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living room nook with cushions on chair

Why Every Home Needs a Nook

Make the most of every small corner of your home by discovering how to create a nook for every room, decor theme and lifestyle to retreat into until spring
By: Charlotte Olby

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Why Every Home Needs a Nook

Why Every Home Needs a Nook

Make the most of every small corner of your home by discovering how to create a nook for every room, decor theme and lifestyle to retreat into until spring

By: Charlotte Olby

Usually, when considering the layout or interior design of a room (or indeed your entire home) the dream scenario is to be faced with plenty of airy open space for socialising, hosting and general life-living. But something just as – or perhaps even more – important to cultivate are those more intimate corners dedicated to cosiness. And that, dear reader, is why every home deserves its very own nook…

If you find yourself in the throws of January having unsuccessfully set up your home to best support your newfound focus on self-care, perhaps carving out a nook is the perfect project to get into during these dark, cold months? As a spot committed to comfort, a nook should be a place to escape to, where you can feel your energy and mentality shift each time you retreat there. So if you’re wondering, here are Liberty’s favourite ideas for transforming an overlooked corner and the building blocks to finessing your nook for maximum resting and nesting.

The Reading Nook

The popularity of open-plan living has resulted in many of us having homes that are lacking in snuggly spots for curling up. Whether you forge a reading nook in an unused bedroom corner, hallway alcove or even under the stairs, treat this as an opportunity to create yourself a haven using a comfy chair, ottoman, chaise lounge or even a small sofa.

In terms of design, consider using custom-built shelving or a bookcase and plants to section your snug off, but in a way that still feels harmonious with the rest of the room. A small table can also be handy for placing copious mugs of tea. Get creative with furnishings by choosing cosy cushions and throws to encourage getting comfortable, and don’t forget something warm and tactile underfoot as well, like a deep pile rug. Task lighting for reading is essential so make sure to include plenty of light sources but also think of mood lighting too. Soft wall sconces or even candlelight will create a warm ambience. These can all serve as reminders to slow things down and find time for a good book.

The Living Room Nook

If your living room doubles up as the social hub of your home, perhaps the most British of solutions to an otherwise lonely-looking corner is, of course, to build a bar (see: pub) in it. For some, building out the space either side of a chimney breast, alcoves or in unique architectural features with a media unit just doesn’t suit the way we actually live in that room. Sometimes we all need a little reminder that our homes should work for our personal habits and hobbies, as opposed to aspirational plans laid as a result of Pinterest scrolling.

In order to create a stylish home bar, you can go one of two ways: built-in cabinetry (complete with a sink) or a simple bar cart. See this as the perfect place to showcase your carefully curated collection of glassware and bar accessories with plenty of open shelving to display them nestled amongst art and recipe books. Bonus points if your nook can fit some bar stools or small pouffes for sitting and sipping.

The WFH Nook

For those short on space but feeling sick of the kitchen table, creating a mini workstation can be the study spot the entire family craves. There are plenty of clever desk ideas you can employ to turn even the most cramped spots into organised spaces conducive to concentration.

Consider the basics: a desk or extra-wide shelf big enough to fit a laptop, a small desk chair that can be tucked or rolled away and plenty of storage for desk accessories, books and documents. If your WFH nook is near a window, be sure to angle towards the natural light for working during the day. For the darker hours (or months) make sure to have proper lighting to zone the area. To help the nook serve the entire family – from “work” work to homework – optimise it for every kind of study with dedicated storage boxes to house each individual’s notebooks, favourite pens and art supplies.

The Breakfast Nook

Despite the name, this nook is not just limited to breakfast time but a covetable space for casual dining, which is increasingly taking over from formal dining rooms as the most desirable convening spot. Whether tucked into the corner of your kitchen or squeezed into the living room, the breakfast nook is fast becoming our favourite home hangout.

Breakfast nooks are created using banquette seating – great as they fill the space and come complete with storage – to seat the entire family, with a bistro table and a few extra chairs and stools for any flying visitors. As a space to sit, breathe and recharge, the kitchen nook can double up as a spot for working, relaxing or even a dedicated game night. Complete your breakfast nook with plenty of cushions for comfortable seating and a table laid with the most Liberty-approved linens, crockery and glassware.

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