ikea finds – Jellybeans in the City

Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle in the city? Do you find your life’s pace to be too fast and hectic? A reading nook at home may give you the respite you’re looking for.

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for relaxation and self-care is more important than ever. A cozy reading nook is a perfect way to unwind, destress, and escape into a world of imagination. Creating a dedicated space for reading in your home is not only practical but also adds charm and personality to your decor.

What’s a reading nook for?

Whether you live in a sprawling abode or a tiny apartment, a reading nook will be a welcome addition to your home. Here are a few reasons why:

Firstly, it provides a quiet, peaceful space to disconnect from the outside world and focus on your personal interests. With a comfortable chair, soft lighting, and your favorite book within reach, you can escape into a world of your choosing. Whether it’s a guilty-pleasure romance novel, a biography of the person you admire, or a cookbook of cuisines you want to try out, your reading nook will become your go-to spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Secondly, it can be easy to incorporate into any room in your home. It doesn’t take up much space and can fit into a corner of your living room, bedroom, or even a hallway. With the right decor and accessories, you can turn any empty corner into a cozy reading nook that enhances the ambiance of your home.

Lastly, creating a reading nook in your home is an excellent way to encourage reading and intellectual growth. With a designated space for reading, you’ll be more inclined to pick up a book and spend some time expanding your knowledge or imagination. Additionally, a reading nook can be an inspiring environment that encourages creativity and learning, making it an excellent space for students, writers (and bloggers like me!), and anyone who values personal growth.

Tips for creating a cozy reading nook at home

With all these perks that come with having your this practical and stylish addition to your home, why not get to it today? Be sure to keep these tips in mind:

Choose the Right Location. Start by choosing a quiet, well-lit corner of your home that’s away from distractions. It could be a spot by a window or a cozy alcove.

Comfortable Seating. A comfortable chair or a chaise lounge is essential for a reading nook. Choose something that’s soft, supportive, and perfect for curling up with a good book.

Soft Lighting. A cozy reading nook needs soft lighting that’s not too harsh on the eyes. Consider adding a floor lamp or a table lamp with a soft glow.

Add a Side Table. A side table is a great addition to your reading nook. It can hold your coffee, tea, (or snacks!) or any other reading essentials.

Warm and Cozy Textiles. Add a warm throw blanket or a soft cushion to make your reading nook cozy and inviting.

A Bookshelf. A bookshelf is a great addition to your reading nook. It can hold all your favorite books within easy reach.

Decorate with Plants. Plants add life and color to any space. Consider adding a potted plant or a small vase of flowers to your reading nook.

Personal Touches. Add personal touches to your reading nook that reflect your style and personality. This could be anything from a favorite photo to a special piece of artwork.

Music. Soft music can add to the ambiance of your reading nook. Consider adding a small speaker or playing music through your phone.

Keep it Clean. Keep your reading nook tidy and free from clutter. A clean and organized space will help you relax and focus on your reading.

A cozy reading nook is not just a place to read books but also a space to escape from the stress and chaos of everyday life. It provides a quiet and peaceful sanctuary to unwind, relax, and recharge your batteries. With a few simple tips and creative ideas, you can create a reading nook that is not only functional but also stylish and inviting.

Whether you’re a book lover or someone looking for a quiet retreat in your home, a reading nook is a perfect solution. So take a break from the hustle and bustle of life, curl up with a good book, and immerse yourself in a world of imagination and relaxation. Remember, with the right decor, comfortable seating, and soft lighting, your reading nook can become your favorite spot in your home.

Ready to build your reading nook? It might be time to hie yourself over to IKEA for great ideas and exciting finds.

About IKEA

In 1951, the IKEA began operating as a mail-order catalogue business based in Almhult, a small, forested village in the Swedish countryside. Its founder, Ingvar Kamprad decided to sell good-quality furniture at low prices.

Since 2008, IKEA has been recognized as the largest furniture retailer in the world, with presence in Europe, Middle East, North Africa, East Asia, India, Southeast Asia, Oceania and North America.

In 2021, opened its largest store in the world right in our home turf, a 65,000 square meter outlet located in the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City which houses over 8,000 items.

You can visit IKEA Pasay at the MOA Square, Marina Way, Mall of Asia Complex, Barangay 76 Zone 10, CBP-IA, 1300 Pasay City, open daily from 10am to 10pm.

You may also order online through its website.

To stay updated on its promos and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Header Image by Freepik | Other photos taken during previous store visits at IKEA Pasay.

Check out my previous posts about IKEA:

Answers to some questions you may have about IKEA PH (but haven’t gotten around to asking)

A taste of Scandinavia at IKEA’s Swedish Restaurant

Why you should design your bedroom with a Scandi aesthetic

The Scandinavian aesthetic – which originated from Nordic countries such as Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland – has stayed in prominence among design styles preferred by home owners for quite some time.

Characterized by clean lines, light spaces and the absence of clutter – hallmarks of Nordic minimalism – this design theme has the surprising ability to imbue the look and feel of warmth and welcome into a space, as well as having a strong visual appeal.

Basic Principles

Scandinavian design is guided by the principles of balance and harmony with one’s environment using well-crafted and high-quality items while remaining unencumbered by excess clutter.

This design philosophy uses a minimalist and well-considered approach which seeks to combine beauty and functionality, resulting in a sleek and modern decor that still feels warm and inviting.

Scandinavian design principles for the bedroom

It’s not surprising then that Scandi themes translate quite well in bedrooms.

The bedroom is space within the home dedicated to resting and restoring oneself – where one shakes off the concerns from the outside world at the end of the day, and then prepares for the challenges of a new day.

Within this space, one should be able to take a restful slumber, do relaxing activities like reading or meditation, or just enjoy one’s solitude.

The bedroom should definitely be a welcoming place, somewhere to let loose and relax. Applying Scandi design principles to one’s bedroom helps to bring about these desired effects.

Here are rules of thumb that will help you design a tasteful Scandi bedroom:

Keep it simple.

Prioritize simplicity and functionality by keeping the bedroom free of clutter and unessential elements. Use sleek, clean-lined modern furniture, while implementing proper arrangement and storage of the room’s elements. Doing so will help to declutter your mind, resulting into a more relaxing space.

Use muted colors.

Scandi design uses quite a lot whites, grays and tans, and complements this neutral and nature-based palette with accents of blue and other bright colors. These contribute to less unwanted visual stimulation and gives the room a more soothing atmosphere.

Maximize natural light.

Artificial sources of illumination may increase risks for migraines and eye strain so it follows that making the most of natural light will help in minimizing these risks, and has the bonus benefit of improving one’s sleep cycle.

Painting the walls white as well as making minimal use of window treatments help to optimize the natural light the enters the bedroom.

Bring the outside in.

Nature plays a big role in Scandi design, attributable to the natural beauty of Scandinavian countries, as well as their long winter season which led to the desire to incorporate natural elements into interior spaces.

This can be achieved through the use of plants and flowers that add pops of color to the minimalist design, as well as through the use of light woods such as beech, ash and pine which inject warmth into the space.

Design for hygge.

Scandinavian design embraces the concept of hygge – the quality of coziness and comfort that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being – which would definitely suit the bedroom.

Adding elements that add joy or the feeling of living well such as cool and silky bed sheets, a comfy comforter, or tasteful artwork will not only personalize your bedroom but also create a space you would look forward to escaping to.

Thinking of applying a Scandi aesthetic to your bedroom? It might be time to hie yourself over to IKEA for great ideas and exciting finds.