We’re all about good books on days. Make the most of the unpredictable weather with these tips for styling your own book nook…
All the things that make us grumble about a rainy day– the wet, the wind, the chill – are also the things that make it oh-so-cosy.
Is there anything lovelier than cuddling up on a Sunday afternoon with a cup of tea and a good book while the storm rages on outside? If, like us, you love to read all year round, then it’s worth creating your own space for those precious time-out moments.
It shouldn’t matter whether you’re in a three-bedroom bungalow or an inner-city studio apartment. Story time is sacred.
Featured: Premier Leantio Lost Rug from Rug Republic, and Varro Round Side Table from Dover Mason, available on Zanui.
FIND THE PERFECT SPOT
Before anything else, you’re going to need to find a spot to retreat to. This is the tricky part.
If you’re lucky enough to have a home office or a large enough living room, carve out a corner of it just for you.
An armchair is the perfect seat to covet as your own, and you can pair it with an ottoman for the ultimate stretch-out comfort.
For those lacking space, you might have to make do with what you already have. Find a spot on the sofa, or even in the bedroom, and make it your own.
Just make sure that everyone else knows when it’s reading time ‘do not disturb’ will be your new mantra.
Featured: Otto Armchair, Frost from Zanui, Cowhide Cushion, Tri Colour 1 and Natural Cowhide Rug, Sprinkled Beige/White from NSW Leather Co available on Zanui.
A SIDE TABLE IS ESSENTIAL
A book nook is just a chair (or a warm bed) with a spot to rest your cup of tea. (Or maybe something a little stronger?)
For the ultimate reading experience you need to relax, to indulge, to really slip into the story and leave your troubles far behind…
We’ve found that a side table is the perfect addition to a reading nook. And it’s versatile, too! Great for stacking your TBR (to be read) books.
You could also try out a vase full of posies, or a framed photograph. A side table provides space for you to make your reading retreat yours.
Featured: Camren Side Table, Black (Set of 3)
COSY ACCENTS
The idea of a reading nook is to make it your personal haven, so bring personality to your space with décor and practical accents.
Winter reading essentials include throw rugs and blankets. We’ve all had those moments, so engrossed in the story – can we really be bothered to get up and turn on the heater? Nah.
For throws, we love chunky knits and faux fur. But don’t forget to style with cushions on your sofa or bed. The more cushions the better, for that over-the-top-snuggly feel.
Create a warm and comforting atmosphere with a scented candle. (See, that side table is a must-have!)
Don’t forget to style up and around: wall art is the perfect way to make a small space burst with personality, because it’s fairly flat and out of the way. And a table or floor lamp provides much-needed light for your story-sore eyes.
Featured: Scented candles from Ecoya, available on Zanui.
5 GREAT BOOKS WE’VE READ LATELY
No reading spot is complete without something to read. You’ve no doubt got a list as long as your arm and countless books waiting to be picked up at the library.
But here’s what the Zanui team has been reading this year…
– The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Junior Homewares Buyer, Alanna: “I just finished The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins and loved it. It’s a great psychological thriller!”
– In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson
Marketing & PR Assistant, Lisa: “About an American guy who travels around Australia. He not only tells you about his trip but gives anecdotes and real stories about Australia, past and present, and makes you laugh from beginning to end. Read it! You’ll find out a lot of stuff that you didn’t know about Australia.”
– Still Alice by Lisa Genova
Senior Buyer, Stina: “Sad, but good. I liked it because it was a very emotional and interesting read about Alzheimer’s from the perspective of the person getting ‘sick’. It makes you think a lot, and I liked that.”
– The Giver by Lois Lowry
B2B Account Manager, Dan: “This was the first dystopian book I’d read and I keep re-reading it. It really opened my eyes and made me question the underlying agendas of authority.”
– A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Content Writer, Natalie: “A pretty powerful book about friendships and relationships, with a Middle Eastern context. Definitely a crowd pleaser!”
