...because home doesn't happen overnight.

nook after

I’m calling it. The mudroom / dining room nook is D-O-N-E. Done.

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We added two freestanding wardrobes to this room as a storage solution. The addition of a custom bench and modern sconces in between the wardrobes gave this wasted space a purpose.

nook collage

Accessories like the woven shade, hmong pillows, textured blankets and a floor basket give it a style.

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Sources: PAX wardrobes // bamboo shade // Jonathon Adler wall sconces // hmong pillow covers // knit tassle throw // faux fur blanket from West Elm, discontinued but similar to this one // woven basket

My goal was to create a cozy spot for reading. I filled a large basket with my favorite shelter magazines for spontaneous inspiration and covered the rustic bench with pillows and throws for comfort. I considered adding a cushion to the bench but decided against it for now while my kids are little and likely to get mud and dirt on it. This room is part mudroom after all.

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While my older boys are at school and my toddler is napping, I try to sneak in a few minutes of reading in the afternoons. But sometimes a certain pint-sized bibliophile wants to join me and I have a hard time saying no. Mabrey loves to sit on my lap while I flip through a glossy. Atta girl.

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She also loves the camera.

The little nook provides a secondary purpose as well. The neighborhood bus stop is a few houses down and Layne takes pride in walking down to catch the bus in the mornings. Everett and Mabrey are usually still sleeping so I perch on the bench like a mother hen and watch him through the window.

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Our standard 1950’s rancher doesn’t boast many architectural details so carving out little moments in nooks and corners makes it feel special.

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Why, hello there, special lil’ nook. You make me happy.

Thanks to Wayfair for supporting my habit!

images: Dana Miller for House*Tweaking

44 Comments

23.October.2013

This is gorgeous! And it looks like you have great natural light to read by, too. What a happy little moment!

23.October.2013

Looks so great! Isn’t it so nice to consider one space actually “done”? I don’t know if I will ever get there! And that Mabrey is such a doll…

23.October.2013

Well, that’s one very nice little nook … and the whole room looks really nice too ! Good job Millers. Take care.

23.October.2013

Hi again, ALWAYS amazed by your make-over! Could you provide more details on the custom bench? Did you make or buy it? It looks great but wondering how difficult it is to get my husband make it, hah!

23.October.2013

So full of light & nice pieces, you’ve done an amazing job! The before and after pics speak volumes :)
smiles,
Bipasha
http://sunnydistrict.wordpress.com/

23.October.2013

Beyond impressed with the overall transformation & your creativity in designing it! Never in a million years could I think of that!

23.October.2013

I’m still completely smitten with that bench! I love the whole look of your nook and I’m happy that you’re calling it DONE!

http://jax-and-jewels.blogspot.com

23.October.2013

I love this room – it looks so warm and inviting. And it must feel so good to call a room done. You’ve worked wonders on this home. It’s beautiful!

23.October.2013

Love this room! I especially love the light above your table!!

23.October.2013

What a great space! It looks so cozy and inviting.

23.October.2013

Dana this space is exquisite!! You’ve added detail without clutter. I love design with purpose. Well done!!

23.October.2013

Loving the room re-do! Love the nooks…aren’t they just fun! I’m planning one in my dining area too for 2014…the bench will also host as seating for my dining table. Love the light fixture above the table as well.

23.October.2013

I love the nook! And the bench – You made it look so cozy with the pillows and throws! I’d love to build a similar bench for our entryway (When I say “I” I mean my fiance and I, haha) But yeah, the bench looks great, it actually seems a lot bigger in this post when I see you and Mabrey sitting on it.

I can’t believe how you’ve transformed this space! I remember you mentioning how you like the layering stage of decorating in an earlier post and I can definitely see that you’re there in this room. Your family is lucky to come home to such a beautiful and still functional space. Well done!

23.October.2013

The bench is a decent size – 24″ deep, 62″ wide.

23.October.2013

I found a young carpenter on craigslist just starting out. I emailed him an inspiration photo and measurements and this is what he came up with. It’s constructed of Douglas fir and HEAVY. HH could have made the bench but it probably would have taken him years to get to it. He has a long to-do list! I’m glad I went ahead and had the bench built so we can enjoy the nook now.

23.October.2013

Maybe I missed it, but I assume the pendant light is from Wayfair? Do you have a direct link? LOVE what you’ve done with your space!

23.October.2013

As a little girl, and still now, I love nothing more than a cozy but also uncluttered reading nook. This is perfect! I love it.

Love all the texture and gorgeous, saturated colors. Feels so cozy and inviting. I know you’re trying to grow your Buddha head collection, so I thought of you when I saw this: https://www.etsy.com/listing/157369254/buddha-head-planter?ref=shop_home_feat :)

23.October.2013

LOVE IT! I think I missed the link to the light over your table?? kinda need that in my life. ha!

23.October.2013

You can’t go wrong with a book nook, and a multipurpose nook is even better. Such a warm and inviting cuddle-up space with wonderful colors and textures. I’ve been yearning for a windowseat kind of spot since I had one in a dorm eons ago. So creative to have carved out one in your everything room.

23.October.2013

I love the rustic modern bench! I am wondering if you considered removing the trim on the walls so the large cabinets would be flush with the walls? Great space otherwise. :-)

Such a cozy nook. I love how you put it together!

Its gorgeous and perfect and totally you Dana! I love it:)

23.October.2013

It’s from Crate & Barrel! Sorry. I was linking up to only the nook stuff. I will post a true after of the dining room space once the seat cushions are back from the upholsterer!

23.October.2013

EEEEEEK! Those are awesome! Going on my Christmas wish list pronto.

23.October.2013

It’s from Crate & Barrel! Sorry. I was linking up to only the nook stuff. I will post a true after of the dining room space once the seat cushions are back from the upholsterer!

23.October.2013

Really inspiring, especially with so many functions packed in to an uncluttered space.
The bench is gorgeous. Personally, I would add a seat cushion to make it the ultimate cozy reading spot — but that might hide its rustic good looks!

23.October.2013

I love this space, Dana. And, little miss Mabrey is just the cutest!!

23.October.2013

You do such a nice job on all of your projects; I really enjoy reading every new post on your blog. How you manage to raise 3 young children, keep house, write a blog AND decorate so beautifully amazes me. We will be buying a new home soon and I hope to channel some of your creativity.

I’ve been digging this nook since your last post about that bench! It’s perfect and I like it much more than your previous slipcovered sofa. Love the warmth of the wood.

Different question- What is the color of your walls in the mudroom? I’m looking for a dark color for our bathroom makeover and your walls are speaking to me! :)

It looks so sweet and magical. I can just picture myself with a cup of coffee in the morning. You may just find me there one morning ;)

24.October.2013

As long as you bring coffee for me, there won’t be any problems.

24.October.2013

It’s Ace Hardware besalt mixed in Clark + Kensington primer + paint. I haven’t been able to find it listed online but they should have swatches in stores.

24.October.2013

This looks great! And I know you say you are finished, but…I just saw Jenny Komeda’s reveal of how she trimmed out her Pax Closets and it’s worth looking into! http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/10/my-first-domino-article.html But, your room is gorgeous either way!

25.October.2013

That is so amazing! I never cease to be amazed by your creative thinking and resourcefulness! I am going to scour through my local craigslist, although my city is small and I doubt I’ll find one, but this is such a genius idea!

25.October.2013

I really enjoy seeing your projects. Its looks so much better now and it gives your place more space. Thumbs up! Even your little darling loves the outcome. http://www.poshpelts.com/

25.October.2013

a couple questions about the basket you have your magazines in– does it shed? is it the type of material that could hold mittens even if they were a little damp?

Very nice work, it looks colorful and modern.

25.October.2013

Doesn’t shed so far! I think it would be okay for damp things but not wet or muddy shoes.

27.October.2013

Ooooh the pretty!! Love this space, and your little lady is just the cutest!

12.August.2014

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13.October.2015

Did you ever think 2 years later you’d be getting a comment on this post?? Haha! Well, I’m a crazy lady & found you from IG months ago, instantly fell in love & decided I need to start from the beginning to really get the full scope. I have this OCD issue with bloggers that I love.. I have to go back & start from the beginning as if it’s Netflix & I’m binge-watching. I have to say, you might be my all time favorite. You’re style & personal charm is why people follow you. All that to say, I absolutely LOVE this room from top to bottom. (It’s kind of funny to say that because by the time I catch up to current day, it might not look ANYTHING like this)

14.October.2015

Aw, thanks Jana! You will be happy to know the nook looks exactly the same now as it did in this post – save for some kitty bowls under the bench ;)