Julia Roberts' cabin-style living room is inspiring me to create a cosy reading corner in my home this autumn
What better time of the year to take some interior inspiration from this cosy celebrity home?
As we begin to contemplate summer ending, we're starting to anticipate all things cosy, and Julia Roberts' living room just gave me the biggest autumnal decor inspiration for my own home.
Once the leaves start to fall and the early nights arrive, all I can think about is finding ways to make our homes cosy and welcoming. And although lighting my favourite autumnal-scented candles always works, I want to go the extra mile by creating your very own cosy reading nook this year.
Sharing her cabin-style living room on her Instagram @juliaroberts, the Pretty Woman star Julia Roberts gave us a sneak peek at the hidden-away, snug space in the corner of her room that screams autumnal relaxation, and I can't wait to recreate it.
Although the post was a loving celebration of Julia's husband's birthday, I couldn't help but spot how she's inadvertently provided us with all the Autumn decor and interior ideas we need ahead of the new season.
Featuring a welcoming oversized armchair, roaring cabin-esque log-burning fireplace and a cosy rug, the zoned-off area is everything we want from a cosy reading nook. And aside from reading, having these relaxing spaces in our home is so beneficial to us, especially in the colder seasons.
"With our fast-paced lives and endless to-do lists, having a space solely for unwinding is essential for our wellbeing," says interior designer and holistic health coach Michelle Wilkie at Interior Self. "Even in the tiniest homes, setting up dedicated areas for eating, working, or relaxing can make a big difference to both our mental and physical health."
"A cosy reading nook, for example, can become a peaceful retreat where you can escape and recharge, giving you a much-needed pause from the daily hustle. These spots are great for calming your mind and creating a sense of stillness, which helps our nervous system reset," she adds.
Not only is oversized furniture one of the biggest armchair trends, but it's also a great way to make our spaces more welcoming for relaxing. Pair that with layered lighting like lamps and firelight like Julia has, and you've got the perfect spot to unwind, whether that's with a book or your newest hobby.
"Plus, having a place to read or focus on a hobby is a perfect excuse to step away from screens and give your eyes a break. It’s all about creating a space where you can truly unwind and be present," says Michelle.
Not only does this kind of room zoning help make larger spaces feel more concise and cosier, but it can also be customised for smaller spaces too, which will work brilliantly for my flat.
If you're also looking to make your small living room bigger while keeping that homey, snug feel, creating a dedicated corner with blankets, a rug and an inviting chair is the way to go.
Michelle Wilkie is the founder of Interior Self, a bespoke coaching consultancy. She empowers busy, high-achieving women to improve their health and wellness from the inside out.
Creating these cosy areas in your home is a great way to use interior design to keep SAD at bay when winter arrives. They can make dreary, gloomy days a little lighter and keep you feeling positive.
