Step Four: Corners in the Home
In Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, Oskar’s grandparents had these rules when they first moved in together as a couple. They had “Nothing Spaces”, where they could just lay and not speak, or stand naked if they wished; it was somewhere they could cease to exist for a moment. I just love the idea of having a little place in the home designed exclusively for something (though not necessarily for the purpose of ceasing to exist!). It makes it more special, and it can act as a little refuge from daily insanity if you allow it to (use it for your moment of stillness perhaps?). It can be and mean whatever you want, as long as it provides you some sort of peace. What will yours be?
Reading Corner
This is my favorite and the one I’m going for right now: a little refuge in my living room for reading! A comfy one seater, some cushions and a small table to hold my preferred drink while I read all the books in the world. I’m setting up right by the window so the light is behind me, and right next to a built-in bookshelf so that I have any story I please at hand! Perfect for cozying up in winter and just laying about with light reading in the summer.
Benefits: Having a designated place for reading makes it ideal for doing just that — reading. You are tucked away in a little corner, not worried about the mess in your room or the TV shouting at you. It can be your own mini library, free of charge. Yes please!
Vanity Corner
If you are a girly girl, and especially if you have to share a bathroom with a sibling, you’ll know the importance of having a little vanity in the peace and quiet of your room. A small table with makeup storage and a mirror will do. Keep everything at hand and get dolled up without worrying about how long you’re hogging up the bathroom. It may seem silly, but having a space where you can focus on looking good can be incredibly motivating, as vain as that may sound. I’ll confess a little 
something sugardrop: every morning before a big exam, I put more effort into my makeup. It’s one thing to feel good, but to know you look good as well just makes you want to take over the world! Have your iPod speakers (or a boombox if you’re a 90′s baby and still love those loud little things!) and do your makeup/dress up to your favorite music. Have a little party of your own before actually going out!
Put a positive affirmation or quote up near your mirror to remember how lovely you are. Say it out if necessary!
Tip: If your room is small/tiny, get a full length mirror and set it against a corner. Place all your makeup storage next to it, and just sit on the floor while you get ready! I’ve done it before and it is quite comfy I must say.
Creating Corner
Some of you may be fortunate enough to have a completely different room for creating and making your crafts. Some of us aren’t, and as with everything you need to make the most of what you have! So you know how it goes now: pick a corner anywhere in the house where you can be tucked away in the quietness of your own existence! I will never tire of the closet turned office/craft space idea! That is, if you have a closet to spare ;) Pick storage that can stack upwards so that you take up minimal space, maybe somewhere near a window for natural light. Think of the mess you might make or what tools you’ll be using. The important thing is to claim a little bit of the home for your creating needs, and have your partner/siblings/parents respect it!
Entertaining Corner
Again if you live on your own, chances are you’ll use your living room space to 
have your guests over. Even if that’s the case, why not designate a cozy little nook of your home for entertaining and enjoying a glass of wine or two with a friend? Choose a two seater swing on your porch, on your backyard or terrace. Also perfect for snuggling up to your s.o of course! For those of us working with limited space, this one is a tough one. But one can always dream!
- For inspiration, take a look at my favorite interior design sites!
