Is it any wonder that kids’ schoolwork seems to get done more often on a comfy sofa or at a bustling kitchen island than in a dedicated hidden-away study space? Being closer to the action of the household means it’s easier to ask questions and get help — a decidedly good thing. But without a clearly defined place to land, books, notes and school supplies can easily become a chaotic mess. If your house has a homework problem, read on to get ideas for beautifully folding study areas into the busiest spaces of your home.
Dining Area Additions
The dining table can be a great place for spreading out big projects — but such a big surface also can mean a bigger mess. In this space by Clare Gaskin Interiors, a slim bookcase and low cabinets with deep drawers make cleanup easy — when it’s time for dinner, schoolbooks can simply be shelved and papers stashed in a drawer.
The dining table can be a great place for spreading out big projects — but such a big surface also can mean a bigger mess. In this space by Clare Gaskin Interiors, a slim bookcase and low cabinets with deep drawers make cleanup easy — when it’s time for dinner, schoolbooks can simply be shelved and papers stashed in a drawer.
Custom Island
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel and would like to incorporate space for doing homework, consider adding a sleek hidden shelf to the island, as shown in this space by Irons McDuff Architecture. Kids can work at the island and simply slide books and papers out of sight when the space is needed for cooking. A hidden outlet beneath the counter for charging laptops and other devices would be a helpful finishing touch.
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel and would like to incorporate space for doing homework, consider adding a sleek hidden shelf to the island, as shown in this space by Irons McDuff Architecture. Kids can work at the island and simply slide books and papers out of sight when the space is needed for cooking. A hidden outlet beneath the counter for charging laptops and other devices would be a helpful finishing touch.
Banquette Storage
Another smart kitchen remodeling move is to add banquette seating with hidden storage for stashing books and supplies. Storage compartments accessible from the side or front (as shown here) are more practical than a seat that lifts — no need for someone to clear the bench to get supplies.
Another smart kitchen remodeling move is to add banquette seating with hidden storage for stashing books and supplies. Storage compartments accessible from the side or front (as shown here) are more practical than a seat that lifts — no need for someone to clear the bench to get supplies.
Back-of-Door Homework Holder
Wherever your kids do their homework, it’s important to have a dedicated spot for collecting any papers and materials that need to make their way back to school. One sneaky option is to attach a few sturdy hooks and baskets to the back of a hall closet door — backpacks can be hung up top, homework and library books below.
Wherever your kids do their homework, it’s important to have a dedicated spot for collecting any papers and materials that need to make their way back to school. One sneaky option is to attach a few sturdy hooks and baskets to the back of a hall closet door — backpacks can be hung up top, homework and library books below.
Kitchen Workstation
A desk has the advantage of not needing to be cleared midproject when dinner is ready. If you would prefer a desk but without the isolation (and space commitment) of a dedicated office, consider adding a workstation to the kitchen. In this space by TVL Creative, a double desk adjacent to the kitchen provides plenty of space for spreading work out, as well as ample storage for hiding the mess when someone wants to clean up quickly.
Content provided by Laura Gaskill at Houzz.com
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