It has steadily become essential for one to have a space to celebrate special moments within a home-setting, writes Lydia OPWAKA.
Do you long to have a favourite corner in your house? Your own little ‘chill-out zone’? What are you waiting for? Get creative and turn a corner into your ‘Me-Time’ space away from the mundane chores.
Let us look at some eclectic ideas that can help you start creating and designing your corner…
Location
Ideally, your secret corner should be next to a window. Nothing beats the natural light to cheer up your mood. Also it will help you for all your activities like reading, knitting, sewing, painting, sketching or just leisurely lounging an afternoon away. Imagine! Get the feel of lounging on a comfortable chair with rays of sunshine on you.
Complete your siesta with a nice book in your hands and a steaming cup of your favourite beverage.
Lighting is crucial
Your corner should have proper lighting. It should be just adequate, neither too bright (or harsh) nor too soft. Look for some soft lights that are adequate for reading or knitting. During the day, nothing beats natural light, but sometimes you may need to draw the curtains as the glare can get in the way of reading. A sleek lamp is a good idea or maybe a hanging light with flexible dimmers.
Be clever in choosing the furniture
You have limited space so don’t go for any bulky furniture. Light low shelves are good to keep your books, music system, etc. If the space allows, place a small table to keep your laptop or do some writing.
You may also make a suitcase stack instead of a table or a shelf. Just stack up old or vintage suitcases, which are in good shape, and use them as a side table. They are not only useful as tables due to their flat surface but also have room to store your stuff, like stationery items or wool if you are knitting, or your music CDs. This way you have a table as well as extra storage space. You can coordinate your decor with a matched wall art or photo frames or an antique clock. You will surely have an interesting looking corner.
Comfort seating
Now comfortable seating arrangement is a must. Otherwise the whole purpose of your relaxing zone gets defeated. Traditional armchairs are the best bet, or accent chairs and loungers with lots of cushions. You could also indulge in sink-in sofas for ultimate lounging.
Play with colours
Mix and match different textures and colours according to the season. Colours can transform a space from boring to beautiful. If you need to brighten up your corner, just pile up colourful cushions and see how they bring cheer and make your special corner appealing. Cushions of all shapes and sizes with your favourite prints and designs grouped together on a daybed, or sofa, can really enhance the decor of the area. Colourful wallpaper with some warm accents can also do the trick. Colours such as warm yellows and rust work magic to bring cheer to any space. While for some, a palette of lavender with blues is preferred.
A pile of books
Your corner will have lots of books. Don’t just let them clutter the space. Books can make for a wonderfully simple display when piled up from the floor and may be topped with a pot plant.
Personal touch
This is your own little space so enhance it with your treasured items that you may have collected over time. It could be a nice pen holder or a decorative pot or your grandma’s little gift for you. Maybe you have pillow or cushion covers with your mother’s embroidered work, take them out, this is the right place to use them. You will reminisce those lovely moments.
Bring in good energy
Placing an indoor plant in a beautiful pot adds so much life to the corner. If you don’t have enough space for a planter, just take a decorative pot or urn and fill it with water, then put some aromatic floating candles and rose petals. It will add so much charm and energy. You could also display your favourite piece of art on the wall or your family’s pictures to accentuate the right feel. Positive energy is a must in your corner.
