This post was originally published on April 21, 2020.
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One of the things I really love about this apartment are the dormer windows. Before I moved in, I thought they were just so quaint and cozy and unique and full of character. Architectural details such as these are some of the things I appreciate most about older houses. The symmetry they evoke is comforting, in a way. And they give a distinct personality to what could otherwise be a plain ol’ box.
Right? Me, too.
I have a dormer window in my bedroom, as well, and my small chest of drawers fit absolutely perfectly there. Woo to the hoo for that one!
I had the idea of a writing nook for the dormer in my living room from the start. I’ve always had a literary bent and an active imagination. I devoured books growing up, rereading dearly loved stories until the pages of their books smelled old and musty. Before I could form letters, I attempted writing books, copying my mother’s handwriting in scribbles and loops. I loved my college days as an English major, studying the art of the story and writing and stringing letters into words and words into sentences and sentences into concepts. And so, writing has always been a possibility to me. For years I only journaled and chose to focus on other pursuits because I recognized that I was in a season of preparation. Turns out, it was a rather looooonngg season!
So when I moved into this apartment, I saw this particular nook and thought it was the perfect spot to place a desk and some books, an inspirational cork board and call it a Writing Nook.
We had this antique heirloom writing desk in the attic at my parents’. The desk belonged to my great-grandmother. The swirly, curly symmetrical design on it was an original creation of my great-grandfather’s and my grandmother painted it on the top as you see today!
I suppose a writing nook could be called a writing nook as long as there’s a desk involved. Buuttt, it really, truly becomes a writing nook when you add books to the whole situation.
I have the one small bookcase that I painted a long, long time ago. But, I have so many other books that just didn’t fit onto the shelves that I chose to pile them up on the floor alongside it. And there they’ve sat ever since. Confession: these aren’t even all of the books I have.
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I quite enjoy my nicknacks and so I filled in the spaces in the nook with meaningful pieces. I love owls and these hear/say/see no evil trio were a gift. I found the canvas word art at Marshall’s. It was one of those purchases that’s totally impulsive because it was only a few dollars but also because it spoke to my soul and the side of me that thrives on dreaming and beauty and possibility.
The snail tape dispenser was circa my Grandma. The same one who painted her father’s pattern on the lid of the desk.
I bought that photo frame with a K on top while living in England. The photo inside captures a special moment of enlightenment I experienced here in my hometown at my favorite beach one day. I keep it there as a reminder of that moment.
Each tchotchke has been carefully collected and thoughtfully curated for this space. The ampersand, the magnifying glass and letter opener set, the case full of office supplies. All these are objects I found over time and purchased because they spoke to my sensibilities.
These small details are more than just filler in a room. Each one has been collected as if it were a discovered treasure. I believe it’s the time and the care in searching for the little baubles that call to you and describe you, that enriches a house or apartment into a home. The curation process develops and evolves much in the same way you grow and settle more and more into who you are.
Whether you call a corner of your room a writing nook, a reading nook, the corner where the stuff goes, or anything in between, it’s an expression, and an extension, of you!
And you, friend? How do you express yourself through either the curated objects or how you name different areas in your home?
