A ‘Rest Corner’ Is the Trendiest Thing You Can Have in Your Home Right Now

Quiet luxury has extended into cozy nooks in your home, also known as rest corners. Pinterest is abuzz with ideas for these little sanctuaries, and designers have already outfitted a number of them across the West.

“A rest corner is an intentional retreat space within the home—small but impactful—designed for unwinding, reflecting, and recharging,” says Vyanca Soto, owner and principal designer at Market Studio Interiors in Fullerton, California. “Unlike a full lounge or living area, it’s often a quiet nook in the home, a sunlit corner, or even a bedroom alcove that offers a moment of stillness in an otherwise busy home. A well-designed rest corner should feel cozy yet uncluttered and inviting but not overly styled.”

Here are Soto’s must-haves for a dreamy rest corner:

• A chair you’ll actually relax in
• A side table that’s big enough to hold a cup of coffee, candle, or book
• A dimmable light to set the mood

Below, Soto and several other tastemakers’ tips to craft your very own rest corner.

A Light and Bright Oasis

Design by Christina Markatos Design; Photo by Monica Wang Photography

Built-ins can instantly transform a corner into a go-to hangout spot, as evidenced by this project from Christine Markatos Lowe, interior designer and founder of Christine Markatos Design.

“This resting corner allows the homeowners’ three teenage daughters to choose their own style of relaxation,” she says. “From choosing a good book, relaxing by sharing a game, or simply stretching out and listening to music, this space encourages each daughter to use the space best suited to their personality.”

A Cool Conversation Set

Design by Gillian Segal Design; Photo by Moe’s Home Collection

“A rest corner can be anywhere in your home: within a primary bedroom, a landing, a hallway or pass-through space, or even an unused corner in a living room,” says Gillian Segal, interior designer and founder of Gillian Segal Design. “A comfortable chair is a must, but, again, offering a space that draws people in, for example, a side table to play a game of backgammon, or a bar cabinet to make an evening cocktail.”

Drawing inspiration from Italian furniture, Segal says pieces like her Piccolo Storage Stool create a comfortable and functional conversation set. (P.S. the stools have a hidden storage space to hold books, games, and more.)

An Instant Mood Shift

Design and Photo by Amy Pigliacampo

“I often gravitate toward deep, textural accent chairs, a chaise lounge perfect for curling up, or even a built-in bench piled high with cozy cushions and soft throws,” says Amy Pigliacampo of Amy Pigliacampo Interiors. “A petite side table is also key, providing just enough space for your tea, book, or a spot to place your phone. (Face down, please!)”

This particular rest corner features what Pigliacampo refers to as “gentle lighting,” which creates a calm and inviting ambiance. To further personalize the area, she recommends adding a stack of your favorite books, a handmade ceramic dish, or a scented candle.

Personality in the Primary

Design by Christine Markatos Lowe; Photo by John Merkl Photography

Even the artwork in this Napa Valley primary suite promotes catching more Zzzs. Markatos Lowe had her client’s accent chair reupholstered and ordered a coordinating ottoman to complete the ultimate lounging area.

“The corner showcases the soft, serene color palette with natural light that greets the homeowners as they approach the primary suite, drawing them in,” she says.

Soto says there are more optional items you’ll want to add to your cart: “We always prioritize warmth and comfort, and enjoy incorporating thoughtful details like a plush throw or boucle ottoman to encourage lingering, a framed art piece or sculptural object to add personality without overwhelming the space, and a scented element—a minimalist diffuser or a rich, grounding candle—to enhance the sensory experience.” 

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