If you’ve ever been navigating your way through a neighborhood or trying to describe where a piece of furniture is placed and heard someone say “kitty corner,” you might have found yourself wondering what that actually means.
While the term sounds like it has something to do with cats (because, let’s face it, everything great involves cats), “kitty corner” is actually a home design term that’s both practical and playful. As someone who loves both design and language, I’m here to explain this fun and quirky phrase—and how it can be applied to your home!
What Does “Kitty Corner” Really Mean?
In the context of home design and interior decorating, “kitty corner” refers to a diagonal placement of an object or space in relation to another. It’s often used to describe the positioning of furniture or the layout of a room. For example, if your couch is placed at a diagonal to the walls of your living room, you could say it’s positioned “kitty corner” to the rest of the room. It’s an easy way to convey that something is set at an angle, rather than directly against the wall or at a right angle to another piece.
The beauty of the term is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can apply “kitty corner” to rooms, furniture, or even the placement of artwork on the walls. In design, it can help create a more dynamic, flowing layout that avoids the rigidity of straight lines and gives a room a bit of personality.
The History Behind “Kitty Corner”
The story of “kitty corner” goes back centuries, and as with many idiomatic expressions, the history behind it is a little murky. One popular theory is that the phrase comes from the French term cater-cornered (sometimes spelled quatre-cornered), which refers to something being placed at an angle, or across from another point, like the four corners of a square. Over time, cater-cornered morphed into “kitty corner” in American English, perhaps because it was easier to say and more fun to use!
There’s also a possibility that “kitty” could refer to the idea of a small, playful, or sneaky thing, like a cat. Imagine a cat darting from one corner of the room to the other, creating the perfect image for something positioned in a diagonal direction.
Using “Kitty Corner” in Home Design
Now that we’ve uncovered the meaning of “kitty corner,” let’s explore how you can use this term to your advantage in your own home design. Here are a few fun examples of how to incorporate “kitty corner” into your space:
- Furniture Arrangement:
Want to make your living room feel less stiff and more inviting? Try placing your couch kitty corner to the walls, creating a more dynamic, open flow in the space. This can also encourage conversation and make the room feel more cozy and lived-in. - Room Layout:
If you have a spacious room with multiple windows, positioning furniture kitty corner to the walls can help maximize natural light and create a balanced, attractive focal point. - Artwork Placement:
You can also use the concept of kitty corner to place art or mirrors at an angle on the wall, breaking up the symmetry and adding a touch of interest to a gallery wall or space with minimal decor. - Entryway Design:
Want to make a grand entry into your home? Try arranging furniture or decorative items kitty corner to the entrance, adding a welcoming, non-traditional vibe as guests walk in. - Playful, Cozy Corners:
If you’ve got a reading nook or a cozy corner of your home, placing a chair kitty corner to a window can help capture natural light while maintaining a sense of openness and comfort in the space.
Why “Kitty Corner” Adds Charm to Your Space
While straight lines and uniformity have their place in home design, “kitty corner” arrangements add a sense of warmth and playfulness. It’s a great way to create movement in a room and make spaces feel less rigid. Whether you’re designing a modern minimalist home or a cozy cottage, using kitty corner arrangements in your layout can introduce character and personality, making your space feel more dynamic.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it—the next time you’re giving directions or describing something that’s diagonally across from another, you can confidently use the phrase “kitty corner.” It’s a delightful, fun expression with roots in language history, and it’s sure to add a bit of playful charm to any conversation. Whether you’re talking about your favorite coffee shop or your best friend’s house, remember to throw in a “kitty corner” for that perfect touch of fun!
Now, go ahead—use “kitty corner” in your next chat. I promise, you’ll sound like an expert!
