Welcome to schooling in the year 2020! Many of us are learning how to teach our children, and some are learning to balance working from home WHILE teaching our children. That’s me, and I feel your pain…:)
While each of my big kids already had a desk in their bedrooms, full-day schooling in that space requires more than what we had. As I work to “remodel” their study spaces, I am sharing some of my favorite inspiration spaces with you! And a few key elements to a fun, functional kids’ study and work space. :)
Images above: left - IG @brynnnora; right - IG @shirabessinteriors
STORAGE: Ample storage is KEY! Even if your kiddos aren’t on a tight Zoom or Google Classroom conferencing schedule, they should be able to access the supplies they need in a hurry. I love the cork board wall (below right - posted by S. Connors on Houzz) - super functional and easy to change out/add lots of different types of storage! I also love a classic cubby shelf. The one below (left - Braun + Adams Interiors via Houzz) is painted a funky cool shade of turquoise! Baskets and doors/drawers allow for customization depending on your child’s’ needs. The upholstered bench and modern chairs are a beautiful balance of traditional and modern decor, and the star pendant light is so fun!
SPACE: Not all of us have enough room for a separate study space, including myself, but there are lots of ways to improvise! An unused nook area, space under the stairs, or a closet space can all be great options. The photos below
(right - IG @theorderlyspace, and left - Kathy Corbet Interiors via Houzz) are great examples of smart usage of space! I love the idea of dividers in the right photo - that can definitely help keep kids focused.
DESK: You can also get very creative when planning out a “desk” space. I adore the treehouse desk in the below right photo! (IG @tanjavanhoogdalem) My son would love to study in a space like that. And the creative desks in the next three photos are on the easier side to build and could be totally customized to fit the space they are in. (Below left - IG @three.little.poppies; bottom left - Dream Kitchens via Houzz; bottom right - Arianna Sabra Interiors via Houzz)
SENSORY DETAILS: The last element to consider is the senses: how does the space feel and sound, what is the vibe, what is your goal? (Besides studying, of course.) No one knows your child better than you! What makes your child learn best: bright colors and lots of stimulating textures, or calming, muted tones and a white noise machine? Do they need a place to get comfy in, or a place to help them stay focused? Little details can make a space really wonderful and personalized for your child.
(Photos below: left - IG @puresaltinteriors, image by @vlentine; right - Allan Ward Architects via Houzz)
Whatever space you have and whatever your budget, there are lots of ways to make your child’s or children’s spaces(s) feel special, cozy, and inviting for the learning ahead!
