Making Your Own Special Nook

Here in Knoxville, like so many around the world, we have spent more time at home lately. We have many things to be grateful for and we’ve had to come to terms with new challenges in our daily lives that need tending to. One thing that’s been incredibly helpful during this time are our special spaces.

With all the time inside, we've so appreciated having that special spot to retreat to when we need a little breather from all the folks being around all day. Do You have that spot?

It doesn't take much, really. Just a chair or seat of some sort, a reading lamp, a blanket, a small table, & a few of your favorite things. Each of us have those few items that make a spot ours. For our team member, Kayla, there's a little plant, some homemade "mommy" items from her kids, a pic of her as a child with her dad and brother, her favorite business card of the month, and always... her journal & the Word. She also feels so thankful to have a built-in bookcase nearby filled with other fun items that inspire her & are available when the mood strikes.

4 Nook Ideas to Get You Started

Below are some thoughtful nook ideas that might help to nudge you into getting your space just right. Or maybe it's a space for your child to read, imagine, or just feel safe & quiet. We found a couple of ideas for the littles, too.

We'd love to hear any other ideas YOU may have. What has worked for you or for your family?

1. Window Seat Nooks

Kate Pruitt for Design Sponge posts fabulous pictures of Lora Neveu's window seat nook that she designed for her daughter. A little more work involved, but well worth the effort for the results.

2. Master Bedroom Nooks

This master bedroom nook by Courtney Fernan is a simple example of just a few items that make the spot just cozy enough. She also links where all the items were purchased.

3. Reading Nooks

For the littlest ones, Jen with Mama.Papa.Bubba. gives us a great idea to encourage reading & quiet time from an early age. Just a few pillows, a spot for books & a fun curtain & you're ready to go!

4. Corner Nooks

Kara Tippetts' "Corner Nook" is just enough & not too much when she needed it most...

Need a few items to perfect your nook? Here are some great resources you might enjoy:

Candle by Knoxville’s own Silver Dollar Candle Co.

Week 2: Coat Closet

Where to start?

Pull everything out. All the jackets, umbrellas, shoes, hats & scarves, and whatever else might have made a home here.

Sort into categories. Discard: don't be ashamed if you find a few things that should be thrown away. Donate: old jackets, hats and scarves that you won't wear this year. Relocate: the jackets that should go into individuals closets, items that belong in the garage, anything that might be more useful to have in the laundry room. Keep: the jackets, umbrellas, hats and boots that make the most sense in this closet for you and your family.

Before putting the keep items back in the coat closet, take time to imagine and visualize the coat closet of your dreams. These photos might inspire you.