Moving into a new house is always exciting! An older house, though, already has a history and cozy details within that say 'home' even before moving the furniture in. With foresight, this kind of character can be planned into a new house or a remodeling project.

Some inclusions that make older homes 'cozy' are arched doorways, decorative window trims, and crown mouldings at the ceilings. A nice nook can say 'home' as well.

A nook is a cuddly corner in which to share treasured old family photos, a favorite collection of antique do-dads, or an area for seasonal displays. Consider the hall closet that reaches to the ceiling. Often the shelf inside above remains unused because it is difficult to reach. Why not design the closet to be 72 to 84 inches tall, with a ledge above to be seen in the foyer as we walk in? It could include a finished wood top, decorative edges, and uplighting to accentuate the display items of your choice. If you don't like to dust, consider encasing the nook with sliding glass doors.

A nook can be shallow shelves built into the wall behind the range to house spice bottles. Or, it can be a similar shelf tiled in around a tub for a shrine of candles. A kitchen with a corner sink offers the opportunity to build a ledge behind the faucets, into the corner and reaching to the sill of garden windows. What a wonderful area to nurture an indoor herb garden!

A friend chose to close in her porch and remodel it as a den with a tongue and groove pine ceiling. The room was backed by the foyer closet, with the area above the closet built as a nook for the den. With the touch of a small picket fence and some garden items, the nook creates a bright, casual atmosphere. [Pictured above]

When planning your new home or remodeling project, don't forget the look of nooks. Planning such an area or two can create the cozy and inviting feel you want in your finished home.


About the Author
Written by: Annette Clark,Kitchen Designer, Madison, Wi USA http://www.cozykitchens.com

Did you enjoy this article? Rate It! | Tell A Friend