Every home should have one – a cosy corner to curl up with a good book, watch a favourite film or just chill

Snugs are the complete opposite to open plan living, the cornerstone of contemporary house design. The very name suggests a small and intimate space. Yet architect turned TV presenter George Clarke says when redesigning homes for families, snugs are one of the main requests. Snugs are typically rooms to retreat to rather than entertain, a space where kids can watch TV while parents are in the kitchen cooking or chatting, for instance.

If you’re extending or remodelling, you might consider adding a snug. It should be cosy but not cramped. Many are located off the main living room, so they feel secluded but not completely shut off. If you don’t have space for a separate room, it’s easy to create a corner in the living room that feels just as warm and welcoming.

Create an intimate seating area in an open-plan space 

Image supplied by Masker Architects

Even in an open-plan layout it’s possible to carve out an intimate seating area with clever use of ceiling height. The snug in this converted barn, designed by architect Scot Masker, is positioned under a mezzanine floor next to a glazed door and window, so it still gets plenty of natural light. A deep sofa in a warm orange fabric adds extra cosiness and makes it an inviting space for family socialising. A wall-mounted TV is a great option for a room with limited floor space.

Carve out a cosy corner in your living room 

If you don’t have space for a separate room, why not carve out a cosy reading nook in your living room. First you need to find the perfect location – either by a window with plenty of natural light or in a quiet corner. Then you need a comfortable armchair. In this example, the view faces out of the window over the back garden. Complete your cosy corner with a reading lamp and side-table. Add a luxurious throw or cushions for extra comfort.

Modern rustic

Image supplied by Masker Architects

Snugs don’t have to be all dark wood panelling and leather armchairs, you can still get a cosy feeling while keeping things bright and contemporary, as in this example in a new country house. A sunken floor, low ceiling and log burner make this a perfect chill-out zone. Logs stored in the recessed wall niches bring in texture while a floor rug softens the feel of the space - an antidote to the hard surfaces in the kitchen. A bespoke bookcase creates a half-height wall. The snug feels relaxed and separate while integrated with the rest of the open plan kitchen-diner.

Add a calming mood with colour

Image supplied by Masker Architects

Choose a colour scheme for your snug that you find calming. Whether it’s muted blue shades or soft sage green, nature’s colours can promote a mellow mood that’s perfect for a room to relax in. Or you might like the cocooning effect of darker and moodier colours like forest green or blood red.  If you want to keep things calm, a neutral palette of shades of grey can work well with pops of warm colour like ochre for lampshades, cushions and throws.

In this open plan living area, a snug-like space has been created with two sofas in rich blue hues arranged around a wood burner, providing a relaxed seating area. A wall-mounted shelf unit gives an enveloping feel to the space with plenty of family photos and knick-knacks to make the space feel more homely.

Find the right furniture

To create a truly relaxing space, it’s important to pick the right furniture. Always try before you buy. It’s hard to go wrong with a classic leather armchair though you might prefer a squishy sofa that you can snuggle into.  Consider whether you want a style that reclines and/or a footstool for ultimate relaxation. Good back and neck support is essential, especially if you binge watch Netflix or like an afternoon nap. If the snug doubles as a guest bedroom, pick a multi-purpose sofa bed. Remember to choose a fabric that can withstand pets or being placed in the sunlight.

Layer your lighting

Layered lighting is key to creating the right atmosphere in a snug. It needs to feel cosy, warm and inviting. Build up layers of light with wall lights, floor lamps and table lamps. These don’t light the whole room but instead highlight nooks and corners. Pick a “warm” bulb that gives a yellowy hue and a low lumen (lighting) level rather than a bright, white light which can be too dazzling. Dimmable lamps and candles can help to adapt the lighting to your mood. Avoid a central pendant or recessed spotlights in the ceiling.

A stark, clinical space won’t work. Tactile textiles add comfort to a snug. Think plush velvet cushions, beautiful rugs and soft luxury throws.