Are you a reader? Like to watch TV? Have a snooze or be creative? We all need our own personal place to relax, and sometimes just starting with your own nook or retreat area will help to focus your ideas. We all have to start somewhere- you owe it to yourself to create your own space which is for your own time-out!
5 quick steps for creating your nook
- First find your space : to start with choose a place, either in a quiet corner of your bedroom, by a window, in the living area or kitchen or even outside in a sheltered spot.
- De-clutter : Buy some large colourful plastic storage cubes or and fill them with all the junk that is currently in your special spot.
These are great to use for quick clearing up, and can be used later for kid’s toys etc. You can find these at Bunnings and K-mart, Cheap as Chips, Big W. etc. - Planning : Think about what will fit nicely into the space and what will be it’s main function? Resting, reading, meditation, watching entertainment, craft, writing etc? Go window shopping at furniture and home-ware shops and make a note of your favourite items. You’ll want one seating or resting item, cushions, throws, side tables, drawers,lights etc. If you can’t afford much, then go to second-hand shops and buy old wooden furniture, chairs, small table, bench, storage or suchlike, then paint it in your favourite colours (don’t worry about the rest of the room!) or go on line to match the expensive items you’ve already seen! Almost everything in the shops can be purchased online much more cheaply. Collect your favourite items, flowers, vase, special coffee cup, books, pictures, tray etc etc. You won’t use them all but in the next step you will test them all out to see what fits and what suits. The following examples are sourced from Spotlight, Target, IKEA and Kmart.
- Style it :Once you’ve made the decision and found the items, spend some time fixing them up if necessary, and mix and match the space with your new purchases. Test out different arrangements. Place chair, table, shelves then add cushions, rugs, framed pictures, throws, vase, books and work them around. Remember to keep the receipts of any purchases, because you can return anything if it doesn’t fit. Always tell the shops, you are returning because it does not fit in. (You cannot return certain items if you just change your mind.) This is your space so it doesn’t have to be the latest style but it does need to suit your personality and have your personal items within reach.
- Enjoy : sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour. Your very own nook to relax and have some time for yourself….you deserve it!
If you are having trouble with ideas and don’t have any particular needs, here are some examples to inspire you. You don’t need much. Below the corner of the couch by the window was chosen as it had a space to place a drink. Choose your favourite cushions and throws and add a theme – reindeer! Voilà, that is all that is needed.
Turn a corner spot on the couch into your nook
Turn an ugly, dated armchair you bought cheap at a garage sale into a great spot for reading or resting. This chair was not upholstered but painted! Yes you heard me correctly…painted with chalk paint and then waxed so that it ends up with a leather feel. Brilliant idea. Click the image to be taken to the DIY page by Nancy from ArtsyChicksRule
Armchair makeover for reading nook @ArtsyChicksRule
You can purchase Annie Sloan Chalk Paint online for delivery anywhere in Australia – it will paint on just about anything. Great for DIY!
This spot was by a window but the vertical blinds were replaced by breezy light drapes to enhance the spot. There were no walls to place shelves or pictures but two little tables were perfect for holding personal items.
This person just wanted a spot to have coffee and contemplate the day ahead. Here is a space made special by the light airy window, it may or may not have a view but it looks peaceful but it is enhanced by addition of indoor plants. The table can be purchased from Op/secondhand shop and a comfy cushion can be added to the chair for longer stays!