I wanted to show you where my Sharpie’d garden stool landed. I’ve mentioned before that I love the idea of actually using every square inch of your house. While I don’t think every corner has to be decorated, there was just enough space in this corner of my office to carve out a little reading spot:
The chair and pharmacy lamp both came from IKEA. I bought the seagrass basket at Marshall’s. I also love black and white family photos but hadn’t really used them anywhere in our house, so I put together a little collection. It helps to make this corner feel more like a place of its own:
But, the real question is do I actually ever read here? Well, I want to! I do try to spend a few minutes here each morning reading a devotion (I like this one and these) and sitting still before I turn on my computer. I also have a growing collection of magazines that I plan on reading one day. . .
oh i love it, emily. love the photo collection especially, and the pillow is the perfect choice.
oh i love it, emily. love the photo collection especially, and the pillow is the perfect choice.
Lovely corner, a place to not do and invite quiet to visit.
Baskets, our go-to texture friend. Any suggestions on what colors of baskets complement most decor or do you go for the type of texture first and forget about the color? so many choices . . .
I don’t worry so much about the color. I think any natural texture usually works in a room.
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I admit that I’m guilty of wishing and a hoping that I had a designated room for my very own “wocave,” and here you’ve proven that all it takes is a corner.
I love a spot that can be all your own. What a great place!
I like your cozy little corner, and how sweet to add all of the old family photos!
What a wonderful space and a great use of it!
It looks like the perfect spot for quiet time…someday! :)
I have three places I read in my house, and I rotate around based on time of day and mood. I am sure you will use this reading nook soon…maybe this will be your magazine reading place!
– Holly
Such a pretty corner Emily! Love that you surrounded yourself with photos that mean a lot to you! BTW, just finished my kitchen renovation, if you have time, please check it out! thanks and have a nice day!
I love it and I think you will use it! I created a reading nook and use it at least once a week.
I love it. The black and white pics are awesome too.
I love the chair, and I especially love the photos of the women in your family – what a great idea :)
My husband and I have been eyeing two of these chairs to purchase for our “sitting room” (basically an extra room in an old Victorian home that probably was appropriate back then, but now gets almost no use). I want two comfy chairs to sit in that bring some upholstery into the room and I can sit with a friend and have coffee or tea. They are reasonably priced- but I am curious how they hold up. Are they comfy? Do they take people (and children) jumping in and out of? Does the fabric hold up? If you have a chance, please let me know your feedback- thank you!!!!
I’m also very curious about the chair and what you think of it. I’ve been considering the red/orange ones for my living room but I need mega durability with a 3 year old. And, we move every few years so I wouldn’t want something that would fall apart when moved often. Thanks!
Kristin and Kimberly–I’m not sure I can help with how durable they are over the long haul. Since ours is in the corner, it doesn’t get tons of use or abuse by the kids. But. . .so far, so good!
As far as comfort, it’s deep but not necessarily what I would call a great chair for long lounging. I would consider it more of an occasional sitting chair.
Ooo, I like this corner, Emily! Especially the B&W prints!
– Lora @ Craftivity Designs
Love this corner! The black and white photos are really gorgeous. I love having family photos around.
I love this little reading nook! I would definitely sit there in that beautiful light, if even for a few moments everday…..sounds like the perfect spot to read a daily devotion. Enjoy it!
I love it :) So great to have old family photos out to see. xo Kristin
Beautiful!
I just love how previous generations all posed in bathing suits. Could you imagine doing that now? One day you will have time to sit, maybe on a cold winter day?
Uh no! I cringe to think of my picture in a bathing suit hanging in my grandkids’ houses…. Of course, bathing suits aren’t what they used to be!
Agreed! Every square inch of a home can be used. I try to remind myself of that since our place is on the smaller side. Nice little corner : ]
You know, it’s kind of crazy how I just keep – after years of reading – enjoying your blog more and more with every turn. What a cozy, serene spot to read! Love the photos (grandmother in her bathing suit – so pretty!), love the basket, love the IKEA finds. And “Jesus Calling” is one of my favorites, too. Really spoke to me through some challenging times. Glad you shared that one with your readers!
Thank you! Very thankful for my loyal readers :)
So pretty! Love the way you hung the frames!
love it! especially the perfect pop of color that the stool brings.
Julie
http://www.redoyourroomonline.com
Adorable!! I love the old pictures in the modern frames!! Love this cozy little space! Enjoy!!
Now Emily…we all know you are lounging in that chair, reading magazines and eating Bon bons! It’s not like you have 5 kids interrupting you…oh wait…you do! I am sure you can still put that cozy spot to use even if it does mean reading Dr. Seuss with one ore two babies on you lap.
You know me so well ;)
Such a great little space! A prime example that it really is about all of the little moments in a space. I really love the image of your grandma in her bathing suit! Is that a wrapped canvas?
I love your little space, it’s very restful for the eyes (and, hopefully, the body, too).
As to having the time to read, my five (all within six years of each other) are grown and gone now but I still remember not having time to breath much less read for myself. I did, however, get to re-experience some of my own childhood favorites like Treasure Island, Robinson Crusoe, Little Women, etc, and then they all just grew up overnight and there was lots of time.
This makes me happy and sad all at the same time :)
Pretty awesome girl…and that sharpie stool is amazing!
I want a corner just like that! Looks great for morning coffee, devotions, reading, etc. Love the chair, lamp, and basket, and you did an amazing job free-handing the table! Very lovely.
Love the cozy look of this reading nook and the Swedish furnishings (Ikea can’t be beat for some things).
How adorable and so inviting. Love the lamp and that basket is perfection. Good luck with the reading!
Having a little area, even just in the corner, is a great idea. I love what you do, and I really apperciate you sharing so much of your life and ideas. I love IKEA, and I love that chair, but how comfy is it? Just wodnering.
Hi Angela–Not the very most comfortable chair I’ve ever sat in but not the most uncomfortable, either. Guess it depends on how long you’re planning to sit :)
(Also, see my reply above to Kimberly.)
Finding a quiet moment in the early morning for a devotion really sets the day off right, doesn’t it?! I’m new to the habit and also use Jesus Calling. I don’t have my own corner for it, but seeing your space makes me think that might just be a good idea. Oh, and love the family pics too!
What a lovely spot! I love the soothing color palette. I hope you get to enjoy those magazines sooner than later.
Beautiful. Love the chair.
What a great corner. I love how you have hung the pictures. I hope you can enjoy your magazines soon, I so love to sit down with a new magazine. There is just something about holding it your hands that beats any electronic.
Tammy @ thecoloreddoor.blogspot.com
Love this corner and all of the sweet details, Emily!
I love the beautiful gray lounge chairs in the living room! Thanks for sharing!
What a cozy spot, but so sophisticated at the same time. I love seeing all of the Ikea furniture since that’s what I buy most of the time because of little ones and a tendency to be a tad fickle about furniture and décor. I have two of those baskets and I’m thinking about going back for more. Love them!
I love that corner. As a matter of fact I’m sitting on the same Strandmon chair right now. It’s my blogging chair!
I love how you have warmed up what would normally appear as cold and stormy colors. (love it))
You have made the details the focus of your style, with the deep colors as nuturals. It’s like the perfect black dress, then dressed with shimmer, and every think else pops out!!!!
It’s been many decades of re introducing grays and black in interior design. You have captured a style that is so lovely I can’t stop looking at it. However, I have loved all of your designs you’ve done, like your previous home. You made this style seem so seamless, and so fawlessly applied to this home.
Great job, you truly have style, you evolve so effortlessly, you don’t seem trapped, you reinvite your older items to look new and fresh. Gorgeous. perfectly stage and very liveable.
That’s why you are a designer and a styless. love it, and you!
You need an ottoman for that chair so you can put your feet up girl!
I drool over that IKEA chair every time I see it, and I love the vintage family photo wall. I have a photo of my grandfather riding a Harley at the turn of last century that I’m dying to hang somewhere!
Beautiful design , very nice home to live with family world population