The Ideal Reading Corner

Through the ages, when people envision an avid reader, they're visuals have generally shared many cliche features- a voracious bookworm, curled up in a cozy corner, deeply immersed in their favorite book. For most of us, however, this charming image isn't an ideal portrayal. Though it's true, we all have our perfect catacomb to curl up in, what is truly comfortable differs greatly for all of us. Perhaps your idea of heaven is a soft cushion situated near a blazing fire or perhaps it's a lounge chair with the hot sun beating down on you. Personally, I have always favored a large Papasan Chair positioned in an open corner of a room where I can simultaneously sink into my book and still be privy to any activity that arises. Here are a few of the more popular options to get you started:

With its well-rounded shape, the Papasan Chair provides excellent back supper while creating a comfy hollow to curl up in. Most of these handy accent chairs are easily adjustable making it easy to find your ideal position.

Though it may come as a bit of a surprise to some, many would tell you that a small, plush sofa with a cushy arm to lean against is their ideal vision for a reading corner. Considering the space these customary livingroom furnishings provide, not to mention the multitude of positions one can relax in this isn't too difficult to believe.

Simple by design, a large bean bag has survived through ages as one of the most popular types of chairs. Easy to sink into, a large bean bag will form to your preferred position, creating a comfortable burrow that fits your body, making it easy to lose yourself in your favorite book.

With a chair like this, who needs to bother with a bed. This casual chaise lounge chair has great back support and a nice roll bottom to dangle your feet over while you relax.

For the multitudes of us that are partial to a cozy corner to curl your feet under you, this chair is the way to go. Its large seat allows you to tuck your feet comfortably beneath you while it's plush back cushions provide a nice back to lean against. With a chair like this who would ever go with a regular recliner?

For those of you who prefer a little fresh air to go with your downtime, here is the perfect solution. This padded swing allows you to enjoy nature without sacrificing the comfort that is usually more common for indoor furnishings. Add to it the gentle swaying rhythm- if you want it- and you have a soothing background to unwind.

Everyone has different preferences. How do you prefer to relish your books and downtime?

A Million Dollar Look That Doesn't Cost A Fortune

Who doesn't like a fresh makeover on there home to brighten the look- as long as someone else is doing the work! If you're one of those people like me, however, who hates to pay the outrageous cost of labor, you'll be thrilled to know you can achieve wonderful results for a third of the cost with a few simple changes. The best part- you can do it by yourself. Here are a few tricks to help you attain rich results without emptying your pocketbook:

1. New Hardware
Adding new hardware to your cabinets is one of the easiest and least time-consuming ways to add a little flair, yet it can completely alter the overall look of your room.

2. Paint 
A dash of color will brighten any room. Painting your doors and cabinets is a simple job anyone can do. It will shine up old worn-out wood and spare you the cost of spendy replacements.

3. Window Decor
Trading old drapes or torn up window shades for some that fit the overall look you're aiming for is a great way to add a little flair to an outdated setting.

4. Lighting
A well-lit room can be the difference between a dismal space and a welcoming atmosphere. Changing out your ceiling lights or floor lamps for ones that better meet the needs of the room size and vibe is a great way to, at once, add a little class and in many cases, desperately needed light, to any room.

5. Accent Pieces
Little extras like potted plants and wall art add a little extra character to a room and can be chosen to fit any space.

6. Area Rugs
Great for when you want to change it up with your flooring without uprooting the entire room. Area rugs add a splash of color that offsets the overall theme of a room, absorb sound, and add comfort to the area.

7. Storage Space
One of the biggest mistakes when it comes to interior design is overcrowding a room. To solve this problem some chic shelving units or, in the case of a bathroom, a recessed medicine cabinet. This can add that little extra storage needed to clear up space without taking away from the floor plan.

8. Open It Up
Perhaps your couch is too large or you simply have too many pieces crammed into one room. This causes the room to look cramped and uncomfortable. Try changing out any oversized furnishing for smaller pieces better suited to the amount of space available. You can also try rearranging the furnishing to open up the walkway from room to room. It is ok to think outside the box.

I am happy to say, after taking the time to collect the necessary pieces I am ready to remodel another room. I had to learn many of the tricks listed above by trial an error. My hope is that the information within this article can save you that trouble and bring you a more enjoyable experience. Have fun!

Have fun!