Renovations Big and Small to Prep Your Home for the School Year: Part 1
I saw my first school supply commercial last week and part of me panicked, while the other part was super excited since my son is going to school for the first time in the fall! The panicked side is worried about being fully prepared for the chaos to include getting my house in order. Fortunately, I work with a lot of great designers who have been able to help me problem solve and get areas ready for the year. It can be overwhelming, but what better way to kickstart the new school year than with a home makeover? A refreshed space can significantly impact your family's mood and productivity. Over the next few weeks, we are going to dive into some renovation ideas to transform your home into a learning-friendly environment. Let’s start with the study space and mudroom.
Create a Dedicated Study Space
Having a homework area is a key for a successful school year. Study spaces can come in all shapes and sizes, from little nooks with small desks to full dedicated homework areas. No matter where you put the study space, there are a few things you are going to need:
A quiet area: Choose a room or corner free from distractions. If the study area is anywhere near a high traffic area try using a white noise machine or playing soft subtle music in the background. This will help keep everyone focused and on task.
Invest in a comfortable desk and chair: Ergonomics matter, especially for long study sessions. Make sure the chair and desk are sized appropriately to not only the room but the user. If you are working with a small space and an off the shelf desk doesn’t fit, get creative. This can be anything from a floating desk top when space is tight to a custom piece from our sister company, Braemar Cabinetry.
Ample storage: Bookshelves, drawers, and organizers will keep study materials tidy. Creating a mixture of closed storage, drawers and cabinets as well as open storage like floating or open shelving will help keep the space clean while keeping often used items visible and accessible.
Good lighting: Natural light is ideal, but task lighting is essential for setting the mood and evening studies. To add some layered and whimsical lighting, wall mounted sconce or movable LED lights are great for any space.
Make the space welcoming and specific for your child. Just because it is a homework zone, doesn’t mean it can't be fun and inspiring. Consider painting the walls a bold color, try an accent wall with wallpaper or wood accents. Have your child help with the design so they are excited to use the space when it is done.
Revamp Your Mudroom and the Family Command Center
We all know the first room kids enter when they get home is most likely where their stuff is going to go. So, it is important to get that drop zone ready for hectic mornings when you are rushing out the door, and for after-school fatigue when just getting through the front door at a decent hour feels like a victory!
Specify your location. Don’t romanticize this, be realistic. A mudroom is the dream scenario. It is built to be a drop zone. But if you don’t have a mudroom, don’t romanticize a cute little closet on the other side of the house as your catch all space. The reality is your foyer or entryway is where everything will collect. Be realistic. You don’t need much space to make it work for your family. Closed console storage in the entry is not only beautiful but a functional piece where you can store items behind closed doors.
Storage and organization. No matter the space, you at the very least need hooks for coats and backpacks and cute baskets or shelves for shoes. Ideally, you have a bench where shoes can be put on, but there isn’t always room. If you aren’t sure how to make your space work for you, we recommend coming up with a custom solution. We can work with you to figure out what works best for your home without crowding your space.
High-traffic materials. Make sure you are selecting high traffic materials. If your mudroom has hardwood floors or porous material, consider changing to a fun porcelain or ceramic tile. If you have paint on your walls or storage, make sure you go with a high quality high traffic finish that will stand up. Check out Sherwin Williams Scuff Tuff Waterbased Enamel or Benjamin Moore’s Scuff-X.
Next week, we will dive into the kitchen and bedrooms. Ready to make changes now? Contact Marks-Woods today and we can chat through some ideas and solutions to optimize your home for the new school year.
SEE ALSO: Paint Trends: A Fresh Coat for Your Home
