I’m sharing one of my email design advice consultations today that entailed a cozy nook which was very nearly done. Honestly, it didn’t need much more to make an even cozier and more finished space for this homeowner, who used this spot for evening reading and tv watching.

You’ll see below, how just a few more steps might help her get exactly where she wants to be. :-)

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Cozy Nook Images

When I first downloaded these images from the email I received with a few questions, I wondered how I could really improve on this space.

There were some elements I most certainly use regularly, already installed, that were working just fine.

Navy grassloth on the walls. Hmmmm, yes, I love some grasscloth!

A "Nearly Done" Cozy Nook Gets Some Design Advice | carlaaston.com — A "Nearly Done" Cozy Nook Gets Some Design Advice | *carlaaston.com*

Some custom draperies with trim to finish off the windows.
Two comfy chairs with a lovely tufted ottoman.

A nice rug to warm up and define the space.
Lots of nice storage… who doesn’t love that anywhere you can get it?

Here were the questions submitted by this homeowner for her consultation.

1. The large white cabinet was custom built for me to store things and to hold the tv. I installed the blue sisal wallpaper and love it, but feel I have not decorated it well. At night it is like a black hole. Need suggestions on decorating the top and behind the tv. The tv and the Bose stereo needs to stay. The back of the wall to the left of the tv is angled like a half cathedral ceiling. This room gets a lot of sun.

My response:

I really like this room! It makes for a really cozy place to hang out. Love the navy wallcovering too!

Okay, I have a few thoughts, but really, I am nitpicking here. You've done a great job.

I think the bold contrast of the white cabinet with the navy walls is what is throwing things off. To me, the white feels a little "standard" or basic, and honestly, I'd like to see the cabinet painted to match the navy wallcovering. The cabinet feels a tad large in the space, and blending that in will subdue it and make it feel less like kitchen cabinets.

Here are some navy cabinets I did for a media room. Although this room is a light gray with light gray carpet, I think going dark like this will be great in your room and bring some sophistication to the cabinetry.

Built-in tv cabinet done in navy blue | A "Nearly Done" Cozy Nook Gets Some Design Advice | carlaaston.com — Built-in tv cabinet done in navy blue | A "Nearly Done" Cozy Nook Gets Some Design Advice | *carlaaston.com*

I also rather like the idea, if you are going to paint these, of changing the knob to a drop type pull in the center of the cabinet door. It just makes this whole built-in feel more special and custom.

Here's an example of a drop pull on a powder room cabinet I have done.

Powder room cabinet with drop pulls on the vanity cabinetry | A "Nearly Done" Cozy Nook Gets Some Design Advice | carlaaston.com — Powder room cabinet with drop pulls on the vanity cabinetry | A "Nearly Done" Cozy Nook Gets Some Design Advice | *carlaaston.com*

You could do a drop pull that is more traditional.

If you don't want to change the location, maybe a brassy knob with some trad details would be nice here on the dark navy finish.

Here are some examples.

2. Had the pillows made but feel they are too small and need something to go with them.

My response:

Your pillows could be a bit wider, to fill the seat. If you want to redo those, you could edge band the sides in a navy velvet and then welt them in that navy. It might not be worth the labor cost though, it would be like making a whole new pillow.

Here are few options I found online. This velvet pillow would make a bold statement on your chairs.

You can try Etsy, although I haven't used them myself, there are a lot of people who sew on there and would probably do any size you want.

This pillow is nice, it brings the red in. Looks like it comes in 12 x 24 and 16 x 24, so this is wider.

I like the fabric you have there. Maybe you could just get more of that fabric and have them made again wider, to fit your chair.

3. Does this room need something opposite my two chairs? Feels incomplete. Love my new drapes, but might replace the blinds. Help?

My response:

A garden stool like this one from Legends of Asia would be pretty tucked into the corner by the window.

You could do two ottoman stools in front of the cabinet to sort of fill that floor space if you want, much like I did here in front of this fireplace, pictured below.

Maybe something like this upholstered stool.

I love the white draperies, but you might consider changing out the shades to a woven wood in a natural color tone to match the floor color. Something like this. This shade is from The Shade Store, Ocean Bay, Bungalow.

4. Last question - Please make any changes you see fit to fix this room.

My response:

I think it would be a good idea to paint your ceiling the same color as the wallcovering. I really like the idea of wrapping the entire alcove in this navy color. The asymmetry of the ceiling angle sort of interrupts the traditional feel that this room has and I just feel like minimizing the white there, would be good.

As far as decor goes, I'd consider replacing the candlesticks with a blue and white ceramic lamp on that left side of the tv. I like the white shade here. It will brighten up that corner.

Maybe cluster your family photos there on the right side. You could maybe move the plant over to the left side or put it on the window sill. A few plants there would be nice.

Anything brass or white marble would look great in here too. Those materials elevate a room to me.

I wouldn’t worry about wall decor on the wall around the tv, once the ceiling is painted, that will all blend together and you’ll get more focus on the lamp, photos, etc. I think anything on the wall here will look too crowded.

This might be a pretty lamp for between your two chairs, I love the natural light look of alabaster and the ring shape. It would be light and airy in front of your window.

Again, you've done a lovely job and it just might need a little tweaking here is all. It is a cozy spot! Thank you so much and I look forward to seeing what you do!

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