As I was stepping over the umpteenth LEGO on my floor today, I realized I needed a "sweet spot" — a quiet place in my home where I could go for a little rest to replenish and revitalize my mind. Are you looking for a similar space in your home? Find out how to create a "sweet spot" after the jump!
After scouting my home for the perfect nook, I made a list of "sweet spot" essentials that were key for my path to quiet time.
1. Location, location, location.
Picking the right location for your "sweet spot" is very important. It should be a place that is serene and slightly secluded if possible. Filtered sunlight is a plus…or take the whole notion outside!
2. Sit down and relax, literally.
A comfortable chair is another key factor. Upholstered or cushioned seating is favorable — something cozy you can curl up and read your favorite book in.
3. Side note.
Having a side table of some sort is a small added luxury. It's always nice to have a place to put a glass of wine or lemonade. In a pinch for space? An extended windowsill may do the trick.
4. Soft and fuzzy feeling.
A cozy throw is always a welcome treat, especially on rainy days. Add a small down throw pillow for extra lumbar support.
5. Lighten up.
A lamp or overhead light for nighttime lounging is also a superb idea. You never know what time of time your chance to relax may be attainable.
Do you have your own "sweet spot"? Where is it and what other ideas did you implement? We would love to hear about them!
Image: Alvhem via Design Heaven
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I have a "sweet spot" in a corner of my studio, right beside the window. An ottoman or stool is a bonus, as is a live plant and a place for books or magazines and I have a radio/cd player close by.
I just might kill someone if I step on anymore LEGO. I swear, its a hundred times a day. I finally told my son if he doesn't pick it up, the ROOMBA vaccum will- and I WON'T check the floor for LEGO before letting the roomba loose!!
I have my sweet spot- my bedroom. NO TOYS, NO KIDS STUFF ALLOWED in my room. It's the one room in the house thats MINE. As a single mom, I have to create a boundary somewhere... and it sure as heck isn't the bathroom (I haven't gone potty alone in YEARS I don't think, between kids and dogs with attachment issues!).
Leather chair with a small side table for my beverage and floor lamp behind it for reading light. Timing is another factor - call it "Sweet Time." A little down time routine to read something interesting rather than required.
How did you know exactly what I need? And with DH and kids leaving for a 10 day vacation (without me), I now know what I'll be doing with my non-working time.
I've always tried to create a comfortable 'reading nook' in every house I've lived in. I have two antique rockers and the 'nook' usually centers around one or the other of them. I totally agree with the rest of your list.
Then one must actually take the time to sit there. Read, pray/meditate, just think, unwind, bliss.
Great idea - just need to surround it with barb wire.
Didn't I just read this story on freshhome?
http://freshome.com/2010/11/07/how-to-create-a-relaxing-reading-nook/
I thought I was having deja vu!
We put together a reading nook in the house when we moved in--a comfy papasan chair and footstool by the glass door and next to the bookcases. The problem, though, is that we did such a good job making it comfy and sunny that it's always got at least one cat in it!
Where is that light from?! It is amazing! Anyone know or know of something like it?
also need to know where that light came from...
I live alone. Every spot is a sweet spot. I am looking to create a special spot in the backyard though.
The lamp looks like Ingegerd Råmans Light Shadows for Orrefors:
http://shop.orrefors.se/nwg_mdb.php?action=list&nlevel1=Belysning
@thamata...
Wow! Same pic and everything! I hadn't seen it before, but I guess tired minds think alike!
melissacj: lol about the bathroom! before i had my son it was the cats always following me in there, between the husband my son and the cats I never get alone time in the bathroom, kids do not know the meaning of privacy at all!
my sweet spot is my bedroom as well, my bed is the perfect place to relax and read, I hung one of those big lanterns above it with christmas (white) lights going down the cord and I absolutely LOVE getting in to bed and reading before going to sleep. I love my bedroom so much now that it is finished!