Transform Unused Corners into Cozy Floral Oases with Lena Dunham's Design Secrets

When it comes to designing a home, nooks or corners can present awkward areas that feel difficult to decorate. However, when we harness the power of these small spaces, the impact can be stunning. Lena Dunham demonstrates exactly how it's done with the banquette seating in her guest cottage design.

She makes excellent use of a bump-out to build a cozy daybed bathed in patterned fabrics. It features floral walls and large cushions, accented with a pink base and small striped accent pillows. A painted style shade hangs behind the bed. Beneath, a set of white drawers provide extra storage.

Beyond being an intelligent use of space, Lena's layered look features the biggest pattern trend of 2025: a mix of florals and everything else. This cozy, eclectic style taps into the nostalgic desire for more cocooning, characterful interiors we've been seeing across the board this year.

If you love what Lena's done with the place, luckily, recreating her pattern-drenched style relies heavily on personal taste. In other words, if you combine every pattern, material, and style that you love, it's bound to look good.

'To create the perfect nostalgic interior, start by mixing vintage pieces with modern touches to strike a balance between the old and the new,' advises Magdalena Gierasinska, Design Expert at Barker and Stonehouse. She continues: 'Introduce retro furniture, such as mid-century chairs or a classic wooden sideboard.'

Floral room decor looks best when combined with a variety of warm hues.

Magdalena recommends: 'When it comes to color, think earthy tones like mustard yellow, burnt orange, and soft greens to evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia. These tones can be used as accent colors in upholstery or soft furnishings to create a welcoming and cosy environment.'

'Pattern is a hallmark of nostalgic interiors, so embrace bold, retro geometric designs, florals, and classic stripe,' she continues. 'Layering these patterns is key; don’t be afraid to mix a floral throw with geometric cushions or a striped rug. The trick is to keep the color palette consistent across different patterns, so they complement each other. Don’t shy away from using statement pieces. A bold patterned wallpaper with a floral motif or a striking geometric rug can anchor the room.'

Just as important as layering your patterns is layering your fabrics; a varied combination will help to create an interesting look with depth.

Magdalena tells Homes & Gardens: 'Mixing textures is also vital, consider layering velvets with textured linens or wool for depth and comfort. This is a fun, whimsical and joyful look, so take a relaxed approach to styling it. Embrace the imperfections of vintage pieces and layer different textures and colors for a lived-in, cosy vibe that truly feels like home'

With the right patterns, textures, and colors, small spaces can be so much more than their square footage. The right treatment can even transform these corners into our favorite spaces in our homes.