Nook: n. a secluded or sheltered place or part. As in, “I searched every nook and cranny” (whatever a cranny is!) Now, you may have some architectural recessed walls, or some call them niches,  in your house–older homes almost always do, and new bungalow or cottage-style plans often include nostalgic elements like these.  For example:

My client asked me to decorate the little hallway niches in her home.  Here’s how we did one.  Are you drawn to farmhouse style like she is–baskets, distressed wood, typography, and magnolia wreath?

The nook in my breakfast room is a perfect-sized workspace.  I can jot notes on client projects, post to Facebook, and catch up on email while the boys are still getting their eyes open!

Another take on workspace nooks: this could be a coat closet or a storage area for out-of-season items, but this nook’s light fixture, shelf, and outlet made it a natural fit for a mini office. Just pull up a chair and cue your playlist! The kids may be taking over the rest of the house, but you could be undistracted and in the zone in this spot. Do you have a little nook you could repurpose for work?

When you don’t have a full closet (as in this Airbnb project I was asked to do), you can utilize a little nook to create a mini mudroom. Just add shelf, hooks and seat. You could also slide baskets for shoes under the seat! Genius!

This client of mine is one proud dad of his two girls, so the living room open shelving called for shelves for plenty of photos of his daughters.  Sure, you want to display decorative items that tie together the room elements (like lanterns, greenery and books), but there’s nothing like family photos to personalize your rooms and say, “A family lives here!”

  Lacking a nook but want to create the effect of one? I would call this spot below my stairs a nook because the chippy antique piece in the shiplapped corner creates a little “secluded, sheltered part”.  It’s one of my favorite places to switch out displays, especially for the seasons and holidays!

 Does your home have little nooks (or crannies) that are under-utilized or under-decorated?  Well, I would love to help you with that–or any other design challenge you’re facing!