Create a Cozy Reading Nook
When the weather outside is cold and rainy, don’t you just want to curl up with a good book? Since we’re deep in the winter months here in Northern California, today I’m sharing how to create a cozy reading nook in your home.
Customize for the Perfect Fit
![A soft white woolly rug beckons under the light blue chaise lounge, offering a cozy spot to curl up with a book or take a nap on a rainy day, dressed with pillows and a throw blanket. Beside it is a delicate 3-legged table dressed with orange flowers, a book, and a round curio object. The whole scene is underneath a wide open picture window with warm wood trim, and a sidelight window.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Living-Room_Gentlemans-Modern-Classic-Chaise-Longe-580x792.jpg)
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Marija Vidal
Here in what I like to call a gentleman’s modern classic living room, we needed a sophisticated solution to the narrow space available by the window, while leaving room to circulate. A chaise lounge was the answer, but felt a bit too open, so I designed this custom chaise lounge with arms — a bit cosier, especially when added to the fur rug, comfy pillows and blanket, and a simple side table.
Furniture is Key
![Hillside lounge area includes a brown sofa with throw pillows in lime green, sky blue, and black, a matching striped rug, 2 moveable tables in brown and green, and a matching chair and ottoman with a black throw pillow and sky blue blanket thrown over the ottoman. A standing lamp is placed between the sofa and chair. 6 frames on the wall show artwork, while natural light streams in from the double-height window at the right.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Reading-Nook-Hillside-Sanctuary-580x462.jpg)
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer
For those who don’t want to make a big change, sometimes what you need is to set the stage with the right furniture. For example, this California hillside retreat features a beautiful view with plenty of natural light. All we did was add a comfortable chair and ottoman by a table and reading lamp, a throw blanket for chilly days, and voilà, a welcoming space to read.
Zen Window Seat – Before and After
![Large bay window with simple wood framing, a single blind pulled down over the left window, and some video game components rest on the large windowsill finished in glossy light-colored wood.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Reading-Nook-Zen-Loft-BEFORE-580x435.jpg)
Photo by Kimball Starr
Customizing doesn’t have to be complicated. My client wanted to make better use of their industrial loft in San Francisco, while keeping a Zen feeling of space and calm. This underutilized window was just begging to be transformed!
![Double-height bay window trim painted a warm off-white, now finished with a golden tan window seat cushion and multiple throw pillows in green and yellow striped, plain blue and plain yellow, and yellow-and-blue patterns. Plenty of space to sit and read.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Reading-Nook_Zen-Loft-Windowseat-AFTER-580x892.jpg)
Design by Kimball Starr / Photo by Eric Rorer
We built out the window seat, made custom cushions, and added multiple throw pillows in complementary colors and patterns. Now my client enjoys spending the first part of their day sipping tea or coffee with a book, with the morning sun pouring in. Now doesn’t this just make you want to finish that book you’ve been putting off?
If you’d like a cozy reading nook to call your very own, contact Kimball Starr for a consultation today!