Home Desires: The Window Seat

There is something about a window seat that has most people swooning. Whether it’s because it’s the perfect place to daydream, read your favourite book from or just helps make use of an awkward nook by a window, here are ten ideas that have been executed by some incredible designers to give you some serious inspiration.

The Inside Out House by Breathe Architecture, Melbourne. Photo Credit: Breathe Architecture

01. a chilled bohemian sun trap

A series of window seats are scattered throughout the Inside Out House by Breathe Architecture. The purpose of these windows seats are to frame several different views of the landscaped garden, bringing the outdoors in and allowing sunlight to penetrate the house at all times, meaning that you can have your morning coffee in the sunshine all year round - what a treat!

Muskoka Cottage by Jennifer Worts, Ontario. Photo Credit: Jennifer Worts

02. A traditional lakeside retreat

In the master bedroom of this beautiful Muskoka cottage the window seats become an integrated part of the room as the joinery seamlessly matches the surrounding built in furniture. Soft furnishings on the seats complete the coastal meets traditional style of interior by Jennifer Worts, creating an inviting and relaxing environment perfect for enjoying during a getaway weekend.

Chelsea Loft by Studio DB, New York. Photo Credit: Matthew Williams

03. A SEAT TO WATCH THE CITY GO BY

This window seat is carefully designed to suit its industrial surrounding and serves as extra seating as well as some needed storage space. Note how architects and interior designers Studio DB have brought colour and texture into the space to create a fun yet functional atmosphere that when contrasted against the industrial context is simply beautiful.

Victorian Terrace Conversion by Thomas Croft Architects and Sarah Delaney, London. Photo Credit: Simon Upton

04. SOMEWHERE TO WATCH THE GARDEN GROW

A Victorian house wouldn’t be complete without a traditional window seat and interior designer Sarah Delaney shows us how its done here. Introducing seating in front of this already wonderful view makes it an inviting and warm space to be greeted by, especially externally as you walk up the garden path towards the front door.

Sonoma Live Oak by Nicole Hollis, California. Photo Credit: Nicole Hollis

05. a daydreamers hillside sanctuary

This serene window seat by interior designer Nicole Hollis is nestled into the hillside of Sonoma and translates the beauty of nature into a simple interior composition that uses natural woods, linens and embroidered details. The earthy palette and textured fabrics create a cozy and whimsical environment perfect for daydreaming in.

Prospect House by Breathe Architecture, Melbourne. Photo Credit: Breathe Architecture

06. an organic and sensual experience

Here the windows are positioned to connect to the landscape with deep sills that are perfect for pausing in and full of natural fabrics and textures to maximise comfort. Breathe Architecture has focused on creating organic modern interior that borrows concepts from minimal and bohemian styles in order to create a relaxed and soothing feeling throughout.

Fiona Golfar’s Home, Cornwall. Photo Credit: Paul Massey

07. A QUINTESSENTIALLY ENGLISH SPOT

Journalist Fiona Golfar has somehow managed to create a modest yet grand bay window seat in her Cornish home. This is exactly why window seat has such romantic connotations, here you can just imagine getting cosy with a glass of wine and a book while occasionally glancing out the window to absorb the breathtaking views.

Location Unknown. Photo Credit: Nicole Franzen

08. the minimalist’s window seat

This retreats stripped back interior palette makes this window seat the centre of attention along with the calming scenery outside that the window frames. It distils and shows the primary elements needed to create a good window seat - cushions and throws for optimised comfort, a small table to place your coffee on and a view that you could spend eternity staring at.

Siren by Unique Homestays, Cornwall. Photo Credit: Evie Johnstone

09. a bohemian and coastal bolthole

Who said that you have to have just one window seat? Creative souls will go mad for this setup with an interior taking inspiration from its coastal setting and a traditional cottage approach. This window seat oozes romance as you sip an aperol spritz and gaze out to the far-reaching sea views that endlessly inspire, and do you want to the best part? You can stay here with Unique Homestays!

One Vandam Penthouse B By Studio BD, New York. Photo Credit: Alexandra Rowley

10. a new approach to modernist seating

This sophisticated arrangement is the creation of Studio DB and is clearly influenced by the modernist movement. Although rigid in appearance, the curvaceous lines and stretched fabric soften the look creating an inviting and comfortable spot that perfectly frames New York in the distance.

...so which is your favourite?

It’s definitely a difficult decision to make, for me it would have to be between 02 and 03 if I were thinking reasonably, but my inner free spirit and creative soul would just love to experience number 08 the bohemian and costal bolthole! Let me know your choices below!