Our winters here can be very long. Sometimes we are stuck in the house for days, even weeks at a time. I LOVE to read, but most days, especially in the winter, my house is a damn circus. So finding a quiet place to read is nearly impossible.

Anyway, my original plan was to build a she-shed this spring. I had it all planned out with a wood burning stove and everything. I had the perfect spot in the woods to build, it was going to be great. But then I saw what happened to Cheryl's. Poor Cheryl. So this is what I did instead.

The Reading Nook

diy reading nook room

This is a small room in the basement. The kids used it as a play room/video game room. It's been used for a variety of things, but was no longer being used by anyone. And so I began making this space my own.
diy reading nook how to
Decisions, decisions....
diy readin nook how to
The boys are rough with everything so there were lots of dings to fill and trim to fix.
diy reading nook how to
Trevor helped me paint. I chose this sort of muted aqua blue color called something something. I'll think of it.
diy reading nook how to
Painting was done and I started adding this awesome textured wallpaper. It's a peel and stick, super easy. It's a grasscloth pattern. Found these on amazon, $30 a roll. Once wallpaper was on we reattached the trim.
diy reading nook how to
So how was this winter?
This winter was soooo much fun! Between the below zero temps and everyone getting the flu it was just a blast! I just wish we had more snow! Oh and sliding off the road into a ditch, crawling out of the car, walking home in the cold, dark night..... So. Much. Fun.
Luckily, I have a super awesome neighbor, that happens to own a fire truck, and he was kind enough to pull my van out of the ditch. Thanks, Joe!
Winter sucks.
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Because the weather was so terrible, our little farm cats got to snuggle inside for while. They love their heated houses in the garage, but I think they were a little more comfy inside.
Aren't they cute!
diy reading nook how to
I picked up some brackets, 1x10s and 1x12 for shelving. Because I was going to be staining these inside I decided to go with a simple stain made with coffee and cocoa powder. After a couple coats of stain, letting them dry completely between coats, I went over the boards with mineral oil, let that sit for 15 minutes, wiped it off and that was it. No fumes or chemicals to worry about and cheap too!
diy reading nook how to
Put up the shelves
diy reading nook how to
Because we also planned to use this space as a guest room I was going to get rid of this and add a nice sectional sleeper sofa. But then I had an idea.
diy reading nook how to
This thing was ugly and damaged. It was, however, comfy and functional. I filled dings and sanded. Chalk paint is great to use because it can be used over oil or water based products, usually with little prep too. Chalk paint can be expensive, but if you make your own it's pretty cheap. I use calcium carbonate and latex paint. You can find calcium carbonate on amazon. A little goes a long way. I've been making chalk paint for years and I still have a ton left. After painting I sealed it with polycrylic, which gave it a nice sheen. You'll see at the end.
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I don't even like cats, but I love these guys! Isn't he pretty?
diy reading nook how to
diy reading nook how to
And wah-lah!
Other things I did-
*Electic Fireplace-$189 at walmart.com
This thing heats up the room fast! And it looks beautiful!
*White Quilt for the futon-$55 at walmart
*Pillows from walmart-$5-15 bucks each
*Storage ottoman-$89 on amazon
This thing holds a ton of stuff!
*Rope ladder for blankets-$10 at Hobby Lobbhy
*Cube storage under desk-$12.99 at TJ Maxx
Easy to put together and nice storage area for guests.
*Artwork from Amazon and Hobby Lobby, $12-$40
diy reading nook how to
Nice and toasty!
diy reading nook how to
diy reading nook how to
diy reading nook how to
Rope ladder, $10 at Hobby Lobby. It's in the Spring section.
diy reading nook how to
Perfect for storing wine too! Can't believe this was only $12.99. Totes were $3.99 at walmart.
diy reading nook how to
I needed a little pop of color and this painting did the trick! It's beautiful and it just makes me happy.
diy reading nook how to
diy reading nook how to
diy reading nook how to
diy reading nook how to
I have so many books on my list! Anyone read anything good lately and would like to share?

My two cents-
Behind Closed Doors, The Breakdown, and Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris
The Fourth Monkey and the Fifth to Die by J.D. Barker
The Woman in The Window by A.J. Finn
I See You and I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
The Nowhere Child by Christian White
Leave No Trace by Mindy Mejia
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
The Witch Elm by Tana French
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls-This is a nonfiction, which I usually don't read, but I think everyone should read it. It's an unbelievable story.
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