It was all about the study nook over the last few years when WFH became the new norm. But there are so many other types of nooks you can create for a more cosy and usable home. Wondering what a nook even is, exactly? It’s basically a corner or tucked-away area in a room that’s designed to be functional but also feel cosy and safe. You can have a nook in any part of the house: a bedroom, kitchen, living area or kids room.
Most importantly, nooks should be inviting and make you want to curl up in them and eat, read, think, write… or whatever you want to do, really. To create a nook, choose a space and how you’d like to use it. Then, introduce textures and touchable materials like linen, velvet, wood and basket weaves. It’s all about layering. If you get your nook right, you’ll never want to leave it. From the perfect breakfast nook to a cosy book nook, Home Beautiful stylist Lucy Gough shows how it’s done…
Escape nook
We’re big proponents of carving out time for a relaxing cup of tea or coffee among the chaos of daily life. A designated nook in your living area creates a destination to build such a ritual around. All you need is a comfortable chair and a pleasing view in a spot that looks like part of the action but is actually a retreat you can escape to any time of day.
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‘Nest’ swivel chair in Het Cement
$1999, Oz Design
Bedroom nook
What could be better than creating a snug sanctuary in your bedroom, then enjoying the luxury of breakfast in bed? A lush bedhead, an array of pillows and cushions and beautiful bedlinen elevates an everyday bedroom into the realms of a five-star hotel. It will also help turn a small bedroom into a grand guest suite.
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‘Bateko’ cushion cover, rectangle
$119, Oon Home
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Linen House ‘Toro’ cushion in Leaf
$59.99, Myer
Reading nook
Welcome to your new reading corner. Choose a comfortable armchair upholstered in a plush fabric such as velvet, cushions in the most gorgeous tones, and great lighting, and then settle in with a good book (and cup of tea) in your book nook. And the littlest readers in the family can curl up on a plump floor cushion and enjoy story time with teddy. For extra points, style an Insta-worthy bookshelf.
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‘Riviera’ XL Floor Cushion
$149.95, Pillow Talk
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Classic Wing Velvet Armchair
$1399, Freedom
Breakfast nook
Create a welcoming dining space that’s made for leisurely get-togethers over great food and beverages, Gwyneth Paltrow style. Create a breakfast nook with a round table lets the conversation flow while a range of seating, from a slip-covered bench to a classic French-style chair, will have everyone sitting comfortably. A stunning artwork, contemporary wallpaper, and handpainted ceramics complete the pretty-as-a-picture setting.
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‘Galaxy’ dining table in Oak
$1,199, Lounge Lovers
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‘Alwyn’ rattan dining chair in Elm, set of 2
$398, One World
Daybed nook
Create your own private hideaway at home by turning an under-utilised alcove or corner into a relaxation zone. The most important piece of furniture? A daybed that’s dressed in soft linen bedding and piled with different-sized cushions. Amp up the feeling of seclusion (and cosiness) with delicate curtains that will cocoon you in the space. Check out Kmart’s new collection for pretty styling pieces.
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Cristina Re teacup & saucer
$30 (usually $49.95), David Jones
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‘Clover’ mango wood side table
$219.99, Temple & Webster
This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.
