No corner of the home is too small to tell a story. From richly packed bookshelves to prettily adorned chairs, these bijou spaces can be easily transformed into some of the most impactful. Jennifer Garner demonstrates exactly how with stained glass windows, a built-in reading nook, and striped bedding in her children's room.
The beautiful space is the pinnacle of what a reading nook should be. Located in her Los Angeles home and designed by Steve and Brooke Giannetti of Patina Home and Garden, it is absolutely stunning.
Though its surface area is tight, the design makes it feel like a celebration of cozy, fairytale aesthetics, rather than cramped. The standout feature of this corner of Jennifer's child's room is the blue-and-yellow stained-glass window, which gives the room a whimsical, antique vibe. Her built-in wooden shelves help to keep the volume of books from feeling overwhelming. Light, striped bedding grounds the whimsical styling.
Luckily, the path to creating a cozy nook in your home is simpler than it may appear, and stained glass panels (like this pretty window panel from Wayfair) mean that Jennifer's look is attainable in any small corner. To teach you how, we explore what makes Jennifer Garner's space work so well, an edit of products for you to emulate her style, and expert tips on creating your own corner reading nook. Let's dive in.
Design experts agree that a focus on personality is part of what makes this reading nook so special. The photographer for the project, Laure Joliet, explains: 'It’s truly a home for a family. Lived in and with careful details to support the family’s values. For instance, their clear love of books was reflected throughout every room that had a bookshelf, every corner had a cozy spot to read. This first shot of the children’s study was my favorite. The Reed Bradley-designed stained glass based on the children’s book All The World hit particularly close to home as it’s one of my favorite books to read to my kids.'
Recreate Jennifer's Look at Home
If you're not installing a true stained glass window, this adhesive film is the next best thing. It's great for providing stylish privacy in the city while adding a splash of color to your home.
If you are looking for a true antique pick, this beautiful stained glass window is absolutely gorgeous. I really love its pinkish tones.
Sturdy and versatile, this wood case is a booklover's home essential. If you have an unused corner in your bedroom or living room, this piece is ideal for giving it a new life.
This breezy and stylish bedding set would be perfect for bringing some lightness into a richly textured corner of the home. I love the set's plush and cozy finish.
Jennifer places pretty wooden mouse sculptures on her child's windowsill, and these handmade ones have an extra pretty grain. Small figurines can have a big impact when arranged on shelves or across small ledges.
Scalloped edges go sultry in Joon Loloi’s striped Rita Pillow Cover. It’s a playful, louche nod to retro style, best when layered against nostalgic materials like mohair.
Though we can't see any lamps in Jennifer Garner's space, the stained glass window provides ample soft light for reading, which leads us to the next essential for building a stylish nook: a good reading lamp.
Julia Barnes, Lighting Expert at ValueLights advises: 'To set the tone of your reading nook, start by establishing a soft ambient glow from either nearby pendants or ceiling lights, which will provide overall illumination without being too harsh. Natural materials and darker shades help diffuse the light, creating a softer, more inviting effect. I also recommend choosing warm white LED bulbs or dimmable options so you can adjust brightness throughout the day. This gentle base layer creates a welcoming atmosphere and ensures the space feels connected to the rest of the room.'
'To finish a layered lighting scheme, introduce accent lighting to add depth and visual interest,' she continues. 'Wall lights, picture lights, or under-shelf LED strips can highlight decorative features, bookcases, or artwork, giving the nook a more layered and intimate ambience. A few well-placed accent lights create a soft, cocooning glow that makes a reading corner feel truly special.'
No space is too small to make a statement. As Jennifer Garner's home demonstrates, using the right materials and colors can make even the most miniscule of corners into a design-led dream.
If you enjoy our celebrity news and interior design advice, why not sign up to our newsletter so you never miss the latest features?
