here is a photo of the chair facing the window

Try the chair against the wall with an ottoman and hang a small chandy

I think your nook would be better if you reduced the size of the cabinetry to install a seat as in this picture. You can still angle the chair toward the window/bench and you'll have room for a small bookcase too.You have an outlet for a nice lamp on top of the bookcase as well.

I agree with amafixer - a round area rug will warm up the little nook and the ottoman says "relax" - a good reading light is also a must and a very small round table. I would try angling the chair on the other wall as it seems like you might have more room to stretch out your feet and not impede the hallway traffic. Add a colourful cushion to the chair to make it more interesting. I would paint the cabinetry the same colour as the countertop - and then remove the doors on the cabinet and fill it with books. Then it would look like a built in book case. And then art on the wall - a nice relaxing scene- and voila! Happy reading!

Yes a rug, and consider a chaise with a rounded front, or an ottoman to match the chair with a rounded front. Possibly a beautiful hanging pendant if you can get electrical into the ceiling that would hang to the left of the chair, or wall sconces. You could use a very narrow table to the left of the chair, or a glass or mirror wall shelf to put a cup of tea on. Wall mounted shelf could fit a bit better than a table.

Pretty space.

A rug, maybe a small table and some artwork.

Add a plain or patterned slip cover to the chair. Paint the legs your favourite colour in the pattern. Add an area rug and a cozy solid coloured pillow. On the shelf area include a pair of unique bookends with some beautiful vintage books, a tray for a teapot loaded with flowers in it and other trinkets like a small clock. A small side table with a reading lamp and artwork. Enjoy.

slip covered chair

Agree...slipcover the chair and put a small table and lamp for reading. A small piece of art and stacked books on the built-ins will tell the story.

A scaled down version of this might work: [houzz=]

i am a painter and i do have a houzz page as well as a website: www.amyowoodbury.com
good luck w/ your project!