10 Ways to Carve Out a Space in Your Home Just for You
If you have a hobby or pastime you love to do on a regular basis, then make it a part of your home with these suggestions
Laura Gaskill
22 April 2016
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
Having a room of one’s own is an appealing idea – a space just for you, where you can read, write a journal, craft, do yoga or simply relax away from the bustle of a busy home. But even if you don’t have an entire room to spare, carving out a special corner designed for you and you alone is something doable. Rev up your inspiration with these 10 creative corners, from reading nooks to hammock hangouts.
Tea garden
Carry your tea and a treat outdoors to enjoy in the fresh air for a delightful change of pace. Essentials for a tea garden include a place to sit and set down your tea, and lush plants (in pots or planters is fine).
With a tea garden, small can be considered a virtue – look for a private corner of the garden, or revamp a side return or patio. Add a wall fountain or wind chimes for ambience and a few plump cushions for comfort. If you’re concerned about keeping your cushions clean and dry, store them indoors (a storage bench makes an ideal spot) and take them with you when you venture out.
Get tips on how to create a container garden
Carry your tea and a treat outdoors to enjoy in the fresh air for a delightful change of pace. Essentials for a tea garden include a place to sit and set down your tea, and lush plants (in pots or planters is fine).
With a tea garden, small can be considered a virtue – look for a private corner of the garden, or revamp a side return or patio. Add a wall fountain or wind chimes for ambience and a few plump cushions for comfort. If you’re concerned about keeping your cushions clean and dry, store them indoors (a storage bench makes an ideal spot) and take them with you when you venture out.
Get tips on how to create a container garden
Reading nook
Set up a cosy corner for diving into that new book by arranging a comfortable armchair and footstool, a reading lamp and a table for setting down your drink and book. Next to a window where you can read by natural light during the day is ideal. A bookcase nearby for choosing your next read and a soft throw to wrap up in on chilly days will complete the scene.
Set up a cosy corner for diving into that new book by arranging a comfortable armchair and footstool, a reading lamp and a table for setting down your drink and book. Next to a window where you can read by natural light during the day is ideal. A bookcase nearby for choosing your next read and a soft throw to wrap up in on chilly days will complete the scene.
Hammock hangout
Relax in your own private garden retreat with a fringed hammock and quiet seating area. Weathered finds in wood and wrought iron will lend an earthy feel to the space. If your outdoor space is a patio, you can still bring in greenery in the form of potted dwarf trees and mossy ground cover planted between stones.
Relax in your own private garden retreat with a fringed hammock and quiet seating area. Weathered finds in wood and wrought iron will lend an earthy feel to the space. If your outdoor space is a patio, you can still bring in greenery in the form of potted dwarf trees and mossy ground cover planted between stones.
Meditation corner
If you want to start carving out more time for meditation, one good way to begin is by earmarking a corner in your home as a meditation zone. Clear away clutter (and dust) and place a few floor cushions within reach. If you like, add a statue, candle, bell or stack of inspiring books.
If you want to start carving out more time for meditation, one good way to begin is by earmarking a corner in your home as a meditation zone. Clear away clutter (and dust) and place a few floor cushions within reach. If you like, add a statue, candle, bell or stack of inspiring books.
Creative work zone
Whether you’re a writer, crafter or artist, having a dedicated space to pursue your art is essential. A simple desk by a window with a bit of shelving nearby, along with good light, is all you really need. Keep the tools of your trade on display – it’s convenient as well as inspiring.
Whether you’re a writer, crafter or artist, having a dedicated space to pursue your art is essential. A simple desk by a window with a bit of shelving nearby, along with good light, is all you really need. Keep the tools of your trade on display – it’s convenient as well as inspiring.
Guest bed getaway
If you have a guest room, it can feel like a waste of precious space between visits. Instead of letting it go unused, why not think of it as your own mini getaway? Put fresh sheets and extra pillows on the bed, hang a vintage painting and add a comfy chair. Treat yourself to a nap or an afternoon of reading and journal writing from your private lair.
See fail-safe tips to prepare your home for guests
If you have a guest room, it can feel like a waste of precious space between visits. Instead of letting it go unused, why not think of it as your own mini getaway? Put fresh sheets and extra pillows on the bed, hang a vintage painting and add a comfy chair. Treat yourself to a nap or an afternoon of reading and journal writing from your private lair.
See fail-safe tips to prepare your home for guests
Yoga shed
Sure, you can roll out a yoga mat just about anywhere, but having a special spot dedicated to your practice can actually make it more likely that you’ll use that mat.
Here, a tiny shed was transformed into a yoga studio for one, but you could create the same feeling in a corner of a master bedroom. A rug defines the area and provides extra cushioning beneath your mat. Store blocks and other props nearby and add a few inspiring details, such as potted plants and candles.
Sure, you can roll out a yoga mat just about anywhere, but having a special spot dedicated to your practice can actually make it more likely that you’ll use that mat.
Here, a tiny shed was transformed into a yoga studio for one, but you could create the same feeling in a corner of a master bedroom. A rug defines the area and provides extra cushioning beneath your mat. Store blocks and other props nearby and add a few inspiring details, such as potted plants and candles.
Window seat
Positioned to take in the view, a window seat makes the perfect perch for reading, napping or simply daydreaming. Put your feet up and let your mind wander – and store a blanket nearby in case you start to drift off.
Positioned to take in the view, a window seat makes the perfect perch for reading, napping or simply daydreaming. Put your feet up and let your mind wander – and store a blanket nearby in case you start to drift off.
Thinking chair
A swinging or rocking chair placed in a peaceful corner of the home is a wonderful spot in which to sit and think through things that have been on your mind. If something has been worrying you, purposely sit down in your ‘thinking chair’ to consider the problem, and consciously let it go when you get up.
A swinging or rocking chair placed in a peaceful corner of the home is a wonderful spot in which to sit and think through things that have been on your mind. If something has been worrying you, purposely sit down in your ‘thinking chair’ to consider the problem, and consciously let it go when you get up.
Napping porch
A sun porch makes a wonderful spot for a catnap. Position a daybed for maximum sunlight and plump it up with a feather mattress and plenty of cushions. Adding green plants all around will help clean the air and add to the relaxing vibe, while a rattan stool can keep a stack of magazines or a mug within easy reach if you’re not feeling sleepy.
TELL US…
Do you have a special corner where you go to retreat, rest or nurture your creativity? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
A sun porch makes a wonderful spot for a catnap. Position a daybed for maximum sunlight and plump it up with a feather mattress and plenty of cushions. Adding green plants all around will help clean the air and add to the relaxing vibe, while a rattan stool can keep a stack of magazines or a mug within easy reach if you’re not feeling sleepy.
TELL US…
Do you have a special corner where you go to retreat, rest or nurture your creativity? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
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My favorite was the napping porch…and the dogs!