cozy reading nook

In my next apartment, having a reading nook is non-negotiable. Reading nooks don't have to be complicated; all you really need is a good bookshelf, a few comfy chairs, and a table to hold a warm cup of tea. Though those are the basics of a reading nook, that doesn't mean your space can't also scream style.

This weekend, I spent the day in Austin, TX and was inspired by the bright colors and tribal patterns in the boutiques of SoCo and on 2nd street. The color inspiration from the room was solely based on the bold tribal rug chosen. The navy and yellow accents in the room were inspired directly from the pattern in the rug; the wall color was also chosen to complement the mauve-esque color of the rug's background. 

My goal for this moodboard was to bring unique shapes and patterns into the same room while creating a cohesive and functional space. I think that I was able to achieve that goal by finding a great statement shelf and by pairing two completely different chairs.

Curious to see how everything came together? Check it out.

Design by Ashley Marino

What do you think? My only complaint about the room is that I had trouble finding prettier books to "stack" on the shelf.  I then realized that most of the books I own aren't that beautiful. For a space to be livable, style sacrifices may need to be made. (I cringed while writing that sentence, but the statement still stands.) Those sacrifices may include incorporating books that don't have the prettiest of spines into your space because their content outweighs their worn covers. Despite that, I'm super pleased with the way this space turned out.
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Check out what items I pinned for the board above here:
https://www.pinterest.com/misssashleyrose/inspo-board-7/
Check out what I'm working on next week here: 
​https://www.pinterest.com/misssashleyrose/inspo-board-8/