With mortgage rates and home values remaining stubbornly high, home renovation has exploded in popularity. Homeowners are calculating that it makes more sense to improve their current home instead of buying a new one.
This is especially true for Gen Z buyers, 90% of whom want to buy a home, but face steep financial obstacles. Once they finally get into a fixer-upper or starter home, they start customizing their space. One recent survey found that saving money for home renovations was the second most common financial goal among recent buyers after purchasing their home.
Renovations can include adding a workout room, home theater, or reading nook. A reading nook has a lot of appeal for homeowners. It’s a sanctuary from stress and distraction, and it can be used by residents of all ages. Best of all, it’s inexpensive to build. Here’s how to put together the perfect reading nook.
1. Make it convertible
Short-term rentals provide a valuable income stream for a lot of homeowners, even if it’s only a part-time gig. If your home is located in a neighborhood that allows Airbnbs, renting it while you’re on vacation could potentially pay for your entire vacation. That’s a hard prospect to resist.
One way to make your home into a viable rental is to make it flexible and adaptable. A reading nook that can be converted into a small office or storage space can add a lot of value to a home. Even adding a simple daybed can increase your reading nook’s utility.
2. Include hidden storage
Utilize benches, ottomans, built-in cupboards, or cabinets that open to concealed storage space. This storage can be used for books or as a de facto closet, and it’s one of the easiest ways to add value to your reading nook.
3. Use soothing colors
Whatever aesthetic you choose for your reading nook, you’ll want it to be soothing and calming. Color is a versatile way to cultivate this vibe. Think soft, neutral tones, such as beige, light gray, or even pale pink, which studies have shown has a calming effect. Avoid bright colors, loud prints, and harsh lighting.
4. Repurpose wasted space
Making a reading nook doesn’t mean giving up a corner of your living room or sacrificing a walk-in closet. Many homeowners have small, unconventional spaces that are going unused. If you have a staircase, the space underneath can often be painlessly converted into a usable reading nook. Even a large picture window can become a reading nook with the addition of a window seat and some shelves.
5. Include nature
Another way to bring your reading nook to life is to include some greenery. Potted or hanging plants can add a lot of personality to your reading nook and boost your mood. If you don’t have a green thumb, look into hardy succulents or low-maintenance cacti.
6. Consider custom built-ins
If you have a little money to spend, hiring a contractor to build your nook can pay off. An experienced contractor can maximize your space by installing custom-built benches, shelves, or light fixtures. A contractor can also contribute design ideas that you never could have come up with yourself.
7. Maximize light
You’ll definitely need light in your reading nook. Natural light is best, but the right lamps and fixtures can be just as good. Try placing your reading nook in an area where it’ll get direct natural light during the time of day when you’ll likely be using the nook. If there aren’t any suitable spaces that get good natural light, make sure you have plenty of lamps, ideally outfitted with soft, low-wattage bulbs.
8. Minimize distractions
Your reading nook isn’t just a spot to read. It’s also a respite from distractions. Put your reading nook far from high-traffic areas or rooms of your home, and try to choose a spot that doesn’t have a direct sightline to your television. If you’re really serious about getting away from it all, consider getting a small time-lock phone safe, so you can fully unplug while you’re in your nook.
9. Fabrics matter
Your summer reading nook should be cool and airy. You wouldn’t wear a wool sweater or fur in the summer, so don’t use heavy materials in your reading nook. Think light, summer materials, such as linen, muslin, or cotton.
10. Consider outside locations
Your reading nook doesn’t necessarily have to be indoors. If you have a big backyard, look into turning a corner of it into a restful, outdoor reading spot. All it takes is a bench or cushioned chair, some solar-powered lights or a sun umbrella. If you have a gazebo or shed that you can use, hang some mosquito netting or curtains to give it a cozy, slightly exotic feel. It can also give you some comfort and privacy.
Outdoor Wellness Spaces: Transforming Your Backyard
Outdoor Adventures: Designing a Backyard Oasis for Family Fun
