How do you make an unfriendly nook interesting?

Question

Small apartment, single guy with a techie lifestyle and tastes that lean a little too IKEA-ey. I'm having trouble with making a particular corner of my apartment "interesting" enough for people to gravitate towards it when I have a bunch of friends over. It's what's supposed to be the eating nook of the place--an extension of the kitchen, linoleum floor, five-foot window overlooking the street outside (but usually with curtains closed for privacy), I'd say no more than 7' by 7'--kitchen to the north, white wall to the south, window to the east, living room to the west. There's a table, nothing fancy, black with silver legs, rectangular, about 4 by 3, a pair of equally spartan chairs.

Any tips to what I can put there (like on the table or on the wall) to make it more people-friendly, without making it look too, um, "girly" (i.e., a vase of living flowers is not the answer)? I'd also rather not buy new furniture, but I guess I could paint the table a friendlier color...

Answer 1

Hang a nice pendent light centered on the table. The circle of light will create a small group gathering space. This is how entertainment venues light tables and booths. It allows the user to be isolated at the same time as being part of the larger party. Lighting is the easiest way to control seating arrangements and traffic areas, especially in small spaces

Answer 2

You might want to check out HGTV.com, they have wonderful ideas. I would suggest that you paint the white wall on the south, I am assuming that it opens up to the living room. Also the table should be in front of the window and keep the curtains open until you need privacy, this will give people something to look at and add light. You need to hang something on the wall you just painted, look around your place, there is probably something there that is reflective of you, sports, etc. Finds something and then frame it, not buying a frame, but using paint or wood. Also do the same thing for the table. Use your imagination.

Answer 3

Fabric and lighting. You can get some incredible drapes for the window. Something opulent like dupioni silk (look at overstock.com) and some great lighting. Hope you have a light fixture over the table. They are easy to replace. Also look at overstock.com for some new furniture. The new thing in tables is the "bar height" table with bar stools. You might also look at the patio furniture. There are a lot of cool tables out there. If you haven't shopped at overstock, you ought to look. Great prices and almost free shipping. Be sure to read the reviews. they are helpful.