When I left the house this morning my car thermometer read four degrees. Four. Four degrees. I really did not want to leave the house but kept telling myself things would get better if I would just go. Things were fine, but it was excruciatingly cold.
All the while I was gone I kept thinking how much better it would be to be home. Reading. With a cup of tea. The only problem being that I would likely read in bed, where it’s warmest, but I always fall asleep when I read in bed during the day.
Seems there would be nothing better than a cozy nook. I’ve always been enamored of these sofas-surrounded-by-bookcases-with-swing-arm-lights. A little womb within a room without the feeling of sloth that comes from actually returning to your bed.
A cave, if you will, to hibernate if you are unable to migrate. Fortunately it’s the Midwest. 40 by Friday. I’ll do my shopping then.
Image, top, design by Alex Papachristidis, Elle Decor Jan./Feb. 2009, photography by Henry Bourne. Second room also by Papachristidis, Elle Decor Nov. 2007. Third image, design by Kenneth Brown, Western Interiors Dec. 2008, photography by Dominique Vorillon. Final image, Thomas Britt, his own Long Island home, Architectural Digest.
I once visited an elegant and historic home for a reception for an artist, and there — between the kitchen and living room — was a tiny little nook. The walls were covered in bookcases and the space between was raised as high as a bed and covered in Kilim pillows. We hunkered down, pulled some books off the shelves and ignored the party around us. It was a wonderful, if brief, experience.
Great cozy places. It is freezing cold here today too.
Mrs. B – I do remember a photo in that (ubiquitous book) with such a room as you describe, a comfy couch and flanked by books and lots of things to talk over at a cocktail party. Also a good spot for opening presents and building legos. Oh, how I would hibernate there, but it would be even better with a crackling fire.
Stay inside Mrs. B! That Kenneth Brown room has enchanted me from the moment I saw it. I have always wanted a red room. Its just lovely!
I can still get lost looking at all the animal figures in Alex Papachristidis’ home.
Oh, it is always unpredictable here in KC, we can go from 60 to o in two days.I do need to get out today, however shall get back home as quickly as I can! Cozy is a must! I was sipping cocoa and reading with a throw on my lap last night. January 5th I will back to work full time so will just have to deal with it!
I’d love a cozy little spot surround by books and maybe a warm fire. Bliss.
Love those cozy nooks with the books in the winter…aside from the kitchen, they are the best place in a home.
Oh, we are on the same wavelength these days. Second baby not even born and thinking of one day (far, far away) his room would make a terrific small library Baaaad mother!
Hi Mrs. B…love the black room! It’s the perfect retreat from a wintry day like we’ve had today in NYC!
putting a patterned sofa against that gorgeous david hicks wallpaper (one of my all-time faves) is pretty risky business, but somehow papachristidis was able to pull it off, and it totally works.
Alex Papachristidis is a genius! That red David Hicks wallpaper is the BEST! I have only seen it in blue and white!!
Ms. Wis – that sounds like a total delight.
Patricia – you are just right about the fireplace!
Courtney, darling M and Ronda – that room is unbelievable. If someone tried to tell you about it it would make you furrow your brow. Totally terrific.
It is cold outside , here ( Provence, France ) also but fortunatly your blog gives us warmness…