The other day, I had a delightful conversation with my friend, Lucy, who recently transformed a corner of her orangery into the most inviting reading nook I’ve ever seen. I was so inspired by her passion and creativity that I just had to share her tips with you all. So, grab a cuppa and settle in as I walk you through our chat and how you can recreate this cosy oasis in your own home.
Choosing the Perfect Spot
“First things first, how did you decide where to set up your reading nook?” I asked Lucy as we sipped our tea in her sunny kitchen.
“Well,” she began, “I wanted a spot that caught the morning light but wasn’t too glaring by afternoon. I found this lovely corner in the orangery that faces east. It’s perfect because it gets soft, warm light in the morning, which makes it so pleasant to sit and read.”
Lucy’s tip: Look for a spot in your orangery that gets plenty of natural light but isn’t too harsh. Consider the direction your windows face to make sure the light is just right for reading.
Finding the Right Furniture
“So, what kind of furniture did you go for?” I was curious because the nook looked so effortlessly chic.
Lucy smiled, clearly proud of her choices. “I wanted something comfortable but also stylish. I found this vintage armchair at a local market, and it was just calling out to me. It’s got this deep seat and high back that’s perfect for curling up with a book.”
Lucy’s tip: Choose a comfy chair that you love. It doesn’t have to be expensive or new; even a second-hand find can become a treasure with a little TLC. Make sure it’s something you can sit in for hours without getting uncomfortable.
Adding Soft Textures
“I noticed you’ve got some lovely throws and cushions here,” I said, gesturing to the soft, inviting setup.
“Yes, I think they’re essential,” Lucy agreed. “I picked out some textured cushions and a knitted throw to make the space even cosier. Plus, they add a pop of colour and personality.”
Lucy’s tip: Layer your reading nook with soft textures like cushions, throws, and perhaps a small rug. These not only make the space more comfortable but also add visual interest and warmth.
Lighting Matters
Curious about her lighting choices, I asked, “How do you handle lighting for evening reading?”
“Good question,” she replied. “I have this lovely floor lamp with an adjustable arm. It’s perfect because I can direct the light exactly where I need it. I also added some fairy lights around the window for a bit of ambience.”
Lucy’s tip: Invest in a good reading light, preferably one that’s adjustable. Supplement with some softer, ambient lighting like fairy lights or a small table lamp to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Personal Touches
“What about these personal touches? I see some lovely plants and pictures,” I noted, admiring the decor.
“Oh, those are my favourite bits!” Lucy beamed. “I think personal touches make the space truly yours. I added some potted plants for a touch of greenery and framed a couple of my favourite quotes about reading.”
Lucy’s tip: Add personal touches like plants, pictures, or even a small bookshelf with your favourite reads. These elements make the space uniquely yours and add character.
Storage Solutions
“How do you keep it organised?” I asked, noting the neatness of her nook.
“I added a small bookshelf and a basket for my current reads,” she explained. “It keeps everything tidy but within reach.”
Lucy’s tip: Incorporate some practical storage solutions like a small bookshelf or a basket. This will help keep your nook organised and ensure you always have your favourite books at hand.
Final Touches
“Any final touches that you think make a big difference?” I asked, eager to get every last bit of advice.
Lucy thought for a moment before replying, “I think it’s important to have a side table or a small coffee table. It’s handy for your tea, a snack, or even just to rest your book.”
Lucy’s tip: A side table or small coffee table is a practical addition to your reading nook. It provides a surface for your cup of tea, glasses, or even a notebook for jotting down thoughts.
Chatting with Lucy was such a delight, and her enthusiasm for creating a perfect reading nook was infectious. By choosing the right spot, finding comfortable furniture, adding soft textures, ensuring proper lighting, incorporating personal touches, organising with storage solutions, and adding those final practical touches, you can create a cosy, inviting space that’s perfect for losing yourself in a good book.
So why not take a leaf out of Lucy’s book and create your own little reading haven in your orangery? Happy reading!
