How to turn nooks and alcoves into creative spaces

From art studio to mini cocktail lounge, we explore the creative potential of the smallest corners and cubbyholes in your home

Even the darkest, most unlikely little corner of your home can be repurposed to create a space for mindfulness or music, cocktails or creativity. These days it’s quite common to find activity zoning in larger rooms – the trend for the open-plan kitchen-diner living space is an obvious one – and it’s a great way to design a dedicated area to indulge your favourite pastimes and find a purpose for an awkward nook or alcove, or that funny little space under the stairs or at the end of the landing.

If you create a beautifully designed area with a specific purpose in mind, such as reviving your old passion for watercolour painting, then you are much more likely to actually do it. And, on a more practical note, you won’t have to pack away all your paraphernalia every time you’ve finished for the day. Sometimes, all it takes is nothing more than a really good chair – and a little decorative flair.

Writing corner

The beauty of writing, whether you’re working on your future bestseller or blogging about your upcycling adventures, is that you need little more than a desk and chair to do it, and this could easily fit on a landing or in an alcove. A desk doesn’t have to be a cumbersome piece. Look for a dinky little bureau that can be folded back up when you’ve finished another chapter, or perhaps a vintage sewing table (just check it’s deep enough for your laptop).

Consider giving your chosen wall or corner a makeover with a different (yet harmonious) paint colour or wallpaper to the rest of the room, while placing a rug under the desk and chair is an easy way to delineate your creative space.

Statement lighting is another way to add personality to your writing den and you’ll need a desk lamp for those late-night writing sessions. Look for something with a striking colour or shape – it’s easy to find mid-century designs that are effortlessly stylish. If you have space for display shelving, old typewriters (visit Mr & Mrs Vintage Typewriters) look beautiful, while a collection of special or vintage volumes of your favourite novels will provide daily inspiration.

Artist’s studio

Whether your passion is watercolours, calligraphy or card making, the beauty of creating a studio nook is you don’t have to tidy away your materials. In a narrow or awkward space there’s no need to try to fit in a desk or table – simply install wall-to-wall shelving as a workstation, with a few narrower shelves above for storage (we love the reclaimed shelving at Ben Simpson). A simple stool (Old Wooden Stool stocks a range of weathered stools) is light and space-saving and easy to keep under the desk when not in use, or repurpose a bench or piano stool with storage to stash sketchbooks or craft supplies.

Look for clever space-saving storage options to keep the area organised. Try industrial-style wall-hung cage units or shallow shelving, keep craft supplies in vintage jars or pretty bags hung from interesting wall hooks, while rustic baskets or wooden fruit crates can be stowed at floor level.

Inspire your creativity by hanging works by favourite artists or crafters, and display your own creations on picture ledges which allow the freedom to change your displays regularly. Set aside a shelf for curating collections of pieces that inspire you – from interesting found items to handmade pieces that fire your imagination.

Reading nook

Anyone who loves to lose themselves in a good book or magazine deserves a special quiet corner to escape to. Sumptuous seating should be the central feature and, depending on the size of your nook, you could go for anything from a small mid-century daybed to a ‘snuggler’ armchair with footstool. To add extra cosiness, accessorise with tactile cushions and throws in soft fabrics.

Storage for your book collection – or at least part of it – is also essential, and a shelf or two made from reclaimed wood is ideal for a tiny space where a conventional bookcase won’t fit. If there’s room to slot in a dresser or shelving, this provides an opportunity to display both books and your favourite treasures. You’ll also need a small side table for your cuppa and your current book. For a space-saving option try a vintage stool (see Home Barn) or even a fruit crate or upturned barrel.

Cocktail bar

Creating a bar corner is a great excuse to invite friends over to sample your mixology skills, as well as the chance to go glam and maybe tap into art deco or retro style. There are plenty of opportunities to source original drinks trolleys (check out The Vintage Trader for beautiful brass vintage trolleys), whether you prefer a sparkling circular brass and glass deco-style option, a 1960s Danish teak number or even a retro 1970s rattan trolley. For a budget option, a basic wooden hostess trolley can be easily upcycled with paint or even decoupage.

If you need to keep breakables (or booze) out of reach of children, then consider a retro cocktail cabinet instead. Choose from contemporary designs with metallic doors or vintage pieces combining ornate lines and glass doors, so you can still show off your sparkling glassware collection.

Combine with cocktail chairs – velvet upholstery with metallic legs really work. And look for glamorous metallic accessories, from sunburst mirrors (a great way to brighten a dark corner too), brass, copper or gold planters for some lush foliage, and stylish wall or floor lamps for setting the right mood.

WORDS: LINDSEY HARRAD