As the weather cools down, people often look for cozy spots to relax with a good book and a hot drink. A reading nook can be a solution, providing a comfortable and intimate space to unwind. These small areas can also be a great way to utilize small pockets of space in a home.
Creating a Cozy Nook
A reading nook can be created in a variety of ways, depending on the available space and personal style. For example, a window seat with a built-in storage unit can provide a cozy spot to read while also keeping books and other items organized.
In a London home designed by Sam Buckley, a cozy nook was created in one of the bedrooms. The nook features stepped cushions upholstered in ‘Vallauris’ fabric by Lelièvre and ‘Phlox’ by Raf Simons for Kvadrat, sitting upon a bespoke storage unit. The wall light above is the ‘Tabata’ by Luca Nichetto for Tradition.
Notably, this London home was originally designed in the 1980s by Piers Gough, a postmodern architect known for his work on Janet Street-Porter’s former home. Buckley’s design aimed to distill the home’s geometric elements while creating a future-focused interior, as seen in the cozy nook’s combination of textures and colors.
Design Inspiration
For those looking to create their own reading nook, there are many design inspirations to consider. A bold blue nook in a Roman apartment, designed by Matteo Soddu and Sergio Marras, features a built-in seat and cushions upholstered in the ‘Perez’ collection from Fishman’s Fabrics. Vintage wall lights provide gentle illumination for reading.
In a London home, interior designer Tiffany Duggan created a decorative entrance with a window seat topped with a pad upholstered in Fermoie’s ‘Wicker’ fabric. The blind is made using the same linen, trimmed with Jim Thompson’s ‘Serpentine’ ikat border.
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Cozy Nooks from Around the World
A window seat with countryside views in a Suffolk home features cushions upholstered in Christopher Farr Cloth’s ‘Criss Cross’ pattern. The room is warmed with heavy window coverings, including ‘Elio’ blinds by Romo and ochre linen ‘Ayari’ curtains by Kvadrat.
In a Manhattan apartment, designer Jason Saft created a cozy den with custom banquette seating upholstered in Dedar’s ‘Tiger Mountain’. Shelving painted a lively tomato red leaves plenty of space to display books and objects.
A compact nook in a California home shows how little space is required to create an intimate corner. Homeowner Randy Barbato worked with Commune Design on the renovation of his classic 1936 California colonial-revival house. The interiors are a balanced conglomeration of colour and lively pattern.
Stylish Window Seats
A window seat in a Berlin home, designed by Studio Bosko, features a custom bench upholstered in Dedar’s ‘Tiger Mountain’ velvet. The built-in shelving is stained walnut, as is the dressing-table area. The table lamp is Wilhelm Wagenfeld’s famous ‘Bauhaus’ design for Tecnolumen.
A plum-colored nook with a custom daybed, designed by Kallos Turin, features a rich plum tone, ‘Sinople’ by Argile. The custom oak daybed is upholstered in ‘Robles’ fabric, a linen-wool blend from Designs of the Time. The walnut table is vintage, and the ‘Formentera’ rug is by Vanghent.
