By: Catherine Purple Cherry, AIA, LEED-AP, Founder and Principal of Purple Cherry Architects
In recent years, we have seen a shift toward the creation of cozy, intimate spaces that feel like secret retreats within one’s own residence. As the world becomes increasingly fast-paced and open-plan layouts dominate, there is a growing appeal in carving out small, private sanctuaries—each with a distinct character and charm. This trend has created increased demand for “destination rooms” such as winter rooms, dens, libraries, in-home bars, and even speakeasy-inspired hideaways hidden behind moveable bookcases.
These spaces are designed to transport the homeowners and their guests to a micro-environment separate from the rest of the home. Winter rooms, for example, offer cozy corners for fireside reading and relaxation, often adorned with sumptuous textiles, rich wood paneling, and ambient lighting that softens the edges of the room. This is in contrast to the great room, which is designed for large-scale entertaining. Dens and libraries have seen a resurgence as well, blending classic and contemporary aesthetics with curated bookshelves, leather seating, and layered lighting, inviting quiet moments of solitude or shared family reading time.
Moveable bookcases and hidden doorways are reminiscent of classic libraries and old-world homes but have found new appeal in modern residences. These concealed areas may lead to a private bar or intimate sitting area, offering a whimsical, almost cinematic experience. An in-home speakeasy-style bar, for instance, creates a sense of mystique, recalling the Prohibition era while providing a chic, exclusive space to entertain or unwind.
Williams Residence, Maryland
Monochromatic rooms more broadly have emerged as a favored approach to cozy, intimate spaces. They conjure a sense of harmony and focus, where elements from walls to furnishings to décor adheres to a unified palette. By restricting the room’s color scheme, we can create a calming, visually cohesive space that feels tailored and thoughtful. Textural variations within the monochrome—plush velvets, matte walls, and soft throws—enhance the sensory experience, creating a luxurious yet grounded effect.
High-lacquer rooms, often characterized by their glossy walls, reflect this trend toward intimate luxury. The reflective surfaces and high saturation create a sense of depth and mood, enveloping the space in a cocoon of color and sheen. In high-lacquer rooms, monochromatic palettes are frequently employed, allowing for a single color—whether a rich, moody blue, deep emerald, or sophisticated dark grey—to saturate the space fully. The result is an immersive environment that feels at once high-fashion and intensely personal.
The allure of creating a secret or hidden space—a hallmark of both novelty and privacy—is particularly understandable. The motivations behind these destination rooms reflect a desire for moments of refuge and personalization within the home. As our environments become increasingly digital, these spaces offer a counterpoint: an escape from the immediacy of modern life. This results in rooms that are not just places to pass through but spaces to linger, savor, and cherish. Whether it’s a snug library, a monochromatic retreat, or a hidden bar, these spaces are designed as little luxuries that elevate daily life. They speak to an aesthetic of quiet sophistication, a desire for personal retreat, and a taste for timeless, understated indulgence.