Building The Perfect Reading Nook

A dream come true!!
✿ Check out the lovely things I got at Kotn: kotn.com/ariel
☞ Support my channel by joining my Patreon family: / arielbissett
☞ Website: www.arielbissett.com
☞ My book podcast: www.booksunboundpodcast.com/
☞ Music by: www.northernsoundhouse.ca/
☞ My name is Ariel and I’m a Canadian writer, poet, and KZbinr. I organize my shelves by genre and then colour and my favourite book is Animal Farm. I've been making bookish content online for a decade and love spreading a love of reading through videos, panels, articles, and more!
☞ Thanks for watching! ☜

[@AverySometimesReads]

Watching you renovate your house over the past couple years is slowly healing the part of my soul that was murdered by home makeover shows turning everything into minimalist gray hellscapes

[@natashamorais6264]

I feel the same. Breaks my heart to see really old houses be stripped of any personality it may have to just become a white/beige/grey dull and lifeless magazine picture.

[@joym944]

SaaaaaaaAAAAmmmeee

[@brooklynqueen125]

Exactly!💯 What annoyed me the most is their decor picks and the prices that went with them. Every overpriced, boring piece I could recreate more colorfully just by going to the thrift and/or fabric store.

[@lauramitchell6725]

I just watched Sharrah Stephens,” Home tour of my 100 year old historic home “ ( the thumb nail photo of her giving the tour ,nine months pregnant in only a white blouse,should have been my clue) Warning: you’ll die inside a little more.😩

[@AverySometimesReads]

@@lauramitchell6725 oh goodness thank you from warning me away from that one

[@Tania.atlasinajar]

That window is everything! 🧡😍 it just screams reading corner. Imagine snowy ❄️ AND rainy 🌧 days with a good book and a hot cup of coffee or tea! Love your home Ariel! So darn cozy!!!

[@dr.suezettealoysiaandcarla1664]

We adore the library nook as well! Carl just started building our second book shelf 🥵 🏖 !

[@sukru6797]

Yes! Makes me want to move back north so we can have snowy days again. Love the trivet turned picture turned table. Now I am wondering where in my house I can do the same.

[@Tania.atlasinajar]

@@sukru6797 absolutely the snowy days are some of the best things of living in the north! I love winter ❄️

[@amarshall5407]

I had to stop and say how impressed I am at how you slowly chip away at your house. Big renovations to a living space are financially out of reach for a lot of people and I think you realistically show how a person can change their living quarters slowly over time. I often get overwhelmed by projects in my own home and seeing you do one little thing at a time reminds me I don't need to do everything at once.

[@ArielBissett]

It would be very nice to hire people to do everything quickly but.. wow!! Way too expensive! And I like chipping away at it at my own pace ♥️

[@miss_xenia_]

Agreed! It's also lovely to see that this might be your forever home and while we always evolve and update our spaces.... I feel that some are doing *complete makeovers* every couple of months o.O which always makes me wonder about their advice from the previous video where they just looooooved it :P

[@Mooshrambo]

@@ArielBissett Me and my partner are also renovating our 100+ year old home we bought a few months ago. We have an upstairs bathroom with a really old clawfoot tub, but it's situated in a weird way. It's the biggest project for us to take on and my partner wants us to do it ourselves cause hiring people is super expensive and we hired someone for our kitchen and he didn't do a great job. I'm so scared of doing these things ourselves cause neither of us have done it before and it's just us, but watching your videos kinda gives me courage to want to try.

[@shopgirl_ny152]

@@Mooshrambo It's so disappointing to hire someone, pay them good money, and then be dissatisfied with the end result. That's one reason I like to do things on my own. If there are flaws, well, of course there are because I'm not a professional. But when there are flaws and you did hire professionals, it's such a letdown. Good luck to you and your partner.

[@CecilieSHoejberg]

I cannot believe the previous owners had that gorgeous window tucked away behind those walls. You're really bringing the house to life, like it was mean to be. This project is so lovely and cosy and really puts focus on the window. Well done and enjoy!

[@shegoesnorth9143]

Can we all agree that this is SUCH a Ravenclaw project?! I am DYING for this. I now need this. So. Bad. What have you done to me Ariel?!?! This is 100 times better than any renovation video or vlog I've ever seen because you put so much love and character and thought in ... that drink holder is amazing! Looking forward to all the other makeovers *.* have a great day!

[@IndiumInk]

nerd

[@thewatershopkeeper167]

I love this

[@flowers-and]

I absolutely need this someday too! I wish that I had it now!

[@CheerUp2]

I saw the thumbnail and was like "wow this looks like something Ariel would do" and then I saw the channel name and was like YESSSSS OUR QUEEN

[@estephaniezapata4714]

Me too!! Opened up KZbin and saw the thumbnail and was like woah Ariel would like this 😅

[@ArielBissett]

Hahaha you get me 😌

[@MissKriekentaart]

The artwork / little table thingy is GENIUS

[@jessine]

Came here to say the same

[@SophieInSeattle]

Insta-clicked! I cannot tell you how excited I am to see another Ariel video come out. I always leave with a lifted mood and I jive so much with your style, ideas, and mind!

[@lucilep.6175]

The day she does her kitchen, I might die from excitement even before watching!

[@SophieInSeattle]

@@lucilep.6175 Saaame sister 👏👏

[@shelleyjacobs2563]

Might be to late, but you could put cedar planks in the storage section. It would smell great and keep everything critter free.

[@SallaKanerva]

Gotta be honest, I've been avoiding watching this one because the thumbnail alone fills me with BOUNDLESS ENVY 😂 I would kill and die for a reading nook like this!! But I'm so happy I get to live my reading nook dreams vicariously through you, thank you! 💖

[@FiMilton]

That window is what dreams are made of. You definitely did it justice, such an incredible spot.

[@Lucas-sz9rk]

The music and long, still shots make this video absolutely amazing. It’s kind of like an at home version of the visual experience of the green knight

[@ArielBissett]

Woah 🙈 that movie is so pretty

[@Lucas-sz9rk]

@@ArielBissett just like your house 😍

[@GlennaAdele]

Oh wow Ariel, I love this! You really did honor the window and I'm sure the original builders would appreciate it. Watching this made me desperately want a house of my own just for precious reading nooks and cuddle corners. 😺

[@sarahnoll9018]

You don’t understand I’m OBSESSED… the trivet is genius vibes!! One suggestion if you want would be to get a cord cover for the sconce cords and paint them that same green so it doesn’t draw the eye as much

[@ochoheido]

It's so interesting, if cords were hanging in my own house I'd be like "blech", but when I saw them in this video, they just looked quaint? Haha. Like, I don't know how she does it. I think they actually look good black and almost kind of old-school-y lamp ha

[@StochasticGreen]

I couldn't stop looking at the cords 😂

[@SophieInSeattle]

Absolutely love it, but hear me out: elegant gold stars painted on the curved ceiling above the window 🙌

[@ArielBissett]

I have thought about this vision a lot … many pinterest star ceiling photos have been saved over the last year!!

[@SkySpiral8]

Or glow in the dark painted stars!

[@SophieInSeattle]

@@ArielBissett yes yes yes! 🙌

[@Nico6th]

I think I would go for filigree leaves with small golden flowers around the window instead - to complement the leaves outside the window.

[@lin-zchang4774]

I am so in love with all the quirky, genius little touches you add to each space. The little picture that props up to hold a mug? Amazing! I thought this about the built in miniature you made in a recent video as well. I love that your home is so full of whimsy and is so comforting!

[@sophia_megan]

I am so impressed! I really love that you took a home that was in need of so much TLC and are not only fixing it up but you're infusing it with your own personality and its turning out so lovely!

[@michelepastele5347]

your house seems like a labor of love! Spot by spot, it is really blossoming. The reading nook and the amazing window is wonderful love it!

[@WaterNai]

This looks really lovely and so inviting! Safety tip: When using a saw to cut wood, position yourself so that your dominant hand (looks like your left in the clip) is on the outside and you are holding the wood without crossing your hand and arm in front of the path of the cutting blade. Even better would be if you use clamps to hold the wood to the table. If you have to hold it with your hand, keep your hand behind and away from the blade of the saw. So for this clip, the table would be on your right side, the saw in your left hand, clamps holding the wood to the table or your right hand on the table holding the wood, keeping your hand as far from the blade as possible. Pardon me if someone said this below. I scrolled a bit but hadn’t seen any saw-safety tips. 🙂

[@katelester5625]

It looks AMAZING! And that window really is so special, I love that you highlighted it with this space. You should definitely grab some paintable adhesive cord channels-they’re cheap and you can use them to straighten the light cords/hold them to the wall, and paint them green so they blend in! It really finishes off the look of wired sconces

[@ButtercupBooks15]

I’m closing on a new (to me!) house next month and I know I’ll be rewatching all your house videos as I get ready to make my house a home for my son and I! Your videos made me realize that I can handle way more than I thought and I’m even going to be giving drywalling a shot!

[@ArielBissett]

So proud of you!! Congrats on your house! I hope you go wild with it ♥️

[@ariannelg]

That window deserves to be honored 💗it turned out super cozy, I loved it

[@supremecourtney888]

Are you kidding me?? This is the most delightful thing I've ever seen!

[@charlottepeet1615]

Wow! A dream of mine one day is to have a gorgeous reading nook like this!

[@_sarathedreamer]

Favourite line of this video so far: “and this bowl?!?!” 😂 the joy and bafflement on your face was so adorable 🥰

[@Movers4Less]

I just halted mid-workday to watch your video, Ariel, if that tells you anything about how much we, at Couches4Less, love your “Ariel Fixes Her Old House” series!

[@okayheykae]

This is the dreamiest thing oh my gosh! I'm going to mentally make myself a cozy bed under a gothic style window and hang out there in my mind 😄

[@booksunderstarlight]

I love how it really works as a statement to the house, because it’s by the window above the front door so it’s like the soul of the house in a way.

[@Double0pi]

I've always wanted a reading nook like this! The flip-up tray is amazing!

[@kathleenwoodbury7491]

That photo at night was so magical! I am so glad you bought that house! It was truly a diamond in the rough that had been covered over with so much ugly! That window is amazing to find in an old farmhouse and your vision is making that old girl smile!

[@baileysadler5212]

This looks so good! Imagine some plants on a shelf higher up! Love the green colour and the clever idea of the hot plate art work being a shelf.

[@anzieizna9345]

This was the first video of yours I watched, and in the last two weeks I've watched about three years of your content and then some. I absolutely love your channel, and these home renovation videos are the best! My favourite part is always the music. Something about having classical/piano instrumentals over time-lapses and montages is just so breath-taking... This reading nook was absolutely perfect and know I am 100% living vicariously through you!

[@lauramitchell6725]

I used to play the bassoon,had a little swoon at 13:50.🥲🥹

[@WestTexasGothic]

It looks amazing! Y’all did such an amazing job 😻 now all you need is a sweet little hanging plant. A vine would look so good.

[@JlNXED]

I’m so jelly I’ve always wanted a built in reading nook, I love how this one is like an actual bed and spacious, that tile is gorgeous I love that you have a place for a mug, I love the warm lighting and green color, everything is on point Im in love, your house is actual breathing art

[@milleevb]

First of all, that is the most gorgeous window to ever exist. Secondly, I love the tile/picture/mini table idea. So cute!

[@lindafaught58]

Completely blown away! That is the most gorgeous reading nook I have ever seen. That window is out of this world gorgeous and your styling of the nook with the help from all those comfy cozy KOTN goodies was perfect. Loved every second of this video. 🤩

[@jash6922]

Now i'm officially waiting for some fall/wintery read with me in real time videos in this new corner!

[@princessb26]

I love what you have been doing with your home! It is so comfy and cozy and I wish to do similar things with my next house and make it my own.

[@welldonebooks]

i am SO jealous. this is incredible!! that window too, gahh its so beautiful. i cannot wait for the day you can do a final house tour! its so exciting seeing it coming together piece by piece. this is one of the dreamiest little spots ever.

[@tobisummer1571]

Okay that framed tile turned mini side table idea is BRILLIANT and I am stealing that XD

[@bookswithtee]

This came out so cute! And that little flip up drinks tile? GENIUS 😍

[@carolinea3899]

Wow! That window is to die for 😭❤️ You did such a good job on this nook, it’s incredible!

[@lionfearts]

I LOVE how you've been reinventing corners in your house. It really shows how much you can do with a small space. A home isn't just a collection of rooms!

[@shopgirl_ny152]

Oh, my goodness, Ariel. You did it. You gave yourself a nook of one's own. I love everything about it. EVERYTHING. I also love these videos and seeing you chip away at the house. You are turning a house others would have (and probably did) walk away from into a cozy, comfortable, marvelous home.

[@Hillary429]

She will absolutely be fighting all the beasts for a space on that comfy bench haha 🐱🖼🐶

[@toniadkins3854]

That’s my favorite part of the house you’ve decorated so far. I’d love to have a reading nook like yours. You did a great job!

[@stephanierussell7846]

Cozy, light, nature, cats, books, absolute heaven❤

[@Tasmetu]

The little secret art-coffe-table is so genius, I love it! Your reading nook turned out so so beautifully! 🥰

[@teresatomas9425]

best 16 minutes of my day. i watch and rewatch your videos when i'm out of commission cause of chronic pain. your creativity and positive attitude is so uplifting

[@michellecgaudet]

Wow the shot at 4:44 from down the hallway of you in front of the sunny window is what dreams are made of. Your content is perfection and I'm so excited to see your design come together!!

[@latesleeper7695]

The little table is genius! It fits as an artwork too which is totally awesome

[@utopianjourney]

Looks so amazing... You are really bringing that house to life. You actually are inspiring me to bolder with my decor, even I living in a rental.

[@janetmccausland8953]

Yeah, a new Ariel Bissett video! It's a good day for a good day! BTW, that artist is Jesse Wilcox Smith. I know you like to read, as well, and Smith illustrated some childrens books. I'd recommend Little Women. The illustrations for that are gorgeous.

[@nicole8556]

Thank you for naming the artist! Do you happen to know the title of the painting? I can't seem to find it.

[@janetmccausland8953]

@@nicole8556 Sorry, couldn't find that particular one, but she did a lot of covers for Good Housekeeping, so you might try that. Sorry I couldn't help more.

[@nicole8556]

@@janetmccausland8953 No worries! Thank you!

[@valerialopera9432]

this is absolutely gorgeous 😭😭 watching you transform your house into your own and making these amazing little spaces is so encouraging and calming

[@jenrok]

I don't often comment but, girl, GIRL! THIS IS THE DREAM! I love it. Well done. Definitely going to check out the Kotn link too. Keep the amazing videos coming please. 😊❤️

[@Torsee]

15:59 They make special insulated staples to us to reroute your power cables down the side of the trim board. A final touch

[@batsanddewdrops]

I just gasped at the trivet idea! Love it!!!

[@chibimena]

That house was meant to be yours. The way it had been so neglected and badly constructed…it needed someone with a fresh vision that still respected its bones. ❤️ and wow, that window looks like it belongs in a church You are doing amazing Ariel!!

[@hushletsread]

Oh wow! I am so happy for you. This looks AMAZING

[@mylifeasjessio]

I clicked so fast! Love how you transformed your nook. Who hasn't dreamt of a cozy reading nook?! It's absolutely fab!

[@Newt1981]

That window is INCREDIBLE. What a beautiful space! I would nap there so often.

[@helenorvana]

That window is stunning and you are absolutely correct that you needed to "honor" it - this is amazing!

[@LauraRobertsButtontapper]

Ahhh! I love that little trivet pop-up shelf/table you made for your mug, it's such a good idea and so cute, too!

[@LouiseT2405]

my head and heart is gonna explode from how perfect this is

[@alysonduff9417]

I yelped seeing that Kotn sponsored this video 🤩🤩 So crazy when two of your faves cross paths!

[@TiaraJunor]

Honestly don't we all love a book nook! And that tiny shelf is the cutest thing ever

[@chelsieturner3933]

your really out here living my dream! I have always wanted a cozy spot just like that to read from and this spot with that window is everything

[@MrLaiioSpain]

ariel you're just living every reader's dream and i'm so happy for you

I loved how we got glimpses of your family. This has been my favourite video in this series so far. The reading nook turned out beautifully 😍 you really have an eye for design!

[@janieishme]

I've been watching and enjoying your house reno vids for a little while now, but this is the first video that made me think, 'I NEED TO MOVE INTO ARIEL'S HOUSE. Or move next door and non-harassingly angle for an invite. Because that reading nook is everything. It looks fantastic! (And that trivet flip-up? Absolutely genius.)

[@lindieriksen1968]

Ahhh, the musical piece that was playing when Jo and Laurie were dancing outside 🥰

[@Melli-M11]

Wow! This is such a cozy spot...the window is so beautiful and you can really see it now!

[@michelemurphy3541]

You are a complete and total delight. This little space is so beautiful and frankly, a little bit magical! 💫

[@caitlinmaree251]

Ariel this is just gorgeous!! You should make a video where you research the history of this beautiful home

[@sashabsanti]

Ah that window is stunning. I love what you're doing to your home!

[@ashleyjanclark]

Ooooof! Just such a gorgeous cozy and serene space you created! Can't wait so see it in the winter time with a soft snow fall out that beautiful window! Thanks for sharing your creation with us! :)

[@emmayounger5430]

I get such classical artist vibes from you that have become more cemented as time goes on, especially with this house.

[@CattyMcMeow]

You know what would be sickeningly adorable? If you painted some kind of whimsical motif on that arched/vaulted ceiling above the nook. Maybe fluffy clouds in sunset colors, or a starry sky (with little lit-up stars!!) , or some abstract swirls, or floral to match the vibe of the picture... I love it regardless, though, the house is coming together so beautifully!

[@AnchitaPotumanchi]

I hope you don't mind, but I'm definitely going to be stealing this idea for my dream home someday! It's so soo cute. This reading nook and the wall diorama are both so dreamy and whimsical and omg! I'm so in love ✨🥲

[@kerrylynnparsons9441]

A beautiful bed-bench!!! 😁Your design ideas are always stunning, Ariel! ❤️❤️❤️

[@victorbrandolin]

It turns out so cozy and beautiful! The only thing that I would do it's paint the trim window black, just because I love her so much and I think she deserve it!

[@doiknownoidont4929]

OMG you peeling off the stickers around the window with the lights and everything looked like a renaissance painting!!! But like,,, a very contemporary subject and meaning! 10/10

[@clemencemarin4925]

So cosy and practical ! I love everything about it !

[@kirasedeno]

That turned out so beautiful & cozy! 😍 the fall and winter seasons are going to be the perfect backdrops! 📚☕️

[@kaylag9579]

You should look into an unfitted kitchen and get ideas from farmhouse vernacular. It may cut costs on Reno.

[@nadiarambles]

SO DREAMY. 😍🥰✨ That gorgeous window... the cozy bench... the art that becomes a tea holder... all of these touches really do add up to a perfect reading nook. It was a joy to watch it all come together!

[@bobbyguy7160]

Ok told you I haven't have some of tha6

[@MossyMountain]

So beautiful!!! I was wondering if you’d ever do a video on how you’re liking living in Nova Scotia?? has there been any surprising things or things you wished you’d known before moving? Love your videos!

[@joycejarrard6958]

It looks adorable. I am so glad it turned out the way you wanted.

[@lovelettknight9344]

Beautiful Ariel! Just beautiful! To sit in the sunlight and see the nook filled with shadows of the leaves in your trees moving gently in the breeze... or to see the starry winter night sky!! Thank you for sharing and love the little ceramic "tea cup shelf" !

[@jennymendenhall10]

I love this space. I grew up with what we called a windows seat where I laid & read my childhood away! I kept all kinds of things under the the seat as the top would open like yours. There was a little mattress & blankets & pillows& it was up next to the upstairs window. Summertime was my favorite. I would open the window since it has a screen I could listen to the birds & the sound of the trees gently blowing the leaves through the breeze. All of the time reading & enjoying my childhood! I hope you get out of it what I got out of my “window seat” you are so blessed to have this house & be able to make it your own!🥰

[@aksez2u]

Wow - really love everything about this! Especially the secret tiny table!

[@DeanBluntLover911]

as always, i absolutely love your video. not only do the shots look beautiful, u make everything so much better.. the aura you have is so calming and comfortable, i actually cant put it into words

[@jumpincows]

I mean, if I had a corner like that I would also live there. It’s honestly perfect. The colours, the vibes, the Trivet!! Everything is perfection.

[@ericmcmaster1451]

Wow Ariel. What a gorgeous space you have created yet again. I absolutely loved this window when I viewed the house on-line before you purchased it. It really is absolutely stunning. Good for you for bringing this old girl back to life!!! I'm sure she is so appreciative. I know we all are! Cheers

[@cookieclaygirl77]

Speaking of books---the tshirt you made came in the mail yesterday---it's SO awesome!

[@ArielBissett]

OH MY GOD YAY!! I’m so so glad you like it!! I don’t have mine yet!!

[@abbeyroche2983]

This is straight out of a magical storybook! It’s perfect 😍

[@samanthaturner1836]

every time I see the state of the wood floors I'm blown away. Like I was so scared of all of the carpeting. But to be honest, if that carpeting wouldn't have been put in, you probably wouldn't have such well preserved wood floors. Amazing.

[@abramcollette]

I had to pause the video and comment, that was the most natural and genuine sponsorship that I’ve ever seen. You’re amazing

[@ArielBissett]

Thank you!!! This is a great comment to read because I always want to make sure the sponsorships are cool and not intrusive ♥️ Kotn was super cool to work with!!

[@abramcollette]

@@ArielBissett yes! It fit perfectly. And so glad you could introduce me to the brand🥰 love how this turned out as well🥰 always get excited to see you’ve uploaded 😘

[@dingalingdongly]

Such a cool space, such a beautiful project. Well done 👍

[@Nossairito]

These videos are my safe zone, they never fail to make me calm and happy < 3