Two weeks ago, I talked about getting your home ready for the school year with mudroom updates and study areas. This week, we are looking at kitchens and bedrooms. A good night’s rest and a great morning breakfast are essential for the school year. Here are some small and large changes to keep your student (and yourself!) on track:

Kitchen Upgrades for Busy Mornings

Getting your kitchen ready for the upcoming school year is super important and can involve anything from a few storage tweaks to a full overhaul. Here’s what to consider:

• Efficient workspace: Ensure ample counter space for meal prep and lunches. Busy mornings involve preparing multiple meals and snacks for multiple people all at once. You need space for this. If you feel like you don’t have enough space, consider relocating some of your countertop appliances to open up room or using the dining room table.

• Smart storage: Utilize pantry and cabinet space effectively. Time to grab a donation bag or trash bag and just purge. You need as much space as possible so trash anything that’s expired or donate what you don’t use. The City of Alexandria has multiple programs that are always looking for donations, such as ALIVE! 

Consider an overhaul. If small tweaks aren’t working, this may be time to consider a full kitchen renovation. This can be as simple as pulling and replacing your current cabinetry, appliances and finishes or as exciting as moving walls, reconfiguring and reimagining your kitchen space. If you aren’t sure, Marks-Woods is a full service design-build firm and general contractor so we can help you with everything from material selection, architectural design, space planning and of course, final construction.

Optimize Bedrooms for Sleep and Study

• Study nook: If space allows, create a small study area within the bedroom. At the very least, find a way to incorporate a bookshelf, whether that’s floating or on the floor. 

• Declutter and organize: A tidy room promotes a clear mind.  Purge clothes that don’t fit. Toys they don’t play with should be donated. Make a place for everything. The Container Store is amazing but if you want something more permanent, consider custom built-ins or cabinetry from somewhere like Braemar Cabinetry. 

• Make sure the bed is the right size and the mattress is in good shape. Getting a good night's sleep is key to success. Make sure they fit in the bed and the mattress is giving them the right support for the growing brains and bodies. 

• Lighting is important. You need really good lighting in the study area, then maybe something more subtle or with a dimmer for the nightstand. If space is limited, consider a wall sconce next to the bed and/or over the desk. There are some great no cord, battery operated options that let you install without hiring an electrician or seeing an ugly cord. 

• Wallpaper, wall mural or paint can transform a room. This can spark a kid’s imagination and make the space feel like their own. If your child is constantly changing what they are in to, maybe consider wall decals or temporary wallpaper so their room can grow and evolve with them.

Remember: Small changes can make a big difference. Prioritize what's most important to your family's needs and budget. Whether it's a complete overhaul or a few strategic updates, our team can help. Contact us today and we can chat through some ideas and solutions to optimize your home for the new school year. (Oh, and we know how hard parenting is; designing a relaxing space where mom can retreat will always be included on our home reno solution lists).

SEE ALSO: Renovations Big and Small to Prep Your Home for the School Year: Part 1