It’s the season for gathering, and what could be better to welcome friends and family than a cozy conversation nook? Creating an intentional conversation area in a corner of your home encourages loved ones to spend long evenings lingering over warm mugs of cocoa and freshly baked cookies.
A conversation nook is an often overlooked feature in many homes. But if you have an unused area, why not create a conversation corner for your guests? Let’s go over the key features of a conversation nook and how to keep the look coastal and inviting.

Choose The Perfect Area For Your Conversation Nook 


Spend a little time touring your house to consider the best area for a cozy conversation nook. It may seem silly but it’s worth the time!
Use the following tips to find the perfect cozy spot:
  • Avoid high traffic areas
  • Make sure it’s quiet so guests don’t have to compete over noise
  • Make use of any natural light— near a window is perfect
  • Avoid drafty areas—we’re looking for warmth and coziness
Once you’ve found the perfect spot, it’s time for the fun part! Flex your creative juices for the perfect cozy coastal conversation nook.

Add the Perfect Conversation Nook Seating 


Comfortable seating is what it’s all about when it comes to a space to gather and chat with loved ones.
To keep the ocean vibe, choose accent chairs in a neutral color palette with soothing tones. Our Abby chair was made for your cozy coastal nook! The pale green hue works with a variety of coastal palettes and the ultra-soft fabric encourages lingering over warm drinks with good friends.
Place your seating at an angle, versus head-on. It’s a small detail that makes all the difference in the comfort of your guests.

Make Room For Drinks and Snacks 


Now that you’ve found the perfect seating for your conversation area, it’s time to fill in the rest of the space.
A round end table or coffee table works best here. You want to avoid hard angles or long pieces that create distance between loved ones. 
The Lucca round end table is an excellent choice that comes in solid maple or oak, and a variety of finishes to perfectly match your unique coastal style. With beautiful understated elegance it’s the perfect backdrop for a warm, inviting corner of your home.
And don’t forget the little touches! A set of agate coasters not only provides guests somewhere to set their drink but protects your furniture investment for years to come. Round out the scene with a coastal touch, such as a small coral sculpture or a flower arrangement.

Create Warm, Cozy Layers


 Make your loved ones feel welcome to linger by adding toasty layers of texture.
Use fabrics such as wool, linen, or fleece in a neutral color palette to reflect a warm coastal style. Our Italian herringbone throw adds subtle texture and interest and is available in a range of colors. For a more luxurious vibe our brushed mohair throw fits the bill. 
Adding a set of throw pillows provides extra comfort and interest. I love how our Osaka Celadon pillows evoke an ocean vibe with a subtle starfish pattern. A good solid fabric option is our cushy soft Cross Dye Linen Pillow.
And finally, don’t forget to warm the floor with a rug! Stick with the soft lines you’ve created in your conversation corner with a round rag rug in jute, sisal, or wool.

Finish With Inviting Touches 



If you follow the above steps you’ll be well on your way to making lasting memories with friends and family on a chilly winter’s night. But I recommend you go the extra mile with these finishing touches.
To further create the feeling of closeness, consider soft lighting options. A glaring bright light can be distracting in a cozy conversation nook. Instead have the option to dim and use soft white light bulbs.
A beautiful tabletop lamp option is the Bella table lamp which has a subtle nature-inspired dotted pattern on the base. To keep surfaces clear you could go with a floor lamp such as our turned wood Revolution floor lamp. A more modern coastal option is our Capistrano floor lamp which has a beige leather-wrapped pole for a warm, luxurious feel.
Don’t forget about soothing fragrances to calm and relax your guests! Candles also add a much-needed warm glow this time of year. Holiday scents can be festive but to keep your nook coastal, go with an ocean candle like Marak Lights signature blend. It’s a soy-based wax that’s free from parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. The Drift scent with hints of seagrass and salt water will transport you to sunny summer days spent at the beach.
Curious to see more of what we offer at our Southampton store? We have a variety of our items available in our online shop! Just click here to see more options for creating the coziest coastal conversation nook in your own home.
 
March 05, 2024 — Shannon Willey