Home DecorKids’ Reading Nook July 27, 2016 One of my big “musts” for the living room was for it to be kid-friendly and for Rosie to have her own little space. The set back behind the pantry where our TV lives seemed like the perfect spot for a sweet and simple kids’ reading nook. I got the idea for the space because Rosie loves to sit and “read.” Give her a stack of books and she will sit there forever flipping pages and talking out loud. A cozy little reading nook for kids doesn’t need much. First, I layered a cowhide rug slightly over our Persian to fill these few feet of hardwood. While it isn’t super cushy, it’s much softer to sit and lounge on. And I actually love this space filled and how it looks layered with my favorite rug. I do like seeing some hardwood in a room, but with this set back, having so much bare wood beyond the Persian made it feel like the rug was too small or off-center. I got this cowhide a couple of years ago on The World’s Longest Yardsale and it’s been living under our dining table since we moved. For awhile now, I’ve been picturing it in here and just haven’t made it happen. I love how it fills up the “set back” space and I have some new plans brewing for the dining area. I started in this nook with a big plant back in the corner. This South Carolina heat is killing some of the plants we have in the screened porch, so I happily moved them in here to bring a little greenery in. I like the height that it gives this area and I’m always a fan of bringing in natural elements. We got this sweet little modern kids chair back in the spring at IKEA. They’re a steal at $14.99! Rosie has loved it and so far, it’s just traveled around our house wherever there was space. She quickly learned to climb up in it and will sit and play, so I knew this was a great permanent home for it. The little pillow was made for the patio at our last house out of Goodwill shirts I found. I loved the colors and pattern and I love how it looks in here! It’s tiny, perfect for this child’s chair and it gives the space a little pop. Plus, it’s very soft for Rosie to lay on. I got the little bamboo magazine holder at a thrift store several years ago. It only holds a few books, so my idea is to change them out every week , so she has new reading material. Granted, she isn’t reading yet, but I think a variety of pictures and colors as she flips are good. As soon as I got this area set up, Rosie was already curious about her new book holder. She wasn’t interested in holding books for the camera, though she does that all day normally. As soon as a camera or phone comes out, she clams up. But, I know babe is going to enjoy this little space for years to come! I had to work to get that smile on camera, but making spaces for this sweet little face has captured my heart! Even though she’s so little, I think creating sweet little spaces for them like this is so important. I love doing it, but I think she knows it’s a special place. “Her” little place. While this side of the room still isn’t totally finished, it’s getting a lot closer with this second layer. With just a few quick updates of things we already had and a few hours, this side of the room went from this… …to this! To see all the befores of this area and the first layer of wall art, make sure you check out yesterday’s post. (And I know the throw and pillow changed…I’m trying to nail down what I want where in this space – lots of updates coming soon!)
Amanda S says July 27, 2016 at 11:47 am Love it! My little boy would make it his mission in life to destroy that plant stand and get that dirt out to play with ASAP. I’m so jealous of people with potted plants now! Rosie is just adorable. Reply
Lindsay says July 27, 2016 at 12:46 pm Amanda, I know. I am SHOCKED that Rosie has never taken interest in all my plants! She’s never touched one. I realize that may be shortlived and I’ll readjust if she does, but for now, I’m going to enjoy them haha! Reply
L. Treece says July 27, 2016 at 12:07 pm Adorable and great to encourage “reading”. But as the Mom of 3 – watch out for the corner of that table – she will soon be tall enough to hit her head. Reply
Lindsay says July 27, 2016 at 12:45 pm Thanks, I will definitely watch it! I made sure it’s far enough away now that she can’t, but will keep adjusting 🙂 Reply
Rachel Winchester says July 27, 2016 at 6:22 pm This South Carolina heat is hurting so many of our plants too! Love the layered rug look and how you shopped the house for this look! Reply
Kelly S. says August 1, 2016 at 5:30 pm I was wondering about your cute radio/mp3 player by the tv? It has so much personality! Great job styling this nook in your home! Reply
Lindsay says August 3, 2016 at 9:26 am Yes, I love it!!! You can read about it here: http://thewhitebuffalostylingco.com/my-christmas-playlist-with-tivoli-audio/ Reply