Design Considerations: Built-In Nooks
A well-designed and well-placed built-in nook is a creative way to turn a small space into the most coveted spot in the house. Whether it is the mirrored buffet in your 1920’s bungalow or the office nook in your remodeled kitchen, there are many ways that carving out a nook can put square-footage to use in a creative and welcoming way!
1. Window Seat Nooks - A built-in seat below a kitchen, bedroom or bay window creates a pleasant spot to sit and daydream as well as hidden storage below. Add cushions and shallow shelving for a few books or mug of herbal tea. Staring out the window at the rain never felt more cozy!
2. Office Nooks - This is the modern-day must-have for a busy household! An otherwise unused corner of the kitchen or family room (or even a large hallway!) can transform into a high-demand office nook or homework station. A few shelves and cabinets hide unsightly office clutter, and a well-lit surface can keep you efficient.
3. Mudroom Nooks - There is probably one entrance in your house that gets the heaviest traffic - perhaps the front door, or even the door leading in from the garage. Space allowing, a built-in mudroom or entry area can organize clutter in a charming way. Essentials: hooks for jackets and backpacks, a bench to take off shoes, bins to store said shoes, and some drawers or baskets for mail, umbrellas, and other miscellany.
4. Sleeping Nooks - Either in the form of a day bed or bunks, a built-in sleeping nook seems to embrace the weary and encourage comfort. If you can spare a bedroom closet, you might gain much more from the freedom of moving the bed off the bedroom floor.
5. Book Nooks - I mention this last because it seems so obvious. But, perhaps not so obvious are the creative spaces you can build a book shelf. Empty space under the stairs not really used? Try tiered bookshelves. Have a large corner or landing that feels bare but hard to furnish? Try a bookshelf. Unused space over a doorway? Bookshelf!
Nancy Palmer, CRS  Broker Associate REALTOR® DRE #00525350 Compass | Woodside D 650.492.0200  |  O 650.529.1111 www.NancyPalmer.com
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