Have you ever wanted a special, comfortable space in your home just for you? A cozy nook can be the perfect retreat for reading, journaling, meditating, or simply unwinding with a warm cup of tea. Here’s how to design one that suits your style and space.
Step 1: Define Your Vision
Before jumping into any design decisions, ask yourself a few key questions:
- What is Your Budget? Whether you’re looking for an affordable setup or have room for a built-in project, planning costs upfront will help keep the project manageable.
- What Will You Use the Space For? Reading, meditating, napping, journaling—each activity might require different design elements.
- What Aesthetic are You Aiming For? Gather inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, or magazines to narrow down certain colors, textures, and styles that appeal to you.
Step 2: Choose the Right Location
Finding the perfect spot for your cozy nook is key. Ideally, your nook should be somewhat secluded to create a sense of retreat. A small spare room, a tucked-away corner in a bedroom, or an unused area under the stairs can all work beautifully. If privacy is an issue, simple solutions like curtains or a folding screen can help carve out a peaceful space within an open concept floor plan. This folding room divider by West Elm could do just the trick.
Step 3: Built-In vs. Standalone Solutions
Your budget and living situation will determine whether you decide on using built-in features or standalone furnishings. If you own your home and have the budget, custom built-ins can maximize space and create a seamless look. However, renters and budget-conscious homeowners can still achieve coziness with freestanding furniture like armchairs, bookshelves, and floor cushions. THIS cozy living room in our Portsmouth Bungalow Renovation uses the warm colored stones for the fireplace, wood floors and mantle along with a cozy sofa and rug to create an inviting space for all.
Step 4: Colors & Textures That Enhance Coziness
Creating a cozy space isn’t just about furniture—it’s about how the space feels. While it is easy to paint a room white and furnish it with black accents, a textured rug, an oak coffee table, and black and white throw pillows—it’s much more difficult to achieve a design that truly breathes ‘cozy.’
To get started, the first step is to define what ‘cozy’ means to you. Take some time to pull out your inspiration photos and write down what it is about the spaces that you like. There will be reoccurring words, so focus on those. For example, you might find that you write down words like: soft pillow, cushion, dark and warm colors, textured rugs, drapes, plants, and warmth.
To achieve a warm and cozy feel, focus on these key things:
- Color Matters: Deep, warm tones like earthy greens, rich blues, or muted reds can make a space feel inviting. Light neutrals can work just as well, especially when paired with soft textures.
- Layer Textures: Textures that are soft and overly comfortable will always help a space feel cozy. Incorporate materials like chunky knit throws, velvet pillows, woven rugs, and linen curtains to add depth and comfort. Yarn with ‘slubs’ and faux lamb fur throws will also help add an abundance of warmth to your space.
Project Highlights
Our Kittery Point Colonial project is a great example of taking a house from the 1980s and transforming it into an updated warm and cozy living space. Primarily we did this with woods, tile and paint colors. Our New Construction Farmhouse showcases how we used both color and built-ins to make this home feel cozy—by incorporating reading nooks in both kids bedrooms and the primary bedroom painted ‘Hale Navy’ by Benjamin Moore.
Step 5: Selecting Furniture
Comfortable seating is essential for furnishing your nook. Look for plush chairs, cushioned benches, or even floor poufs, depending on the vibe you want. If space is limited, consider a small daybed with soft, oversized pillows.
Step 6: Layering Accessories
Accessories help complete the cozy nook and add personality to your space. Consider adding elements such as:
- Bookshelves or a small bookcase
- Plants for a touch of nature
- Candles or soft lighting (warm-toned lamps, fairy lights, or lanterns)
- Textured artwork or handmade pottery and crystals
- Inspirational artwork that is textured
Also, be sure to avoid clutter, but don’t be afraid to layer items to create a rich, inviting atmosphere within your space.
Final Thoughts
Designing a cozy nook is all about personal comfort and self-care. Take time to plan, experiment with different elements, and most importantly, create a space that brings you joy. If you’d like personalized advice, our team offers remote design consultations through our sister company, Abrigo Home. Schedule a consultation with us today and we can begin to bring your cozy nook to life!
