A window seat such as pictured here is a great way to create an enclosed, personal space at the edge of a larger common space. Not only does this allow one to occupy a personal space while remaining connected to the goings-on in the room, but it can also create a place of refuge and outlook where one can remain connected to the outside world at the same time.

When creating a window seat, endevour to make it sufficiently enclosed that one can feel that one is an a somewhat private space.

Also, seek to make the window large enough and the seated person as close as possible to the level of the window, so that one can feel connected to the greater world outdoors as well as being connected to the smaller, more protected indoor world.