This Relaxing New Trend Is About to Be All Over Your Pinterest Feed

These days, it feels nearly impossible not to let the stresses of the outside world into your home, from doing work at your kitchen table to scrolling social media on the couch. That’s where rest corners come in, an emerging 2024 design trend that can help you be more intentional about the ways you relax and unwind in your space. Here’s everything you need to know about this calming concept, plus how to create your own.

What Are Rest Corners?

The main purpose of a rest corner — which has begun popping up all over Pinterest and social media — is to provide a place to, well, rest. “This is different than a book nook in that it’s designed specifically for rest,” says Bethany Struble, a lead designer at Totum Home. “[Rest corners] can look different for everyone because everyone has a different idea of what rest is for them.”

While some people may find sitting down and reading a book relaxing, others might prefer a cozy place to meditate, stretch, power nap, or lounge (maybe even while indulging in self-care like a red light therapy mask or eye massager). A rest corner can also be an area of your home where you participate in soothing hobbies like painting, cross-stitching, crocheting, collaging, or putting together puzzles. What unifies every rest corner, though, is the intention to only use that area for whatever your definition of rest is, if at all possible.

How to Decorate a Rest Corner

Whether it’s for morning yoga or lunch break downtime, having a designated rest area you can escape to — away from screens and noise — can help you prioritize relaxation throughout the day. Here, designers share tips on decorating a cozy rest corner in your home. Ultimately, though, it’s up to you to choose furniture and decor pieces that meet your specific functionality needs and lifestyle.

Pick Your Spot

Before you start decorating, consider where you want your rest corner to exist. “A low-traffic area is the best place in a home for a rest corner,” Struble says. This could be a spot in the living room, an office, a guest room, or a lofted space. If you want to get extra creative — and can spare the loss of storage space — a walk-in closet converts into an excellent rest corner too.

Wherever it is, Struble says it just needs to be somewhere you can go to decompress and be alone for a while, away from devices and distractions. Literal room corners are great locations because they’re relatively contained areas, but you could theoretically put a rest “corner” anywhere.

Maximize Multifunction Where Necessary

While rest corners are distinct from book nooks (aka mini, at-home libraries), Alex Bass, an interior designer, art curator, and founder of Salon 21, says you can combine the two into one area, especially if you live in a smaller home. “I have an area in my apartment next to the bookshelf with a chair and floor lamp that I call the ‘rest corner’ in my very small NYC apartment,” she notes. “I love the idea of building a space with certain designations, even if it’s a small nook or corner in your living room — it helps set the right atmosphere and intention.”

Partition the Rest Corner

If you need to design your rest corner in an area like the living room or office, Bass says to section off the space as best as you can. You can do so by utilizing curtains, privacy screens, or orienting furniture in a way that feels a little more secluded.

Prioritize Calming Shapes and Shades

Struble suggests decorating the area with mostly clean, horizontal lines — like a long, low-slung sofa or bench — to “[create] a restful feeling in the space.” Consider the color wheel and hues commonly associated with calmness, like nature-inspired blues and greens, to help curate a corner for relaxation as well.

Play with Texture

To make it as cozy as possible, Struble says to play with textures, especially in your textile choices. Add a soft, faux fur rug or runner to the area, drape a cloudlike blanket over an armchair, and anchor everything in place with a houseplant for a natural touch.

Incorporate Candles

Bass also recommends adding candles to your cozy corner to make it more restful. “This can be anything from a scented candle to an arrangement of taper candles and candlestick decor,” she notes. You can even place large glass votives on the floor with flameless candles inside for a meditation room or yoga studio vibe.

Consider Natural Light

Aside from candles, lighting can play a major role in your home’s aesthetic. If possible, Bass suggests setting up your rest corner near natural light, which “is said to really help with your mental health and well-being, plus it opens up a space more.” She adds that, “by making your space feel larger, you’re going to feel more relaxed.”