One thing that you will want to do is choose a style for your nook that won't overwhelm the kitchen itself. You want your nook to remain a nook – a special little place to tuck away a table, a desk, a seating area, or even a combination of all of these. Let form follow function here. In other words, decide what you really need your nook to be on a practical level, and then let that idea dictate your design.

For example, do you really need an extra table for eating? If so, then design around that idea that the space will be for eating. If not, then there are no rules that say a nook has to have a table for eating. Let the space serve whatever purpose you want it to serve.

If you do, in fact, want extra space for eating, then go all the way with it. You may want to put in a banquet bench and create something of a booth area. Depending on your family situation, one good idea is to go small with the table – a cozy little place for two or three at the most.

Even with a large family, if you just need a space where one or two can sit down and eat a quick meal, then this might be idea. Or a little table might also be an idea place for a quiet breakfast for mom or dad after the kids have cleared out of the house for the day.

If you nook is large, you might consider a full size table. For many, a nook is where most of the eating in the house actually gets done. If this is so for you, then trying to make your nook into too many things may be a mistake. Let it simply be the principle eating area and don't clutter it up with other objectives.

If you don't need it to be an eating area, then one practical idea for a nook is office space. Again, depending on your family situation, this could be an ideal spot for an office. If you have kids, however, you may find that a nook is not so ideal a spot for a “full-time office.” There are simply too many distractions.

However, it may still be the perfect spot for a small, temporary office. It can be extremely convenient to be able to pay your bills and watch the pot on the stove at the same time. Some also like the idea of combining two very different rooms into essentially one space. This gives both areas a character and a flair that they never would have had otherwise.

Finally, another idea is to make you nook a spot for displaying your favorite items – antiques, art, memorabilia, the kids' creations, etc. Again, if you really want to do something like this, then go whole hog with it and let the space be simply that. Trying to clutter too many “spaces” into a nook is often a mistake. That said, if done simply, a combination of different “spaces” can work for you, but no matter which way you go, it's best to clearly decide on what you want the space to be before you go about filling it up.