Ways to turn a small space into your favourite place to be
When decorating our homes, it is often the smallest spaces that can prove the trickiest to design. Perhaps you have a compact area under the stairs or a tiny alcove in the corner of your bedroom that doesn’t currently serve any purpose.
Small nooks like these are, in fact, bursting with opportunities to become your most-loved spaces in the home. Introducing thoughtful combinations of paint and wallpaper can give them a clear function, and inject personality and flair.
Whether you're looking for alcove decorating ideas or thoughtful small space ideas, explore our inspiration. Discover ways to transform alcoves, nooks and small spaces into beautiful, usable areas of the home…
4 inspiring small space and alcove ideas
1. How to make a book nook: Transform an empty corner into an inspiring reading space
You might have a period home that’s brimming with charming architectural features, or a more contemporary property. Whatever the style of your home, there are plenty of spaces where you can incorporate a cosy reading nook. It could be a calm, cosy retreat on your landing, or a fun-filled corner in your little one’s bedroom.
Many period homes feature large chimney breasts, which leave a small corner either side – often used for fitted shelving or storage. Consider transforming this empty space into an inspiring reading area.
@oursevernhouse created a bespoke unit to host a quirky book nook for her little ones. She incorporated bold prints and colours that will spark their imaginations, pairing Animal Kingdom – Atomic with Heat on woodwork. This scheme creates an impactful focal point alongside the soft neutral, Light Beauvais.
If you’re seeking a cosy, comforting ambience, introduce texture into your scheme by combining different prints and patterns. A beautiful, all-over floral wallpaper like Spring Flowers provides the perfect backdrop for a peaceful reading area. Consider the Bombolone colourway, which features an inviting combination of honey-toned neutrals and soothing pinks that exude warmth.
2. How to design your hallway: Zone transitional spaces to add beauty and practicality
Transitional areas such as hallways and landings can often feel underused. In many hallways, the area directly underneath the stairs sets a design challenge. Consider using paint and wallpaper to zone this space and clearly define its purpose. When considering how to decorate an alcove in these transitional areas, focus on creating both beauty and functionality.
Incorporating a playful wallpaper design can instantly bring beauty, interest and charm to this busy, transitional area. Our Nip & Lassie wallpaper features four gentle, muted colourways that instil calm in high-traffic areas of the home. Pair ‘Nip & Lassie – Slaked Lime Dark’ with coat hooks, shoe storage and upholstered furniture in beautiful, coordinating fabrics. The result will be a small yet perfectly formed cloakroom that is both highly practical and full of character.
Another great way to utilise the area underneath your stairway is with a cleverly designed workspace. @laurastephensid designed this smart, tranquil study area using Sage Green as an elegant backdrop.
The beautiful shade of green draws nature inside where sunlight is lacking, helping to aid concentration. Laura incorporated panelling on the wall and ceiling to create a clearly defined zone. Built-in shelving provides practical storage within the space.
Explore more ideas for designing small spaces in transitional zones.
3. How to elevate a small workspace: Be bold with small nook decorating ideas
While many of us regularly work from home, you might not have a spare room you can use as a home office. For a home-working solution, consider transforming any available small corners, nooks or alcoves with paint and wallpaper. Even the tiniest spaces can become a dedicated workspace.
Using a Double Drenching approach is a fantastic way to design an inspiring study nook. Opt for a bold colour combination to create a workspace that feels vibrant and engaging. Consider a scheme of three different blues to highlight the various architectural features – ceiling, alcove and walls. Use the darkest shade – in this case, Woad – on the inside of the alcove to elevate your scheme with a sophisticated colour highlight.
Alternatively, create a strong focal point by confidently combining two different wallpaper patterns. Bold combinations are the perfect use of a small alcove, helping you designate this area as a workspace. Pair an all-over print like Road Trip with the classic stripe, Broad Stripe, to bring a playful touch. This scheme is well-suited to a child’s study area, as the use of bold patterns will help to keep them engaged.
Explore more inspiring ideas for designing a home workspace, from full office rooms to small alcove retreats.
4. How to decorate a nook: Utilise quirky architecture to create a cosy, hidden snug
Tiny alcoves and compact spaces in your home provide a wonderful opportunity to create an intimate, inviting snug. When decorating a nook, embrace a sense of cosiness to create the perfect little sanctuary where you can retreat and unwind.
Introduce a palette of earthy shades on all aspects of the scheme to produce a warm and comforting environment. Use the deep ochre, Bassoon, on walls and pair with the brown-hued pink, Nether Red, inside the alcove for enveloping warmth.
Introduce a curtain in a complementary soft fabric to complete this cosy nook and create a real haven. When opened, the curtain will reveal an unexpected colour highlight of Nether Red. A colour highlight in your scheme creates beautiful character and interest.
In the smallest of alcoves, there might only be space for one or two little ones! @foxgloves_and_wolfe used sample pots in different shades to paint stripes on the walls for a fun and light-hearted feel. Charming prints, soft furnishings and cuddly toys complete the scheme, creating the perfect hideaway for her little ones.
Colours: Nether Red, Celestial Blue, Bassoon, Silt, Slaked Lime – Dark
Essential alcove decorating ideas to remember:
Decorating small nooks and alcoves in your home can transform overlooked corners into treasured retreats, celebrating every corner of your home. It’s important to think creatively about how you can use these spaces to add both functionality and beauty. Are you seeking a cosy nook for reading, or perhaps a relaxed study space where you can comfortably work from home? Consider how you can introduce colours and prints to complement how you want the space to feel. These small corners are fabulous places to embrace bold, personality-filled paints and wallpapers that will instantly put a smile on your face.
Discover more inspiration in our gallery, where you can explore by room or colour.
Or order your colour card to elevate your living space with our inspiring paint and wallpaper collections.
If you’re looking for inspiration for a small room decorating project, take a look at our guide to choosing colours for small spaces.