We had SO much fun browsing through our Pinterest boards and selecting our favourite bedroom images for our previous Pinterest Picks post, that we could not wait to get started on the next instalment of the blog series.

Just to remind you what this series is all about: we are in essence playing a little game of “I wish“, as in “I wish I had that interior” – be it lounge, bedroom, kitchen or anything in between. After spending some time perusing our various Pinterest boards, we each select our favourite interior image – the space we most desire to have as our own. We then explain exactly why we coveted that particular space and if there is anything we would like to change.

Naturally, we ended up choosing two “runner-up” interiors… because deciding on just one room is just too difficult!

This time around we decided to select our favourite images for our “Nooks & Niches” Pinterest board. This particular board is somewhat of a “catch-all”. It contains various transitional spaces that do not necessarily fall under any definite area or room. Pause spaces like reading nooks, hallways or foyers, staircase areas and other tucked-away nooks are often pinned on this board.

After much deliberation, here are each of our nominations for the loveliest, most desirable nook…

 

 

source

Rose said:

“Allow me to take you behind the scenes before going onto to share my selections and reasons for them. By the behind the scenes I mean – my thinking.

So for me the concept of a ‘nook’ is similar to that of a ‘cosy corner’ or a special feature area that has been carved out in the home space, so as to either be functional and appealing, or welcoming.

While I was sitting trawling through the collection of images that we have pinned onto our ‘Nooks & Niches‘ board over the years, I was once again surprised to find that my taste has definitely evolved. There are so many images, each speaking to a different type of niche or nook. So I set the criteria as follows: Could this be an area that I would create in my home? Would I enjoy it? Would I be happy to inhabit it? Based on all the stuff I just said, here goes with my choices:”

Rose’s Pinterest Nook Pick:

“A daybed so perfectly situated between two windows, which means not only can I do what I absolutely love doing – reading (definitely mostly lying on a bed) but there is plenty of daylight streaming in.

Plus, I like that Mid-century Modern style of the bed, with the quaint wooden box next to it. That old natural feeling the box presents, gives me a feeling of timeless. And I find that box intriguing – like asking myself, what could I store in that box that would almost feel like I’m hiding something that has treasure value attached to it.

That tactile looking fur throw is so very inviting and this space feels like it is calling me to come and recline there, chill and just be – like the wooden word on the window sill say FLOW! It’s a big part of my values.  That circular cushions, it shape and it’s pattern so does it for me.

There ain’t  much I would change in this set up – except the black and white print would be one of my family. I would introduce different colours in the striped fabrics of the rectangular scatter cushions – like the colour I’m crushing on right now, that soft rose pink. It works so well with the existing colour scheme going on here.”

 

1st Runner Up…

“This image of an entrance hall stopped my right in my tracks. In fact, it was a toss-up between this image and my current #1 – for first place.

I would happily replicate this scheme in my entrance hall. I find it striking and that is what I would like to create in my entrance hall. The colours black, white, gold and a hint of natural wooden elements – it works for me.

Naturally if there were no hexagonal brass/gold mirrors displayed in the way they are, the statement and feature element would be seriously compromised. It’s this hex mirror configuration where the striking feature element lies. Notice the gold touches on the Bombé chest of drawers.”

2nd Runner Up…

“Taking the vacant area under a staircase in order to create a feature nook / niche can be tricky. I have seen some images that reveal that sometimes folks get too practical with their shelving and drawers etc. Sometimes they get too O.T.T. as well.

The simplicity of this layout is what works for me. The all white surroundings in the staircase, introducing black into it in the framed images, lamp and rug keeps it clean and interesting. I won’t change a thing with this scheme and if I had a house that has this kinda space available, this is where I would head.”

source

Marica’s Pinterest Nook Pick:

Marica said:

“I was immediately drawn to this little staircase nook in the home of Swedish ceramicist, Frida Anthin Broberg. To me it is such a happy space. This little pause area under sweep of the stairs actually forms part of Frida’s kitchen. It serves as desk, sometimes kitchen island, and general gossip corner.

The curving white-painted staircase divides the kitchen and nook area from the equally pretty dining area at the back.

The aspect that appeals to me most must be light, bright space – a beautiful white backdrop with light grey painted wooden floors and pops of bold colour. It is every bit the quintessential Scandinavian home.

I love green-painted open shelves under the stairs which feature a collection of colourful crockery and stacks of books arranged by colour.

The furniture pieces are mostly flea market finds. The upholstered Mid-century chair with its happy floral folk art scatter cushion would have to be my favourite. That, and the rustic table with its distressed blue-grey legs. The Industrial style light fitting adds the finishing touch to this playful space.

Is there anything I would change or add? To me it is pretty perfect as is!”

 

1st Runner Up…

“I would love to have a pretty pastel seating nook like this in my kitchen or lounge. Perfectly situated next to a window so one can longingly gaze outside on rainy days while reading a book.

This nook has just the right amount of fluffy scatter cushions to keep your comfortable while you are enjoy your breakfast or having a read. All your favourite books are stored in the woven basket ensuring they are always close at hand. And that sleek wall light guarantees that you have loads of reading light on glum days.

I also love the way the birch branch is used as a decorative object – and of course the bit of greenery in the window. Yes, this is definitely a ‘Marica’ space!”

2nd Runner Up…

“My third choice is something a bit different – it is a lovely and unique entrance hall with a distinct vintage feel.

The focal point or statement piece in this space would have to be the vintage theatre seats. Karen of the Mrs Rollman Blog found these gorgeous 1920s wooden theatre seats (complete with ‘usher’ labels still attached) in an antique store.

While I normally love bright and happy colours, I find this warm neurally coloured space quite appealing. I love the incorporation of a bit of pale greenery on the shelf in between all the other bits and bobs. The addition of the script scatter cushions and the white tasselled throw creates a soft relaxed atmosphere. The single white framed sketch next to the vintage wire coat hooks is a lovely touch too.”

---

What do you think of our Pinterest nooks & niches picks? See anything you like too?

Stay tuned for the next addition in our Pinterest Picks series – maybe we will do our favourite living rooms or kitchens.