How to Create a Nest at Home
See the 9 ways to know when you have the perfect nestle-in space
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor based out of Hershey, PA. Come visit me at 'A Nest for All Seasons' where I write about design, photography and modern garden living!
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor... More »
One of my goals in interior design is to create little nests all around our home that invite us to curl up, settle in and nestle in our space. As Sarah Susanka so famously says, "In the same way that music inspires us to certain feelings, space can do the same thing." I want my spaces to invoke safety, security and warmth. I want my spaces to be nests for all seasons.
by Lexi Tallisman
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Nests should make you feel small.
When humans feel small in a space, they feel comforted. Remember how it felt to stand next to your mom and hold her hand?
Tall pieces of furniture and vistas help create this feeling. A vista can be as simple as a window looking out to your garden or the view across the room. You are anchored while your view is expanded.
Nests in your home do not have to be resting areas. A workspace like this can be a nest as well! Note the tight walls and window vista as well as the tall furniture piece.
When humans feel small in a space, they feel comforted. Remember how it felt to stand next to your mom and hold her hand?
Tall pieces of furniture and vistas help create this feeling. A vista can be as simple as a window looking out to your garden or the view across the room. You are anchored while your view is expanded.
Nests in your home do not have to be resting areas. A workspace like this can be a nest as well! Note the tight walls and window vista as well as the tall furniture piece.
by Birdseye Design
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The best nests are often in small spaces.
A small space is an ideal place for a nest. Humans, like many animals, are drawn to little nooks they can curl up in to feel safe and warm. Rather than seeing small, defined spaces as design challenges, view them as perfect opportunities for a nest.
A small space is an ideal place for a nest. Humans, like many animals, are drawn to little nooks they can curl up in to feel safe and warm. Rather than seeing small, defined spaces as design challenges, view them as perfect opportunities for a nest.
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Nests have personality.
A nest is just a small space with a view until you inject your personality into it. A simple chalkboard wall and personal art give this space its appeal.
A nest is just a small space with a view until you inject your personality into it. A simple chalkboard wall and personal art give this space its appeal.
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by escale design
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| Nests embrace you on at least three sides. If you are creating a nest space in your home or garden, three sides will make you feel protected. Your vista should be a wide open view, but the other three sides should make you feel embraced. Notice the curved wall and tree canopy creating the nest in this space, with the open water creating the vista. |
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by Clark Harris
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| Angled ceilings are great opportunities for a nest. If you have a low, angled wall, you have a perfect spot for a nest. Tucking a bathtub or bed into the space gives you the feeling of being protected while you rest or bathe. |
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| Nests can sometimes feel cramped. If you are creating a nest that feels too cramped, simply use a repeated horizontal line to give the room width and weight. Notice the horizontal molding on the door, repeated in the line of built ins and connected by the nesting tables. |
by Kaylovesvintage
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Nests are not always predictable spaces.
This space might not look like a nest at first glance, but there are many nesting principles at work here.
First, the chairs themselves create a nest; a comfy seat to sink into.
Second, the low-hanging light brings the ceiling down and creates a more intimate space.
Third, the tall, high vistas give a feeling of looking out and up. It's the perfect little dining nest, even though it is in an open space.
This space might not look like a nest at first glance, but there are many nesting principles at work here.
First, the chairs themselves create a nest; a comfy seat to sink into.
Second, the low-hanging light brings the ceiling down and creates a more intimate space.
Third, the tall, high vistas give a feeling of looking out and up. It's the perfect little dining nest, even though it is in an open space.
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Nests can be tiny.
Notice this classic nest-like space that is confined on three sides (two walls and ceiling) with a vista through the window and across the room.
Notice this classic nest-like space that is confined on three sides (two walls and ceiling) with a vista through the window and across the room.
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A nest doesn't always have to be a cramped space.
You can also use furniture to create spaces that might seem too tight design-wise, but these spaces feel just right for cuddling up with a friend over coffee. The proximity of the furniture to the three walls, as well as to the other person, creates security. Meanwhile vistas exist out the window, into the room and up to the ceiling.
You can also use furniture to create spaces that might seem too tight design-wise, but these spaces feel just right for cuddling up with a friend over coffee. The proximity of the furniture to the three walls, as well as to the other person, creates security. Meanwhile vistas exist out the window, into the room and up to the ceiling.
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| Of course, you could also literally create a nest for yourself by hanging beautiful nest-like chairs from an ancient tree in your backyard. You are surrounded on almost every side with an amazing vista out the little peephole of the nest. Now THAT is creating a nest! More: Great Book Nooks Cozy Library Spaces The Den Makes a Comeback |
Ideabook published on Dec. 7, 2011.
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Penny - would love to see how you integrate nesting space with your client!! Are you working with a small space?
Kate...totally true on those 2 front nests!! I guess you could hang out in the one by the tree trunk and your bird and squirrel friends could use the other 2 ;)