We Answer Wednesday - nook spaces

"I have two places in my home that are just ‘small nooks’ and I have no idea what to do with them! One is at my entry way and the other is a ‘loft space’ at the top of my stairs. What do you suggest?"

Great question! I think we all have that one space in our home that we just don’t know what to do with. Depending on the size of your space – you have lots of versatility! 

A console table- always a great option and the good thing about a console is that it comes in many shapes, sizes, finishes, colours, materials etc etc. You are definitely going to be able to find something in the correct size you need. Depending on your space you may have the opportunity for a DIY too! Customizing furniture to fit your homes décor and space is always a fun way to personalize your home.

 

Bookcase- I know I speak for many of us when I say you can never have too much storage. Plus bookcases are fantastic space for displaying books, personal photos, accessories and much more. 

 

A desk space- depending how much traffic flow you would have, adding a small desk and a chair is a great idea for an extra home work space. Its nice to be able to utilize all your spaces in your home in a useful way.

 

 Dresser- A little more unconventional but still a great piece that has closed storage!

 

Built in shelves – this is a more expensive option BUT also a great one for getting exactly the use of the space you need. Need shelves, hooks and cabinets all in one? I would suggest investing in a custom piece and tailoring to your exact needs. 

Floating Shelves – depending how small the space is, adding floating shelves can serve as extra storage in a small nook. Having floating shelves also doesn’t take up the floor space that a bookcase would so it  will appear larger. Just make sure you mount them well and don’t add anything too heavy! 

 

We Answer Wednesday - Small Space Room Divider

I live in a studio condo. What type of items can I use to separate my bed area from my living area and it not be so bulky or obvious? (I wanted something different from a screen and I don't want to build a wall). 

To make an unobtrusive, cohesive look, think about open “etage” or open book case. This idea would create your separation, and also give functionality of order and storage, utilizing the open design of the book case.

 

The style should be something that could “dress up or dress down” your space - there are many styles and finishes of bookcases so you won't be stuck in terms of style. The one thing you will want is an open book cases meaning no backing, you can see through the bookcase.  Usual height for bookcase is 84″Hx42W”x 16D. It would have a fixed top, as your center line, bottom and center shelves, and four adjustable shelves where you could create closure/privacy with accessories or books. This gives you privacy (especially once it is decorated) without the heaviness of a wall and it won't be flimsy like a screen.

 

It would be open -pulling your eye up and out, instead of screening or blocking your area.  This idea is versatile, and will also work spatially, even if your ceilings are lower.

You can fill up the open book case with decor items and books - it will fill up the shelves but it will also be functional (especially if you are a book lover)

 

Best Bookcases For Small Spaces

We love to read and we love home decor but sometimes books lead to clutter which we don't love.

Clutter is very stressful. It's messy and can be overwhelming.  When you live in a smaller space you don't often have the luxury of storage.  So what do you do? Sure, you can minimize your clutter but you can't get rid of everything.

When you live in a smaller space you need storage but you also need it to be slim and stylish for your space.

We have found some amazing space saving book storage pieces.

The Brosna Bookcase from Urban Barn.  A fun and funky piece in two colours (black or white).  We love the simplicity and clean lines.  A great way to mix up books and some accessories.



We love the industrial feel to this metal bookcase with casters from Structube





The Sapien Bookcase from DWR is perfect for just stacking books.  Clean, simple, vertical and ideal for even the smallest of corners. The bookcase once filled with books almost disappears!





 We love the metallic finish on this 'etagere'.  Perfect for mixing books and decor.  The Nook Tower from West Elm.  there are a few variations on this design, some with a more industrial edge but this look transitions well with a few different decor styles.





When it comes to book storage, get creative!  Books can add a lot of colour to your space, so why not add skinny shelving for book storage and display pieces instead of art pieces on the wall.  Also think about horizontal book storage like you see here.  Under this bench is a great spot for kids books! Easy to access and to put away!

What keeps those 4 bookcases looking light, is that they do not have a backing!  You can see the wall behind the piece so it has an airy feel.  Plus the shelves are slim so they do not add bulk to the room.  Simple, slim storage can make a huge difference in a smaller space.



For kids, we also love bookcases flanking a headboard.



When it comes to your space and bookcases, you never want it too look and feel cramped, cluttered and heavy.  To avoid that be sure to not over stuff your bookcases and add some decor/display pieces or photo frames to the book storage - it will lighten up the look and feel.  For kids' books, some time it is easier to storage awkward shaped books in a basket instead of in the shelf.

And remember for books that you are done with and don't want to keep there are tons of used book stores, day cares, community centers and schools always looking to add to their inventory!

Bookworm!

I love books and I also love the look of bookcases.  I have had bookcases in every home I have lived in.  They have a sophistication about them but if you aren't careful they can look very junky and cluttered! They are functional but if used in the right way, they can be an integral part of your decor.

There are so many ways you can use your bookcases to showcase precious pieces along with your favourite reads.  So think beyond lining up your books side-by-side and check out some of these ideas...

1 -- Focus on interesting details like lining the books up by colour and group things together based on similar hues.  This creates interesting depth and different focal points in a bookshelf.



2 -- Separate the books that have truly unique or special covers and use them as displays.  Instead of hiding a beautiful cover, turn it outward so they can be seen. This adds character to your shelves (and the room) plus it is another artistic element.  It doesn't necessarily have to be a big beautiful book, it could be a favourite book like Dr. Seuss' 'Oh, the places you'll go'

3-- Get creative. I know your school librarian taught us that books had to be stacked side-by-side.  Try something new, pile them up horizontally, use bookends, lean them diagonally - it's more interesting to look at and it makes the unit more than just a bookshelf.

4 --Beyond Books.  You you have a special vase or a piece of art that doesn't have it's own space in the other rooms in your place? Why not display it on your bookcase? By using the shelving piece for more than just books you are creating a beautiful visual element in the room.  when a bookcase is just full of books, it can look too functional and too cluttered.  A bookcase is also a great spot for displaying collectibles.



5-- Think custom.  Add some personality to the bookcase by painting the backing part of the bookcase in a bright fun colour like a yellow or turquoise.  It's unexpected, one of a kind and will really add pop to the room. Or, paint the whole bookcase in a bright fresh colour.  another idea would be to look for an old bookcase with some real wear and tear which has so much character even in a cool and modern space.

6-- Old and new, in fact nothing is off limits!  Combine books, vases, cool collectibles etc...in your bookcase again this adds so mush visual interest, creates easy conversation and it's a great way to show off your personality and personal style.




The other great thing about bookcases is that really than can work just about anywhere from the family room to the kitchen, to the office to the living room.  It's a great way to be practical and fashionable in your home!