreaming and reflecting. Today in our Slow Living series- my daughter is sharing thoughts on creating a cozy place where you can rest the busy and rejuvenate for a bit. A space like a cozy reading nook.
Creating a ‘Nook’
We all need a good space to relax in after a long day. While scrolling on your phone in bed may be the tempting route to go, there are plenty of other more fulfilling ways to wind down that can leave you feeling more rejuvenated, inspired, and mindful all at once. One of our favorite ways to do that is by relaxing in a cozy ‘nook’ to sit for a bit. A spot like a reading nook is a great example. A reading nook is more than just a spot to enjoy your favorite books. It’s a place where you can escape. To be at peace, and simmer in the beauty of what it means to slow down.
But even though we are focusing mostly on a reading nook- a ‘nook’ can also simply be a little place to rejuvenate. Sharing 9 tips for creating the perfect reading nook to help you slow down & enjoy the simple beauty of the little things all around you.
1. Pick a Quiet Spot
The first tip is to choose a good spot in your home to start creating your nook. This could be a spot near a window in your bedroom. A quiet area near a fireplace in the living room. Or even a comfy corner tucked away in the guest room.
Tip: A reading nook doesn’t need a lot of space in order to be special. It just needs to be in a quiet and meaningful spot for you. Choose a quiet space that makes you feel calm.
Wherever you choose, your reading nook should always feel like a place you can go to decompress and free yourself of obligation and worry, so don’t be afraid to play around with different areas of your home to find a spot that fits your needs perfectly.
2. Choose the right seating
The most important thing about creating a reading nook is making sure it’s comfortable.
Tip: Create an environment that not only looks comfortable but feels comfortable enough to sink into for hours at a time.
Be selective about the furniture you choose to decorate it with and opt for comfort over anything else. A few ideas for this: an oversized chair, a soft cushioned settee, or even a plush window bench. Whatever you find to be the most comfortable & peaceful is a perfect spot to curl up after a long day.
See more of this vintage inspired chair HERE
3. Choose cozy fabrics
Next, nothing says comfort quite like wrapping yourself up in your favorite fabrics and sinking into comfy pillows. Since we’re going for the ultimate cozy feeling in our nook, add as many soft, cozy fabrics as you would like.
Fabrics such as tumbled linen, velvet, or chunky knit fabric are a few of our favorites. They have a way of instantly cozying up a space to be more tranquil.
Whatever fabrics and material you consider to be the comfiest, bring them to create a more soul-nurturing environment for deeper relaxation and inner peace.
4. Brighten up the room with some greenery
A little bit of greenery can go a long way in calming your mind and inviting a more homey feeling into your space.
Whether you’re a lover of flowers, house plants, or fresh garden clippings, adding some greenery in your reading nook is an excellent way to enhance the environment and truly bring it to life.
Not to mention, plants have been scientifically proven to naturally mellow out our space just by being present in it, so don’t be afraid to get a little crazy with your favorite natural touches to bring a more inviting and leisurely feeling to your environment.
5. Add a side table
Since a warm drink and a good book always go hand-in-hand when it comes to creating the perfect zen space, adding a simple side table next to your chair is a perfect addition to your reading nook.
A side table is perfect for placing your drink, candle or flowers on and can also help to balance out the overall look of your nook a little better.
6. Put something soft under your feet.
Nothing says comfort like a soft carpet below your feet as you get ready to unwind for the evening.
Whether you’re a fan of cozy shag rugs or the warm patina of vintage carpets, adding texture to the floor can instantly set a soothing tone that just makes you want to cozy up and relax.
7. Make this space your own
Adding a few of your favorite things to your environment is sure to lift your mood & nurture your soul each time you’re in it. So don’t be afraid to grab those familiar pieces.
Personal items that have meaning for you are a wonderful way to decorate that also connects us to memories & moments.
- Pieces like: your children’s artwork on the wall.
- A favorite antique chair.
- Family photos you cherish on the side table.
- A plop of heirloom pillows.
- A knitted throw from your grandmother.
- Something special that has meaning for you.
Things that connect you to your space bring meaning for you. For example my grandmothers collection of antique books on these shelves. They always make me think of her and where she had them in her home when I see them.
8. Create the right ambiance
After the essentials, it’s time to add a little bit of ambiance to your space. Ambiance is one of those things that is totally unique to the individual. There is no right or wrong way to go about it. For one person, the perfect ambiance may look like flickering candles or an essential oil diffuser. While it may be soft music and fairy lights to another.
9. No Distraction Zone
Your nook is your dedicated place to go and find a few moments of peace & quiet. So make sure it is focused on the purpose of relaxing, reading, and unwinding to maintain that zen feeling. Keep that space a ‘no distraction zone.’
Keep any stressful work-related activities or phone use away from it. Your reading nook should be a place for detoxing. A stress-free environment where you can sit for a bit without expectations or something taking your attention.
Whether it is a reading nook, a cozy chair or a spot by the fire that speaks to you- there are many unique ways for creating a little nook that matches your personality.
More than anything, the right nook will inspire you to make time for it and YOU. So don’t be afraid to think about and take your time with putting it together. Creating a little spot that you will look forward to spending time in is key.
By paying attention to the things that feed your soul & make you feel relaxed and nurtured – your nook is bound to become a favorite place to escape to in your home.
Happy Wednesday all.
Bloody awesome
I have the accomplishment of thAt!! My home/apartment is now french country. I’m UNFORTUNATELY, finishing up with a GORGEOUS vintage all glass chandelier which now has to be rewired for an additional $300-$400 BECAUSE of re-wiring/ul wiring. not happy, but the result will be wonderful.
I’m officially done with lighting then, so am happy about that.
I am redecorating my daughters old bedroom into a cozy retreat for myself. I have pale blue toile wallpaper, a large window seat that holds a twin mattress, tons of pillows in all Different pale blue and pale pink throw pillows and a darling crossstitched quilt. Idon’t even think i am going to add a tv. It is going to be my little “haven” if you will. I am also getting a beautiful chandelier to put in there and a french chair. I can’t wait Until i get it completed! You inspire me!
While I love reading your blog, I guess I’m going to have to stop.
The number of ads that continue to pop up on the sides is very distracting and while I stop to close them, more just pop up in another place.
I realize you have advertisers, but to me, it’s way way too much.
Sorry to depart, as I enjoy reading what you write, but just don’t want to deal with all the advertsiting pop ups anymore.
Hi Sherry, Thank you for your note. I am sorry to hear that- but I understand. My ad management company is adjusting the ads with the new month just starting so sometimes it is wonky for a bit.l But also there should be no pop up ads at all- and None that you should close only to have pop up again. I apologize for that. Those types of ads frustrate me as well. I will let my ad management company know that there are some sneaking in and hopefully they will be able to get that fixed asap.
I love the deconstructed chair. I looked at home goods on line and the details were a bit different. There were no buttons, the seat look a little less padded, nd the legs looked slightly different. I would love to find the one hyou have picturesd.
hi,
i love the look of your cozy corners. where can i purchase the pillows shown?
Those are pillows that I made a few years ago. I will see if I can source the fabric or a similar look.
Memories! Thank you for the walk! Lanz flannel jammies, a sweet robe, and sitting on that heater vent Saturday mornings. The smell of bacon and eggs being prepared by my parents. Such simple times and oh, so fun! I see who I became, a woman who loves to create sweet, cozy spaces! Thank you!