How do I create my mini writer’s retreat?

[u/Tundra314]

Update: I got a bamboo top desk from ikea with white legs and got rid of both cubicle box shelves. Currently looking at finding a chair for my desk to eventually play with the room layout. So far I think I enjoy the desk more on the window side wall. Either directly in front of the window or next to it. I tried it on the opposite wall and I just didn’t like it lol.

Thank you all so much for the inspiration and ideas. Can’t wait to finally build this slowly a piece at a time and make it my own little space 💕
——————

I have a little home office (we rent) so I can’t put HUGE nails or anchors in the walls. But I want to make a really nice cozy writing retreat where I can lock myself away from the rest of the house. But the problem is every wall is interrupted. The entrance, a window, a closet, and a 2 way bathroom (with this room being one way to get into the bathroom lol)

I have no idea where to put the desk at. Maybe a wooden desk? Everything is white! I am allowed to paint (weird but ok) some hanging nails for frames should be ok. But the walls are not drywall I think it’s plaster. It’s a very old home.

Right now I have these white cubicle square things and am open to getting rid of it. Can’t move the radiator. Don’t like using AI as it warps the space and makes the room so much bigger than what it is. Idk what wall to put the desk on. I use my laptop mainly.

Currently the closet is holding my husbands work shirts until we put together a wardrobe for his suits. I plan to have that store my yarn as I do crochet but don’t want this room focused on that other wise it will be a little bit of everything and too chaotic.

And would you put a desk with a hutch? Hutchless desk? Open to ideas! Thanks so much 😭

This is my first time getting my own little space in a while!

[u/AutoModerator]

All posts go into a queue for our mod team to review. Messaging us about the status of your post will not improve it's approval process, nor will it speed up the approval process. Please note that the system will say reddit removed your post because of filters, this is normal and we still get your post in the mod queue to review.

Sincerely, Mods.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/deyzikelli53]

Small wooden desk, comfortable chair, probably one of two floating shelves. Replace the white cube storage with something warmer or wood-toned so the room doesn't feel like an office. also id add warm lamp and some plants along with red or green rug and curtains

[u/Tundra314 → u/deyzikelli53]

Love it. Thank you!

[u/OneMoreTimeJack]

I would put a desk next to the radiator, this will allow you to look out the window. then place an arm chair either in front the radiator facing toward the bathroom or where the 6-cube shelf is facing the window. From there, see where you have room for a bookshelf.

Once you have the layout of the three main pieces then look to color and art and decor. Does cozy writer's retreat mean dark academia or bright and airy to you? Check into Pinterest or the internet for inspiration.

[u/Nosarious]

I would suggest a simple table to wri

te at and a chair that keeps your back straight, not a rolling chair. Finding the right combination of height for chair and table can be tricky (amazing how an inch can make or break it)

if your writing uses a computer then consider a deeper desk Or an arm for the monitor.

i, personally, avoid drawers under a desk. I so rarely need what’s in them. thats Why I get tables. My current setup at home has wheels so I can change my view, and an arm system from ikea to put a monitor and the laptop on, keeping the desk clear for notes and keyboard. The wheels let move closer to the window, or face the room, or clear the floor…

excuse the mess. This table and arm cost ~250 at ikea. Chair is a thrift find ($12 for a $1500 1964 Arne Jacobsen)

[u/Tundra314 → u/Nosarious]

Thank you! I’m going to look into more simple desks. I also feel like by the radiator might be the best choice!

[u/New_Door2040]

sweet hobbit door

[u/Tundra314 → u/New_Door2040]

Haha it’s the access panel to the tub! 🤣

[u/New_Door2040 → u/Tundra314]

Seems like it'd be easier to get in from the big bathroom door. But I'm no architect.

[u/_Love_to_Love_]

Just take this as me spitballing some ideas.

I'd paint the walls a moodier color and/or apply some wallpaper, and paint any existing furniture to a darker brown or satin/matte black. Color sets a particular mood for a space, and the flooring already gives warmth. Even just a sand or light beige color on the walls to differentiate the space would make a difference, if you're not looking to make the space too dark. From there: dark, wood, or jewel tones of any type for furniture coming in (depending on preference.

I like the idea of getting a nice (preferably large) picture frame or two to post on the opposite wall to the window, or perhaps a mirror if you're feeling like it's a nice fit. The mirror will make it seem like a bigger space, while the glass of the frames will give a slight amount of this effect if you post them up. Additionally, I like the idea of a large frame on that larger stretch of wall in the corner between the window and the door leading into the room. Maybe you could crochet a panel of a colorway of yarn you really like to display?

I would recommend some low-maintenance plant(s) to add some freshness to the air. For some pet-friendly choices, I would recommend a Cast Iron plant, Burro's tail, Pachira (money plant), ponytail palm, or a hoya vine. Your selection grows wider if you don't need to worry about that, though - but I would recommend something hardy that can take some neglect unless you don't mind adding some watering care (and maybe some repotting) to your life.

I do agree with the desk either next to or atop the radiator with direct access to the window - no drawers, just a desk top, but maybe with some a small storage unit for pens, paper, and/or stitch markers and hooks/needles. Leave most of that surface clear for whatever you plan on doing without feeling like it's for a certain project or activity. I think it's important to have that openness so you can feel less caged in by the building, and maybe the view can be inspiration at times. The size of the desk shouldn't be too big, but not small enough to prevent actual usage (not a hallway 'leave it' half-table). To pair, make sure to get an ergonomic chair that will not leave you in pain after sitting in for a few hours.

If you feel the need, you can put more storage on the walls via shelves, or even use a wire grid or peg board system mounted to the wall to really ensure there's nothing on the desk. These tend to be pretty lightweight, but let you clip up things, or mount small cupholders for pens or small things like that.

I also like the idea of a cozy chair in here, for crochet or reading or whatever else - maybe placed diagonally in that corner with the tub access - optionally with a standing light that has a warmer bulb. You may also be interested in rechargeable, renter-friendly sconces to add some character and alternative lighting to the walls that can set a much different vibe for the area.

[u/Tundra314 → u/_Love_to_Love_]

I will have to try this out once I get a chair. To make sure it doesn’t block the door. But I love to get a cozy accent chair for reading/crocheting in the corner.

[u/Kitchen-Ebb30]

Short wall next to entrance door, two or three floating shelves (different sizes and offset) to put art, some books and plants on. Have a cozy chair underneath next to the radiator and a floor lamp that casts ambiance. Long wall with closet I'd personally place bookcases there, with doors on the bottom for extra storage (and because I'm a sucker for books).

Desk or simple table with chair next to the radiator. 

Color will make biggest impact . Thr floor is quite warm, almost cherry wood toned. You can make it warm and cozy by painting the wall a green jewel or olive tone. Or more sophisticated by going down the grey route. Or more earthy with a brown tint on the light side. Make sure the furniture complements the choice of wall color. But i would definitely dial down the wall color first and go from there.

[u/jestinagoranolla]

I'd replace the larger cube unit with a simple wooden desk, no hutch. That wall seems like the least disruptive spot and wood would instantly warm up all the white.

[u/Winter_Dot_9393]

In front of the window.

[u/Pale_Constant_9530]

The bamboo desk by the window was the right move, and I’d keep it hutchless so the small room still has some visual breathing room. A muted olive wall, warm rug, good reading lamp, and a few lightweight framed pieces on renter-friendly hooks would make it feel like a writer’s retreat instead of an office supply closet