These trendy nooks can be used for reading, napping, meditating, and more.
It can be difficult to find time throughout the week to relax, which is where rest corners come in. A chic riff on the quintessential reading nook, rest corners are the latest design trend sweeping social media.
Their purpose is self-explanatory—to give you an area in your home that is designed specifically for relaxation. Whether that means cuddling up with your favourite book, taking a quick cat nap, or simply scrolling on your phone, rest corners will encourage you to unwind more often.
The best part about this trend—beyond the fact it gives you an excuse to sit back and relax—is that a rest corner will unlock the design potential of your home’s most underutilized areas. Have an empty corner in your bedroom or living room you don’t know what to do with? You can’t go wrong with adding a rest corner.
What Are Rest Corners?
Rest corners are reserved specifically for rest and rejuvenation. You can use it for meditation, yoga, journaling, sleeping, and anything else that fits your idea of what relaxation is. They are trending because people are increasingly recognizing the importance of self-care and mental well-being.
Where to Put a Rest Corner
Generally, a quiet, low-traffic area in your home is ideal. This could be a corner of your bedroom, a nook under your stairs, an underutilized balcony —the options are endless and are very dependent on your home’s current set-up.
Also consider what the lighting is like throughout your home. “Look for a spot near a window to take advantage of natural light, such as a bedroom corner, a nook in the living room, or even a spacious hallway,” says Kelly.
How to Create a Rest Corner
While your personal rest corner should incorporate the colours and décor that make you feel most relaxed, there are a few things you should include to make the space your own. Start with a comfortable chair or daybed and add soft textiles like throw pillows and blankets for a layered look. Add a side table to hold your books and beverages. Soft lighting is recommended to create a warm feeling.
Choose an unexpected area to create a rest corner in your home which you don’t often frequent to make it feel special to you. There are opportunities for rest and relaxation in almost every room of your home. There’s something decadent about taking one’s relaxing time in an area that is designed especially for you.
Comfort is key when creating a rest corner, so be thoughtful when selecting your furnishings. Choosing a couch or chair that’s made from a soft fabric, such as velvet or polished cotton, helps create the inviting appeal every rest corner should have.
Smaller, intimate areas of your home are natural choices for rest corners, as these spaces are usually quieter and have less foot traffic. Consider the natural architecture of your home and choose an area for your rest corner that tends to feel more private.
Fill your rest corner with calming neutrals, like soft blues, beiges, or greys to create a soothing atmosphere that isn’t overwhelming. For this minimalist corner, go for a buttery soft beige for furniture, a grey/beige colour for the walls, and a simple floor lamp with a white shade. If lighter colours aren’t your thing, there are plenty of moody neutrals that will complement your space, like a charcoal or rich brown.
