There's something undeniably special about a tucked-away space in your home—whether it's a cozy nook nestled into an overlooked corner or a loft that floats above the rest of your rooms. These architectural moments make you pause and smile, inviting you to linger. Nooks and lofts are not afterthoughts but opportunities for something delightful and unexpected. They often rank among the most memorable places in your home.

In our A-Frame Lake Retreat, we created a custom reading nook that fits a full-sized mattress—a cozy spot that doubles as extra sleeping space. It's the kind of spot that invites afternoon naps, lakeside views, and stories read by soft natural light. As the homeowner put it, "the best part" of the renovation. Turns out Martha Stewart and Living Etc. agree. The magic? Using otherwise overlooked spaces to create intimate retreats that draw you in and hold you close.

When we design nooks and lofts for you, we're thinking in layers—how these special spaces relate to the rooms around them, how light travels through them, and how they contribute to the overall rhythm of your home. For nooks, we consider the perfect balance of enclosure and openness. Do you want a cozy reading corner with built-in shelves? A window seat that captures morning light? For lofts, we carefully balance visual connection with the spaces below while creating a sense of retreat above. We use partial walls, clever railings, or airy open plans to achieve the perfect balance. Lighting matters—a lot—and we'll make sure it supports both nooks and lofts with intention and style. 

We're also unapologetically obsessed with built-ins. Smart storage lets these spaces serve multiple functions—guest area, office, hideaway reading zone—without sacrificing the special feel that makes them shine. And whether it's a breakfast nook in a historic Bloomington kitchen, a reading corner tucked under a staircase, or a clean-lined loft in a new Indianapolis build, we make sure it feels fully integrated into your home's story.

Because the most magical spaces aren't always front and center. Sometimes they're nestled into corners, tucked under windows, or floating quietly above it all—waiting for you to curl up or climb the stairs and settle in.

Photography by Sarah Shields. Construction by Rusty Peterson Construction.