The school year has started, and that probably means your kids are doing their homework: sprawled on the bed, on the couch in front of the TV, on the floor, or at the dining room table. It probably also means their stuff is everywhere and the distractions are making it hard from them to properly concentrate. You can address the mess, and give them a dedicated space to study, even if your place doesn't have a separate home office option.
No matter where you create your study area, make sure you stick it well. Having everything they need on hand will help keep them on task and eliminate excuses for getting up. That means notebooks, pens and pencils, a pencil eraser, a calculator, and also a comfy, supportive chair, and task lighting if the existing lighting isn't bright enough.
Borrow the bedside
With a bed, dresser, and two nightstands, it may seem like there's no place in your child's room for a desk. There may be if you ditch one of those nightstands. A small desk placed next to the bed can double as a place to keep her phone and bedside lamp, and the less matchy-matchy look will invite some eclectic style.
Overhaul the hallway
"American standards call for a minimum 36-in.-wide hallway in most circumstances," said Houzz. So, if your home is blessed with an extra-wide one, you may have a study area in the making. Find a long, narrow desk so it doesn't impede passage.
Create a cool nook
Maybe you just think you don't have a proper spot for a study area. What about the space next to your fireplace? You know, the one that's meant to house your TV. The TV you put over the fireplace. You can easily and inexpensively turn that nook into a chic study space that will look like it was meant to be used that way. Check out all these desktop options for under $100 at IKEA.
Make smart space decisions
We love this built-in desk just adjacent to the kitchen, especially with the lively pop of yellow. Your floorplan may not be able to accommodate this, but you can get creative with a modern secretary desk that looks sleek, gives you some needed storage, and has a drop-down desk that folds away when not in use.
Clean out the closet
A hall closet or unneeded closet in an extra bedroom can beautifully transform into a great study area, and the best part is that it all disappears when you close the doors.
Tailor the table
Having your child hunkered down at the dining room for homework time may not be ideal, but it also may be your only or best option. You can help him stay organized and minimize the chaos with creative storage solutions. A banquette offers hidden storage that could be a great answer for all the supplies your child needs for daily homework and studying. If that's not a reality, a fully-stocked bin they can take out of a pantry or cabinet and return when they are done is an easy answer for quick cleanups.
Written by Jaymi Naciri
Nancy M. Alexander - Stone Harbor and Avalon NJ Real Estate NancyAlexander.com
