Written by Taylor Hugo

Nooks add architectural interest to a home, but they can also make decorating a challenge — especially if you’re unsure how to use these small spaces. “Nooks can be very high function but are sometimes overlooked,” says Gabe Lindberg, a senior designer for Martha O’Hara Interiors.

Instead of filling a space just to fill it, homeowners should maximize these cozy corners by transforming them into areas for reading, homework, crafting, or enjoying that morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine. Think of a nook like “a little vignette for your eyes to stop,” adds Lindberg. “You can design a distinguished area through the pieces you create.”

Here, Lindberg and other Twin Cities designers weigh in on how to decorate nooks throughout your home to make them feel both cozy and intentional.

Prioritize Functionality

Make the nooks of your home work harder and smarter for you to improve everyday living. “Use the nook in a way that can have
a function or a purpose rather than be wasted space within a house,” says Lindberg. This could look like a coffee and cocktail bar tucked into a corner for serving guests while entertaining, a built-in bench in the entryway that doubles as storage for shoes and gloves, or a makeshift office for those work-from-home days.

Paint with Purpose

Paint colors for your nook should be chosen based on how you want the space to feel and its intended use. “Soft earth tones, warm whites, and pale neutrals in wall color, furniture, and decor will bring comfort and relaxation to your nook,” says Emily Alexander, an interior designer for Hanson Builders. Darker colors, on the other hand, can be used to create a cozy, intimate atmosphere, perfect for reading or meditating.

Pay Attention to Scale

Whether it’s an emerald statement chair, a framed photograph, or a vintage writing desk, all decor should be the appropriate size for the nook. “The space should be filled with enough furniture to make it functional and feel cozy but without overpowering the space,” says Kate Regan of The Sitting Room.

Layer in Textiles

Textiles like pillows, blankets, and rugs are the most impactful accessories you can add to your nook to achieve those cozy vibes. Drape a throw over the back of a chair or roll up a couple blankets and place them in a basket. Layer pillows in varying sizes, materials, and patterns on benches, and hang curtains in nooks that have windows. If you have hardwood or tile floors, lay a rug underneath furniture to add warmth and define the nook as its own designated space.

Let the Light In

Nooks can be dark and cavernous depending on their location, so adding artificial light is key to cultivating a cozy, intimate feel. “This can be accomplished through the use of wall sconces and overhead lights,” says Regan, illuminating the space for reading and other tasks. When considering color temperature, opt for soft white bulbs that give off a warm glow.

Go Green

Breathe life and warmth into a nook with greenery, whether it’s a couple succulents adorning shelves or a centerpiece that lives on an end table.

Play with Color and Texture

Make your nook stand out with an unexpected pop of color or an eye-catching wallpaper pattern on an accent wall. “Introduce a slightly different element,” says Lindberg. “A lot of times we will add a little more color to a smaller area. It’s a way to add a punch or something fun and playful.”

Make It Meaningful

What constitutes a cozy aesthetic often comes down to personal preference and the items that make us feel most at home. Alexander suggests making your nook uniquely yours by “incorporating personal items such as family photos, favorite books, or sentimental objects.”