As the seasons change, we all crave a cozy spot in our home to unwind. Here are a few quick and easy ways you can use color to help carve out a comfortable space inside and outside your home to read, relax or regroup as the weather starts to get cooler.

A Bright Idea for Readers

As the days become shorter, curling up with a good book is something worthy of its own space. Start with a room that offers some privacy and paint the walls a light shade to help brighten the area for easy reading. Choose a corner and bring in a few bookcases and your favorite reading lamp. Give the shelves a new, modern look with a coat of white or off-white paint. Now you have the perfect, peaceful home library!

Pop-Up Patio Privacy

Repurpose some wood pallets or pick up some fresh lumber to form a "pop-up" patio privacy screen that offers a nice blend of modern and rustic. Stain it with a Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck^® semi-transparent or solid colored finish to help it blend with your natural surroundings and to ensure long-lasting performance all year round. Accenting your new outdoor look with one or more warm, earth-toned accessories is a great way to create a rustic fall retreat.

Warm Up the Bath

To beat winter's chill, there's no better escape than to a warm, steamy bath. The right color can transform your master bath into a spa-like retreat. Start with a wall color that brings the fading summer sun indoors. If you have a window, natural light can help make the space seem bigger and add nuance to the color within the room. Add the perfect finishing touches by bringing in your favorite reading materials, bath towels, and yes... the candles.

A Private Escape

A nook can become a great at-home getaway for reading, phone calls or just a space to unwind. To ensure it stands out, match your nook area to your wall and personalize it with contrasting accessories. This way the space will feel private, but still be a natural extension of the room as well. In terms of color, lighter shades in a darker room can add needed light for spaces without windows... a good idea for you avid readers. If you want to add some dimension to the room, paint the inside of the nook in a contrasting color.