One Question: Reading Nook Part 2

Today is a continuation of my answer to Jenny's question about her reading nook.  She asked how I would decorate a large, empty area on her second floor landing into a reading nook for her three school-aged boys.  Yesterday, I posted a few inspiration photos of reading nooks to gather ideas for her space and today, I've used a few of those ideas to "decorate" her space.

Here's Jenny's empty area.... it has a huge window opposite the stairs on her second floor landing... such a perfect space for a cozy reading nook....

After finding a few goodies, this is how I would "decorate" her space as a reading nook...

I added three bookshelves on both side walls to hold several of the books the boys are currently reading (more bookshelf/lookshelf ideas here and here).  Hopefully, seeing a book's front cover, instead of the binding, will encourage even more reading time for the little ones.

A daybed was also added as a place to sit, relax, lay down (and take a nap), or even set up as a guest bed.  The huge bonus about having such a large seating area is that there's room for everyone!  And as overflow seating, the pouf could be used as a seat and pulled close to hear the story (or used as it is above to hold books and the like). 

The soft throw and a few pillows were added for comfort (and color) and two task lights were added to brighten the area.  I also updated the window covering.... I would have a custom roman shade made in a bold pattern to bring a little edge to the room.

A reading nook doesn't need much.... just a seat to relax, a light to see and a resting place for books.  Of course, color, pattern and texture help to liven the room, but it's easy to start small and slowly add to a space like this.

A quick note:  The designs above are not to scale.... the accessories that were added may or may not be sized correctly.  This is planned for fun and to help expand ideas on how to dress up a room, but in case you are interested in the accessories added, here are the sources:

Bookshelves:  Ikea
Pouf: Urban Outfitters
Curtain Fabric:  similar to Dwell Studio's Bella Porte available thru Tonic Living
Daybed:  CB2
Throw:  West Elm
Wall Light:  Ikea
Classic Books:  Anthropologie
Brown Ikat Pillow:  Elegant Touch via Etsy
Coral Ikat Pillow:  Elegant Touch via Etsy
Floral Pillow:  Turquoise Tumbleweed via Etsy
Coral Flower Pillow:  Coco Rose Couture via Etsy

Do you have a decorating dilemma?  Read this to find out how to submit your question and be considered to participate in the One Question series.

If you liked this, you might also like to read the first question and answer in our One Question series.

One Question: Reading Nook Part 1

I've been answering a few of my cousin's questions as she begins the process of turning an empty space in her house into a reading area for her three school-aged boys (and maybe a relaxing space for her after the boys are in bed!).  Since I've been answering her questions, I figured I'd add this post to our 'One Question' series and hopefully inspire a few others who have the same dilemma.

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Hi Kristy,

I love the idea of having a lookshelf in my house for all the boy's books.  We're constantly rotating books in and out and I'd like to display the covers of the books they're currently reading, as an encouragement to continue reading.  I have a large space upstairs that I'd like to turn into a reading nook and hoping you would give me a few ideas.  How would you decorate this empty space as a reading nook?

Jenny

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Jenny has a large, spacious area with a huge window opposite the stairs on her second floor landing... it's the perfect space for a cozy reading nook.  Here's her current space....

Spacious, right?  Now we just need a few ideas to help turn this space into a comfy reading nook.  I saved a few inspirational photos that I thought would be a great fit and help us get started....

Decor Pad

Apologies, Source Unknown

Apologies, Source Unknown

Our Westside

Apologies, Source Unknown

House Beautiful

Apologies, Source Unknown

The Lettered Cottage

Apologies, Source Unknown

I saved my favorite for last... this space was designed by Ann Wolf and photographed for House Beautiful, right here in Houston!  This space is so inviting and I think Ann says it best "...it's a private, magical little space at the heart of the house, where your imagination can run wild".

House Beautiful

House Beautiful

All these spaces are great!  Reading nooks can really be carved out of anything.... under a stairwell, an unused closet, a bay window, stair landing, or even just an area away from noise... all you need is a comfy seat, a light source, and a resting place for books.... then you'll have the perfect spot to cozy up with a good book or even a blanket and take a nap.

Be sure to check back tomorrow, I'll finish answering Jenny's question and show you how I would "decorate" her empty space as a reading nook....

Do you have a decorating dilemma?  Read this to find out how to submit your question and be considered to participate in the 'One Question' series.

So, where is your favorite cozy and quiet spot to curl up with a good book and warm blanket?