Style Notes | Reading Nooks
by Anna McKittrick
Autumn is my favourite season by a mile. I love the changing colours of the leaves, the promise of a new winter coat and of course the excuse to update my interiors for the season ahead.
With the changing seasons comes the transition of spending more time indoors and while I’m the first to admit that I stockpile box sets for autumn watching, I also like the idea of a reading nook.
As someone who longs for an open fire or wood-burning stove, a fireside reading nook is something that is most definitely on my wish list. There’s a lot to like about this fireside setting from the home of Dutch blogger Nancy Berendsen (image by Holly Marder via Decor8), which looks modern yet cosy. The natural elements such as the wood and exposed brick are warmed up by the tactile throw and cushion.
Here are some more great reading spaces where I’d be more than happy to while away an hour or two with a good book.
Image by Paul Massey via House to Home
I love this example of a modern fireplace with a minimalist mantelpiece. The more traditional style of chair and mustard yellow footstool compliment the understated setting and transform it into an inviting and relaxing space.
Image by Julie Ansiau styling by Miluccia
Exposed shelving is a great way to display favourite pieces and let your personality shine. Adding a chair next to the shelving instantly creates a space for relaxing with plenty of reading material to hand. The cosy throw and colourful rug instantly warms up the space.
Image by Simon Maxwell via Design Milk
This is a much more contemporary example of a reading nook and shows how it can work for all styles of interiors. The simple space makes a focal point of the modern chair and footstool, which are framed by the beautiful vast window.
Image by Ngoc Minh Ngo via Remodelista
This built-in nook has all the characteristics of a perfect reading space with somewhere to lounge, natural light, a view and books to hand.
Image by Bonnie Tsang
The contrasting textiles warm up the predominantly white interior of this reading nook in the home of Victoria Smith, the San Francisco-based interior design blogger behind SF Girl By Bay.
Image by Bonnie Tsang
She’s also opted to add cosy throws to her dining chairs and while kitchen tables aren’t traditionally considered reading nooks I don’t think I’m alone in my love for lazy weekend breakfasts with the Sunday papers for company.
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Previously deputy editor on Living France magazine, Anna McKittrick is now a freelance journalist and blogger based in Cheltenham.
