Awkward alcove or hidden gem? We tend to think the latter
Many of us have small or oddly shaped spaces in our homes that can feel difficult to utilise – perhaps it's a sloping ceiling or an empty spandrel under the stairs. But now's the time to relish all those tight spots and awkward alcoves. With a dash of creativity, these nooks can be transformed into something truly special.
Get inspired by these cleverly designed nook room ideas that are perfect for reading, dining and daydreaming...
This little breakfast nook makes a virtue of its close quarters by drenching the walls, blind and built-in banquettes in the same gorgeous botanical print.
• Project by Lizzie Cox
The designers at All & Nxthing have carved out a quiet haven in an open-plan room with simple, strategically placed shelving that still allows the light to flow through.
You can transform a corner of your living space into a cosy retreat with the help of fitted joinery. We love this elegant version with its arched opening, built-in cushion seating and storage below.
• Project by Samantha S Pappas
Attics may be all angles and sloped ceilings, but they have incredible potential. Embrace their quirky layout and take inspiration from this project by New Heritage Design that creates an intimate, den-like feeling by squeezing a bijou sofa under the eaves.
L-shaped seating is a space-efficient way to incorporate a casual dining spot. Here, Kate Feather’s bench design adopts the kitchen’s cheerful colour palette for a cohesive look.
• Bespoke kitchen by Kate Feather
Building seating into a window recess frees up enough space to include a dining nook in this small kitchen– and also ensures every meal comes with a view.
• Project by Golden Design
Think your narrow galley kitchen won’t accommodate a place to eat? Instead of squeezing in a table, you could steal a section of your worktop for an at-the-bar-style seating area.
• Get the look at deVOL
This dedicated quiet zone is the ultimate indulgence for bookworms, kitted out with comfy seating, good lighting and plenty of novels just an arm’s reach away.
• Project by Recast Homes
Forget understairs storage – interior design studio Hutley & Humm have conjured a glamorous home bar out of this compact spot in the hall. And because it’s such a small space, you can splash out on luxe materials.
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