How to Create a Cozy Nook Within Your Home
Today, I’ve invited my good friend and fellow creative, Tara Dennis, to share her professional insights on how to create a cozy nook. With over 10 years of experience as an interior designer, Tara is truly the “queen of cozy”.
Time and time again, I’m amazed at how she’s able to transform any space into a peaceful sanctuary using art, color, light, and layers. I can’t wait for you to read what she has to say about designing a cozy place of rest and refuge in your own home!
*****
Creating a Cozy Nook Within Your Home
Steps to Designing a Place of Refuge and Connection
Tara Dennis, Interior Designer
There seems to be a natural pull toward the side booths at a restaurant, while the tables in the center, surrounded by chatter and the bustle of people walking by, are typically last to fill up. Rarely does someone ask specifically for the table in the middle of the room. Tucked off to the side, a booth offers a sense of intimacy and comfort, even amid the busyness of dining out. It meets that human desire for rest and connection, giving people the chance to share conversations and take a deep breath.
I don’t think it’s any different when you walk through the door of your home and set foot inside. Even there, perhaps especially there, is that same longing for refuge and warmth. In a sense, your home is a cozy booth in the busy world of work, errands, kids and sports, and everything else that pulls for your attention and energy. Your home is your sanctuary — your place to breathe, connect with those you love, reflect, create, and simply be.
As an interior designer, I get to use my passion for art and design to help people create a place of refuge and rest within their homes. It’s not about following the latest home decor trend. In fact, you may be able to create a cozy space in your home using mostly the furniture and items you already own, with just a few additions.
In this blog, I take you through the process of creating a cozy nook within your home using three simple steps. I’m excited to share my insights and tips for designing a space where you can feel grounded, comfortable, and at peace.
Before we dive into each step, I want to start by asking two questions:
How do you want your space to feel?
How will you use this space?
Maybe you want a quiet corner for morning devotionals, reading, or journaling. Or perhaps you want a little gathering spot for tea with a friend or a cozy nook for intentional family time. As you step through the process of creating a place of warmth and refuge in your home, I encourage you to keep that feeling and purpose in mind and let them be your guide.
Let’s begin!
Step 1: Start with the Foundation — Art and Rugs
When designing a cozy nook, I always recommend starting with a piece of art that speaks to you and evokes the feeling you’re hoping to bring into your space. Not only does art help you create an intentional atmosphere, but it also inspires an entire color palette for you to work with moving forward.
Once you have your artwork, choose a rug that complements the colors in the piece. Rugs not only add texture and color, but they also help ground a space. Even in a large, open-concept room, a rug can create a smaller, more intimate area. Suddenly, that corner by the window or the spot beside your bookshelf feels like its own cozy nook!
I always tell my clients to invest in a quality wool rug that will last — something they’ll love and use for years to come. A rug that ties in with your artwork helps establish color harmony in a space and gives your cozy nook a defined, intentional foundation to build upon.
Step 2: Add the Timeless Base — Furniture
Now that you’ve established your color palette and set the tone with your art and rug, it’s time to add the staple pieces to your cozy nook: the furniture.
I like to think of neutral furniture as the “jeans” of an outfit — timeless, comfortable, and goes with everything. It’s easy to get excited about decorative pillows and throw blankets, but before you start accessorizing, it’s important to add a few staple pieces of furniture to anchor the space.
Ask yourself again: what will I do in this space?
If it’s your nook for reading or devotionals, a soft armchair or a loveseat with an end table might be perfect.
If you’re looking for a place to sit and have tea with a friend or gather the family together after a long day, consider a small sofa with side chairs to encourage connection and intimacy. I love incorporating a small round bistro table with a couple of comfortable dining size chairs for impromptu card games, a solo cup of coffee, or even a homework spot.
As an interior designer, I get a lot of my inspiration from the natural world. Bringing the outdoors in is one of my favorite ways to make a home feel grounded and peaceful. When choosing staple pieces for your cozy nook, I recommend finding furniture in natural, earthy tones. If it helps, think of any color that’s repeated in nature: greens, blues, browns, and tans.
Once you’ve picked out your furniture and have your timeless, neutral base, you can add personality and warmth through your accessories, without worrying that your core pieces will go out of style.
Step 3: Layer with Personality — Accessories, Lighting, and Texture
Here’s where creativity and personality can really shine!
Adding the accessories is like adding jewelry to an outfit — it’s what makes the look you. Start layering in cozy textures and meaningful items, like pillows, throws, pottery, books, and pieces you’ve collected over time.
I’m always trying to find ways to include different materials when I’m designing during this final step. I recommend incorporating textures and materials that age well, such as linen, wool, brass, wood, and leather. This combination of vintage and new will give your space warmth and depth.
Don’t be afraid to include sentimental items — an heirloom candlestick, a stack of your favorite books, or a family photo that makes you smile. By designing with details that tell a story, you bring an element of authenticity that no amount of trendy decor can offer. In fact, trendy art and decor can make a room feel flat and impersonal. Your home should reflect you, not what’s trending on social media or what’s popular this season in the big box stores.
Lighting plays a significant role in creating a cozy atmosphere. Instead of relying on harsh overhead lighting, use wall sconces (my personal favorite), table lamps, and floor lamps to create a softer and more inviting space. A combination of layered lighting is very important; I also recommend using lightbulbs that are at least 2700K to give your nook a gentle, warm ambiance that will instantly make you want to curl up and relax.
Lastly, one of the simplest and most timeless ways to design a space is by bringing in natural elements from outside. A vase of winterberry branches or a bouquet of wildflowers adds natural color and texture, while also bringing the unique beauty of that season to your cozy nook.
Just as we’re drawn to the quiet booth tucked away from the bustle of a busy restaurant, we all long for that same feeling of warmth, comfort, and refuge within our own homes. As an interior designer, I not only believe that a home should feel like a sanctuary, but I also believe most homes already hold the potential to become what we hope them to be.
So if you dream of having a special place within your home where you can retreat and rest, I want to encourage you: it’s absolutely possible. By starting with artwork that speaks to you, choosing timeless furniture, and layering in textures, warm lighting, and meaningful details, you can transform almost any space in your home into a place of comfort and calm.
Whether your cozy nook becomes a corner for reflection and creativity, or a gathering spot for friends and family, it’s an opportunity to design a space that reflects you and your story. It’s a chance to create a refuge within your home where you can pause, breathe, and simply be.
*****
Tara Dennis is an interior designer based in Michigan who specializes in creating warm, inviting spaces that reflect the people who live in them. To inquire about working with Tara, you can reach her at taraleighdennis@gmail.com or connect with her on Instagram @taraleighdennis.
Photos taken by Ben Law Photography and Rebecca Deneau. Interior + Styling by Tara Dennis.