As we approach the colder months of 2022, many of us are looking at switching out those thin bedsheets for comfy duvets and putting fans back into storage until next summer. While many can’t get enough of the bright and hot summertime, plenty of people adore the chillier months, primarily due to having the option to get cozy and wrap up warm to stave off the cold.
Changing up our homes to add some warm, relaxing spaces is a great way to prepare for the autumn and winter, and one addition, in particular, is the nook. Here’s how you can create a relaxing space in your home where you can curl up with a hot drink and a nice book and watch the world go by outside your window.
Choose The Right Space
First of all, you’ll want to identify the right space for your cozy nook. This should ideally be in an area that feels secluded and shut away from the wider world while also having plenty of natural light. Often, people will put their nook by an upstairs window facing the garden or the front of the house.
Upstairs is the best choice as you avoid the awkward glances of passers-by yet retain the ability to watch the world go by in comfort. The space should be big enough to fit a chair in comfortably, as well as a side table unless you’re substituting this with something else such as a large windowsill.
Focus On Lighting
As you’ll likely want to use this space to relax with a book or something rather than sleep in, you’ll want access to some good quality lighting to brighten this nook up. Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from using this as a great napping spot every now and again, but if you want to sit down with a good book, you’re going to want some good lighting.
Not only will lighting help you when it comes to reading, but it can also be used to influence the mood of the space. Hanging fairy lights around a space like this is a popular choice, and you might also want to consider using smart lighting. You can get a variety of different types of smart lights, from LED strip lighting to faux-neon lights and everything in between. The great thing about smart lights is the huge amount of control you have over them. You can change the color and the intensity so that you can set any mood you want.
Pick Useful Furniture
Within a space like this, comfort is key. However, that comfort isn’t going to last long if you don’t have the right furniture in the space. For example, you may have the comfiest seating in the world, but if you have to keep getting up to grab your drink or reach for a snack, then you’re not making good use of the space. This is why it’s important to choose some useful furniture for your nook, such as a small coffee table, a bookshelf, or even a nice desk for you to keep all of your things in.
You could even use part of this area for making hot drinks, too. A coffee machine will lend that relaxing coffee smell to the area, as though your nook was situated in a quiet and relaxing café. Add some syrups to this station, and you’ll have quick access to as many types of flavored coffee as you’d like.
Add Some Comfy Seating
Naturally, there’s not much point in having a nook like this if it’s not a comfortable space, and the best way to do this is by adding some comfy and spacious seating to the area. This can be in the form of a specific chair like an armchair or sofa, depending on the space you have, or you could create a custom seat that fits perfectly into the small space you’ve designated as your nook.
A custom-fitted bench could be slotted perfectly into a bay window, making great use of a space that is usually hard to use. Then you simply need to fill that area with lots of comfy cushions and blankets, and you’re good to go.
Don’t Forget Scent
As with the smell you’d get from your coffee machine, it’s always worth remembering the importance of scent in the home. Fragrances can boost our mood and completely change the vibe of a room. A selection of scented candles is a great option for a cozy nook like this, and you could change up the scent depending on the time of year or the type of feeling you want to get from this space.
A lavender scent could be a good option if you’re trying to wind down after a busy and stressful day. Or a pumpkin-spiced scent might be the better choice if you’re embracing the spooky season. There are countless options when it comes to scents, so you’ll have plenty to choose from, and the dancing flames and gentle crackle of a candle can also be incredibly relaxing.
