During recent travels, a young couple was inspired by the warm, inviting decor of Irish pubs. They wanted to incorporate that style into their small condo, and a small eating nook between the kitchen and den provided the perfect blank slate.
Create Your Own Nook
Rough cost estimate: $715 (Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market.)
- Paint: $90
- Shelf: $50
- Lighting: $220
- Accessories: $355
Rough time estimate: 1 weekend (Does not include lead time for Special Order materials.)
Cozy Colors
Dark paneling and aged wood are common elements in Ireland’s historic buildings. The couple’s modern take on this look includes honey-colored walls, which keep the space light and open, and dark brown accents to add warmth. Artwork and other accessories provide touches of green.
Storage Shelf
A narrow shelf above the window is a perfect display space for pottery collected during the homeowners’ travels, and it keeps the treasured collection out of the way of everyday activities. Painting the shelf and window trim the same rich brown pulls the two items together.
Glowing Touch
An outdoor lantern provides a simple, rustic touch. Hung from a hook centered over the table, it helps to visually balance the furniture, which is slightly off-center to allow walking space through the room.
Take a Seat
A slatted bench and cushion find a home under the window, and stools with woven seats complete the eclectic look. The durable outdoor rug can handle heavy traffic.
Good To Know
If you have a set of stools that are too tall for your table, consider cutting them down to size. We took 3 inches off each leg to make this set fit the table.
Café Style
Velvet curtains in a muted mustard tone add loads of warmth to this small space. To create these café curtains, cut two curtain panels and hem to your desired size. (Traditional café curtains fall from the center of the window to the sill.) Secure a café rod, and hang the curtains. Use leftover fabric to make accent pillows.
Bit of Luck
Shamrocks are an Irish symbol of good luck. If you can’t have a field of shamrocks outside your window, bring their brilliant green indoors by painting a china cabinet.
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