I’m going to go out on a limb here and say my absolute favorite thing about our home is the cozy farmhouse reading nook we built in our living room. It actually wasn’t long after we moved in last summer that we got to work on this little nook. Well, technically all of the credit goes to my talented father-in-law because he did the majority of the work on this one, but at least I came up with the idea! Before it was just an an empty alcove, aka random hole/closet in the wall that had no real purpose. But with a little creativity we were able to turn this wasted space into the coolest feature in our entire home– well this and the old-school intercom system, it’s a close call. I just love it and every time I walk by this spot I feel a bit giddy. I’ve always dreamed of having a real-life reading nook, so it makes perfect sense that this is my favorite. I recently made a milk & cream sign for this spot, so I thought it would be fun to share it with you today!
I actually put up the planked wall in the back not long after we had the bench finished. It was super quick and went up in just a couple hours. I love how bright it makes this spot, it’s like a little beacon of happiness. 
One of the coolest things about this reading nook is that the bench opens up on top for storage. Inside that baby is a ton of toys, blankets, books, etc, etc. It’s the perfect spot to stow stuff away and keep the living room nice and tidy. Again, all praise to my talented father-in-law for bringing this vision to life! 
I’m so smitten with this cute milk & cream sign. I love how it turned out and it was really simple to do. Let me know if you want to see a tutorial, I’d be happy to share!
I see this cozy spot getting lots and lots of use this winter. The kiddos love curling up in there and so do I. And it actually has a great view of the TV, which comes in handy during football games and Survivor nights. Any Survivor fans here?! I’m addicted, have been since the first episode years and years ago. I don’t watch much TV, but that show gets me every every season. Oh and Fixer Upper, obviously. Anyway, enough about my shows, I’d love to hear what you think of our little nook and the milk & cream sign! And if you’re interested in reading more about how this came to life, check out this post where I shared all the details. Thanks soooooo much for visiting my blog today, it really means the world to me.
SHOP THE LOOK
So cozy ! Thanks for adding the shop the look feature. I see some things I want…….
Yay! Glad you like it Marilyn, I thought it would be helpful for those interested in creating the same look. Thanks for stopping by my friend!
It’s so cozy, and so beautiful! I am always impressed with things you have done yourself. love it!
Thank you Stephanie, I really appreciate it! 🙂
The nook is so cozy, warm and so inviting. I can see you and the kiddies curling up there reading a great book. Kudos to you for the idea and your father-in-law for making it come to fruition. Love it!!!!! Is the Milk & Cream sign put on an old window? Please share…..thank you so much for all your wonderful ideas. Happy Thursday!!!!
Thank you Doreen! You are always so kind. And yes, I made the milk & cream sign on an old window. I’ll be sharing that tutorial soon!
Utterly beautiful! I wish my home could keep this neat and clean. 🙂 What color are your walls painted? I love the color.
Irma, you’re so sweet. Thank you! The wall color is Autumn Blonde by Sherwin Williams.
I absolutely love the color on your walls. The whole house is just so cozy and inviting!
Thank you so much Donna! The color is Autumn Blonde by Sherwin Williams.
I am just getting ready to do a shiplap wall, can you share what wood you used for your planks?
Hi Marcy! I have a full tutorial on how to do a shiplap wall here: https://sarahjoyblog.com/breakfast-nook-planked-walls/
I have a weird alcove like this in my living room too. It’s not quite as wide as yours. It used to be a fire place. One day we plan on turning it back into a fireplace but right now there’s a shelving unit in there for some extra storage… Who knows maybe we can temporarily convert it to a fun little nook like yours for the time being? I just LOVE this idea. 🙂
love it! and hes please to the sign tutorial! ❤️
Yay! Thanks Kim, I’ll be sharing the sign tutorial soon!
Hi Sarah – LOVE your blog! Would love a tutorial on the sign if you have a chance…
Thanks!
Thank you Jana! I’ll have the tutorial coming up soon!!
I love reading nook! All I would add is a small wall sconce for sneaking those late night “I have to finish this book” reads!
That’s a great idea Laura! I may just do that.
So cute! I love how you are decorating in your home.