WHERE TO DO HOME WORK
Setting up A desk thAt’s inviting
Creating the ultimate homework station where kids will enjoy spending a good amount of time reading, learning, exploring new ideas and using their imagination is no easy feat. Interior designer Lucie Pitt recommends finding somewhere they can concentrate first. Depending on their age and how much help they need studying or doing their homework, the spot should either be in a communal area, like a kitchen or living room, or at a desk in their own room.
“Turn a corner of their bedroom into a dedicated study and homework space. If there are enough dressers in the room to store clothes and the closet isn’t used as much, repurpose it to create a desk area,” suggests Pitt, the designer behind Versa Style Design.
“Fit shelves inside the closet to make full use of the height, so that school supplies and books can be stored on them, and use a ceiling light, mural lamp or reading light to light the space.”
If the area is in a communal space, like the kitchen, dining or living room, choose multi-purpose furniture that blends in seamlessly with the rest of the decor.
“What’s most important when creating a workspace in a communal area is adaptability. Choose multi-purpose furniture like the mission modular system pop-up desk that can go from breakfast in the morning to an essay in the afternoon,” said Mathieu Després, a visual presentation specialist with Pottery Barn.
“It even has a hidden compartment that hides your cords and stows your cellphone and smaller desk accessories, so the surface isn’t too crowded.”
The most essential element of any desk, whether it’s for kids or adults, is organization.
“The first assignments might be tough, but getting organized doesn’t need to be. Try combining wall storage above the desk for stationery, a desk organizer for papers and a corkboard for a schedule,” Pitt suggested. “Use solid-coloured, matching boxes to hide things that aren’t used often and dedicate a couple of shelves to a few decorative objects as well.”
Vertical storage such as shelves above a desk make the most of the space that’s available and help accentuate the height of a room. They can also provide an opportunity to create an eye-catching design.
“Whether your home office is large or small, you need to create a streamlined area that flows well and has plenty of integrated storage,” Després said.
“Use a combination of vertical and horizontal fixtures to optimize your space.
“Add vertical storage by hanging floating shelves to accommodate equipment, paper and decorative elements, and spread out horizontally with modular office furniture, additional cabinets and/or side tables.”
Set up the workspace next to a window and take advantage of the natural light during the day, but use layered lighting — like overhead lights paired with smaller task lighting — to help kids stay productive and transition from day to night easily.
“Make sure there’s a direct light shining on the desktop, as well as some mood lighting for ambience. A well-lit environment helps concentration and relieves eye strain,” Pitt said.
“If you can, set up the workspace next to a window. You can also recreate daylight using light bulbs that have a similar light spectrum to natural sunshine.”
Because you don’t want the seating to be the reason the kids are doing their homework on the couch, select a good quality chair that’s both comfy and supportive.
“You should be able to move with ease between the different parts of the study area, and your chair plays a big role in that,” Després said. “Choose one that’s comfortable and can turn and roll easily, to make the most of long work sessions.”
Whether for a child or an adult, a home office/workstation should be something comfortable in which they enjoy spending time.
“We suggest adding pillows and throws on chairs, and a rug on the floor, to make the area feel cosy. If you have the space, add a bookshelf with a mix of useful and personal items,” Després added.
“Personal photos in pretty frames are always a must — and books, artwork and flowers can make a space feel alive, as well as be very inspiring. Lastly, paperweights or storage boxes with original colours, textures and shapes will add life to the desk.”
Finally, having a nice trash bin and recycling basket nearby will not only encourage everyone to clean up, but also to stay organized.