Nicole Hollis turned a poolside guest cottage in Sonoma, California, into a relaxing retreat with spaces like this window seat, ideal for sipping coffee and watching the sunrise. Photo by Ben Mayorga
![](https://s30965.pcdn.co/blogs/the-study/wp-content/uploads/tmp-bynder_photos-697433_STASO_Nook.jpg.optimal.jpg)
This bohemian East Hampton, New York, home by Billy Cotton includes a sunny porch housing an iron-framed daybed topped with an eclectic collection of throw pillows. Photo by Jason Schmidt
![](https://s30965.pcdn.co/blogs/the-study/wp-content/uploads/Cindy_Sherman_14094_F1H_V4-1.jpg.optimal.jpg)
In this Nate Berkus–designed Seattle home, a corner of the living room features a tufted velvet banquette topped with a lush fur throw. Photo by Christopher Dibble
![](https://s30965.pcdn.co/blogs/the-study/wp-content/uploads/2-10.jpg.optimal.jpg)
For this high-rise Manhattan bedroom, Kelly Behun chose a soothing, neutral palette and made a pillow-filled nook, which she illuminated with a pair of wall lamps. Photo by Daniel Kulka
![](https://s30965.pcdn.co/blogs/the-study/wp-content/uploads/tmp-bynder_photos-1050363_rose-7.jpg.optimal.jpg)
A cushioned bench, topped with throw pillows and paired with a floor lamp and Lucite side table, makes for a prime relaxation spot in this Consort-designed Los Angeles home. Photo by Daniel Collopy
![](https://s30965.pcdn.co/blogs/the-study/wp-content/uploads/tmp-bynder_photos-1823363_Domaine_03052015__028Main.jpg.optimal.jpg)
For the Coastal Living Dream Home in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Angie Hranowsky created a space with easy living in mind, including this reading nook, which has curtains for more privacy. Photo by Tria Giovan
![](https://s30965.pcdn.co/blogs/the-study/wp-content/uploads/tmp-bynder_photos-2003043_Nook-0019.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Kay Kollar updated this William Turnbull–designed home on the Sonoma Coast.This nook features a 1960s German cascading light fixture from Gallery L7, Milo Baughman side tables, a turquoise-upholstered Sim chair by Ico Parisi, a Kibak Tile fireplace surround and button-tufted ottomans designed by Kollar. Photo by Richard Powers
![](https://s30965.pcdn.co/blogs/the-study/wp-content/uploads/5_BinkerBarn.jpg.optimal.jpg)
A rundown stone wine storage barn in the South of France was transformed into a well-appointed vacation home by Samantha Todhunter, who added pops of color to the mostly neutral palette, including this hot pink daybed. Photo by Oliver Clarke
![pink daybed](https://s30965.pcdn.co/blogs/the-study/wp-content/uploads/tmp-bynder_photos-2106923_CN1326194Montlaur_FR-05133.jpg.optimal.jpg)
In this New York City living room, Fawn Galli tucked an armless plaid sofa into one corner to create an instant nap nook. Photo by Costas Picadas
![](https://s30965.pcdn.co/blogs/the-study/wp-content/uploads/LivingRM_2-080600.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s 1922 Italianate villa in Los Angeles features this arched niche, which he adorned with black-and-white stripes and a Moroccan pendant light. Photo by Tim Street-Porter
![striped reading nook](https://s30965.pcdn.co/blogs/the-study/wp-content/uploads/mediterranean-moroccan-dining-room-los-angeles-ca-united-states-6.jpg.optimal.jpg)
For Upstate New York’s Scarsdale Showhouse, the Mendelson Group designed a living room that featured four tufted banquettes — one in each corner — that can serve as built-in seating for tête-à-têtes. Photo by Eric Piasecki
https://www.1stdibs.com/photo/eclectic-living-room-scarsdale-ny/1959423/
![](https://s30965.pcdn.co/blogs/the-study/wp-content/uploads/mendelson_scarsdale_sh_052.jpg.optimal.jpg)
A Manhattan apartment by Reddymade Architecture and Design, commissioned by an art collector, includes plenty of comfy spots to curl up, including the window seat topped with a Missoni fabric-covered cushion. Photo by Ball and Albanese
![](https://s30965.pcdn.co/blogs/the-study/wp-content/uploads/reddymade.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Hubert Zandberg’s East Berlin apartment showcases his collection of Brazilian furniture and contemporary art, including in this cozy den, which is separated from the rest of the living room by a set of curtains in a bohemian print. Photo by Simon Upton
![](https://s30965.pcdn.co/blogs/the-study/wp-content/uploads/SU597_HubertZandberg_Berlin_Library2_HERO.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Workstead refinished this 1928 pre-war apartment in Brooklyn and created a modern sensibility within the space. The spare living room features a daybed and a swing-arm wall light by Workstead. Photo by Matthew Williams
![](https://s30965.pcdn.co/blogs/the-study/wp-content/uploads/0007111.jpg.optimal.jpg)
Alexandra Loew designed this pool house for clients who wanted the space to have a resort-like feel, which she achieved with a cool palette and Moroccan touches, like the throw pillows made from wedding blankets. Photo by Justin Bernhaut
![striped window seat](https://s30965.pcdn.co/blogs/the-study/wp-content/uploads/tmp-bynder_photos-1952683_Alexandra_Loew_Poolhouse_5.jpg.optimal.jpg)