Interior Designer’s Room-by-Room Planning Checklist : Preteen Girl’s Book Nook / Reading Nook
Designed for quiet joy, imagination, emotional regulation, and deep focus
1. Room Purpose & Design Intent
Primary Function
Reading (long-form, immersive)
Quiet solo time
Emotional regulation and decompression
Imaginative play and inner world development
Secondary Function
Journaling, drawing, gentle creativity
Safe retreat during overwhelm
Identity exploration through books and stories
Design Philosophy
This nook is designed to:
Feel enclosed, safe, and special
Reduce noise, light glare, and interruption
Encourage lingering (not scrolling)
Belong to her, not the household
This is not a study desk, not a bedroom overflow, and not a shared space.
2. LOCATION & ENCLOSURE (FOUNDATIONAL)
☐ Separate from bedroom if possible
☐ Visually enclosed (walls, shelving, curtains, or canopy)
☐ Low traffic area
☐ Sound buffered from main living zones
Enclosure Options (Shopping List)
Curtain track or tension rod
Linen or velvet curtains
Canopy frame
Tall bookcases forming a “room”
Upholstered wall panels (sound softening)
The goal is nesting, not openness.
3. SEATING & BODY COMFORT (CORE FEATURE)
Primary Seating (Choose 1–2)
Reading chair (deep, cushioned)
Bean bag (structured, not floppy)
Floor chair or chaise
Window seat with cushion (if applicable)
Secondary Comfort
Pouf or footrest
Floor cushions (washable covers)
Soft Layers
Throw blankets (2–3 textures)
Cushions (4–6, washable)
Optional weighted lap blanket
She should be able to curl, sprawl, or tuck in.
4. BOOK STORAGE & DISPLAY
(This is the heart of the room)
Shopping List
Low bookcase (front-facing preferred)
Vertical bookcase(s) with shelves
Floating shelves (face-out favorites)
Book bins or baskets (series sorting)
Bookends
Rotating “currently reading” stand
Organization Strategy
Favorites at eye level
Series grouped together
Seasonal rotation shelf
One “to be read” basket
Books should feel inviting, not crammed.
5. SURFACES & SET-DOWN SPACE
Shopping List
Small side table (lamp + drink)
Tray table (movable)
Built-in ledge or shelf (optional)
Catch-all tray (bookmarks, glasses, crystals)
Nothing should require getting up mid-reading.
6. LIGHTING (THIS MAKES OR BREAKS THE NOOK)
Layered Lighting Plan
Primary reading lamp (adjustable, glare-free)
Secondary ambient lamp
Fairy lights or pebble lights (required)
Shelf edge
Canopy outline
Inside glass jars
Optional wall sconce (soft glow)
Bulbs & Controls
Warm bulbs only (2700K–3000K)
Clip-on book light (backup)
Timer or smart plug for fairy lights
Spare bulbs stored nearby
Lighting must be cozy, never harsh.
7. FLOORING & SENSORY COMFORT
Shopping List
Area rug (soft pile)
Thick rug pad
Floor cushions
Felt pads under furniture
Optional faux-fur or knit rug layer
This room should feel good barefoot or socked.
8. SOUND & SENSORY BUFFERING
Shopping List
Curtains or fabric panels
Upholstered surfaces
Soft wall art or tapestry
Door draft blocker (if enclosed)
Optional white noise or ambient sound device
The nook should feel quieter than the rest of the house.
9. PERSONAL EXPRESSION & JOY
(Curated, not cluttered)
Shopping List
Framed art or quotes (2–4)
String of photos or postcards
Decorative objects she chooses
Plant (real or faux)
Crystals, figurines, or small treasures
Seasonal swap item
Rule:
Everything here should make her feel something good.
10. CREATIVE & QUIET ACTIVITY SUPPORT (OPTIONAL)
Shopping List
Journal or notebook
Pen cup
Coloring books or sketchpad
Pencil case
Small storage box for supplies
These support creativity without turning it into a desk space.
11. STORAGE & ORGANIZATION (HIDDEN)
Shopping List
Lidded baskets
Storage ottoman (if seating allows)
Drawer unit (optional)
Label tags (gentle, aesthetic)
Mess should disappear quickly without effort.
12. POWER, HARDWARE & FINISHING
Shopping List
Outlet access near seating
Cord concealment clips
Light plate covers
Plug-in plate covers
Wall anchors (shelves, lights)
Furniture floor protectors
Touch-up paint note
13. CLEANING & LONG-TERM CARE
Stored Nearby
Lint roller
Fabric brush
Cleaning cloth
Basket for rotating blankets
Spare fairy-light batteries
Cleaner Notes (If Applicable)
Dust shelves
Vacuum rug
Do not reorganize books
Do not remove personal items
FINAL DESIGNER APPROVAL CHECKLIST
☐ She wants to be here daily
☐ Lighting feels magical at night
☐ Space feels enclosed and safe
☐ Books are easy to reach and return
☐ Sound is softened
☐ Everything has a home
☐ Fairy or pebble lights are glowing
☐ Nook feels like hers, not decorative
What Comes Next
If you’re at the point where you no longer want to think about your home — and you’re ready for it to quietly support your life instead — you can learn more about working together here:
