Despite a number of warm, sunny days recently, there is no doubt that fall has arrived in the Midwest. Leaves are turning colors and creating a beautiful display outside of our windows. The nights are cool and crisp. The aroma of warm apple cider and freshly-baked pumpkin bread is on all of our minds (even if our design projects and the twins’ schedule make free time almost impossible!).
While autumn around Chicago is a lovely time of year, it also signals the approach of winter, which means shorter days, frigid cold, lots of snow, and even more time stuck indoors. Sigh!
So what is the best way to spend those upcoming blustery days when the icy wind is whipping outside? Curled up with a good book, magazine, or beverage, of course!
To beat the winter blues before they even have a chance to arrive, we are sharing our top tips and must-have items for creating a reading area in your home that will keep you comfortable and cozy all winter long. Let’s get started…
Step 1: Pick a Place
Before you start looking at furniture and accessories, it is important to designate the space that will be your reading area. The amount of square footage you have to work with will determine how many pieces you can accommodate. The goal is to create a nook that is warm and inviting without being crowded and claustrophobic.
Step 2: Clear the Clutter
Let’s be honest, few of us have any unused space in our homes, so it is likely that your future reading area is currently being used for something… storage, maybe?! However, it is important to begin the styling process with a clear mind and an open space. I suggest relocating all of the items that are currently in the space. Clean the area from top to bottom. THEN determine which decor you want to incorporate into your new design.
Step 3: Prepare to Purchase
Now that your cozy nook is a blank canvas (or sparsely populated with old favorites), it is time to shop! Here are our top suggestions for our signature style, “Warm Modern,” which lends itself perfectly to a relaxation area that feels cozy yet carefree.
To help you plan a great space, here are a few of our favorite picks for furnishings and decor...
Our Favorite Picks for Styling a Warm Modern Nook
Accent Chair
Start with a cozy place to sit that is equally well suited for reading a good book as for browsing your IG feed. After all, if it isn’t comfortable, you won’t be able to enjoy this comfy nook you’ve worked so hard to design, would you?
We recommend selecting a more neutral chair (like this one) and allowing the artwork and accessories around it to add punches of color, texture, and style. It’s easier to replace a blanket or throw 2 years down the road instead of finding an entirely new chair.
Side Table
A side table next to that beautiful new chair is a must! We love these tiny side tables. They are easy to move around and offer just enough space for a book and your cup of coffee (or 5 o’clock glass of wine).
Floor Lamp
Lighting is of utmost importance in any space, and your reading area is certainly no exception. While overhead lights may play a role in the space, localized lighting is essential also. The ability to vary the illumination based on time of day is critical to a cozy aesthetic and the health of your eyes. You don’t want a reading area where you have to strain to see the words on the page...that just doesn’t make sense!
We recommend adding a floor lamp that is functional, but also beautiful. We love the bold shape, reflective color, and large shade on this beauty.
Storage Basket
To keep your new space tidy, we recommend a storage basket in the area. It’s a great place to hide your favorite blanket, an extra pillow, and to stash away other unsightly but necessary items (e.g. your ugly but comfy slippers and that all-important phone charger).
Cozy Throw
A cozy throw is a non-negotiable in any well-equipped reading nook. We love this one because, while simple, it still has delightful pattern and texture to it.
Bookshelf
If you have the space to accommodate it, we recommend a dedicated bookshelf or two to store books, photos, accessories, and other decor. This bookshelf is a favorite of ours since it has a great wood finish that pairs flawlessly with metal shelves. The added bonus is hidden storage for the essentials that are less than decorative.
Floor Pot for a Plant
No space is complete without a little greenery, especially on those cold winter days we mentioned earlier. This adorable pot can be placed on the floor next to the bookshelf to bring some life into the space. Add in your favorite low light plant or realistic fake plant for additional color and texture in your cozy nook.
Our Go-To Bookshelf Accessories
When accessorizing a bookshelf, we love to add in a mixture of artifacts, sculptural pieces, colorful books, and family photos in unique picture frames. (Just make sure not to go overboard on the family photos. They are so important, but should be balanced with other decor.) Here are some of the items we love to incorporate into styled bookshelves:
Step 4: Set Up the Space
Once you’ve finished shopping and all of your gorgeous new items have arrived, it is time to set up your space. Play around with the large items first to determine what feels right. Then, once the furniture is situated just so, start styling.
Especially when decorating your bookshelves, remember that the rule of 3 goes a long way (group 3 items together for a polished look). Also stagger heights, vary textures, and incorporate a mix of materials onto each shelf.
Finally, don’t feel like books all have to be placed straight up and down. By playing with the orientation of books on your shelves, you’ll add interest and appeal.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Grab your favorite book, a warm beverage, and yes, even those worn-out slippers. Then kick back, and enjoy this incredible new space you’ve created for yourself. You’ve earned it! (Now, maybe having cold winter days on the horizon isn’t so bad after all...right?!)
If you’re looking for more than just a way to re-style your space, give us a call. Whether it is a small renovation to make room for this beautiful new reading nook, or a complete design overhaul, our team would be delighted to design a stunning warm-yet-modern home for your family to enjoy.
Until next month,
Kathryn
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