ROOM PL ANNER

Whether as a TV room, reading nook or cosy spot to wind down after a busy day, integrate a designated snug space into your floor plan from the outset to maximise the design potential, says Lindsay Blair

Located within a new extension to this property in Wanstead Village, east London, Rees Architects designed a snug as a secondary living/TV room. It features doubleaspect windows, providing garden and sky views and ample natural light during the day

CHRIS SNOOK

When planning a house’s layout, more self builders and renovators now seek the perfect balance between large, sociable spaces and rooms that offer a more intimate and cosy setting. So, it’s no surprise a snug is often on the list of requirements.

If you’re interested in creating this kind of zone, it’s important to allocate space on a floor plan from the start of a project. Think, too, about what your ideal setup would be. Common uses include as a TV room, reading nook, games room or simply an inviting seating area with a relaxed ambience. Other snug rooms perform multiple functions, from home office areas with sleep space for occasional guests, through to an evening chill zone for adults that’s also a playroom or teen hangout during the day. The key to a great snug is to make sure comfort and purpose are prioritised from the beginning.

Finding space for a snug

A successful design should be inviting, functional and easily accessible. Think about how the room and its use will best integrate into your daily life. If it’s tucked away too far from the main living areas, you might find you don’t use it as often, but if you walk past it every day, it will naturally become part of your routine.