Creating the perfect sanctuary for a student to complete their homework has a lot to do with their maturity and the general environment of the home. There is no single solution that will work for every child. However, each of the best formulas has a few key ingredients in common such as it must be:
Many children prefer to work in their own bedrooms because it is their personal space and generally the one location they have decorated in accordance to their own stylistic preferences. This is great for students who have high levels of personal responsibility and are able to moderate their behavior and focus without parental reminders.
A computer desk can be purchased for larger bedrooms to create an orderly space for research, typing term papers, and completing homework by hand. These are often available in finishes that will match or compliment the rest of the bedroom furniture so the room maintains a cohesive dcor. A matching chair placed on an accent rug can further define the area.
A loft bed is ideal as a space saving solution. It allows the bed to be moved out of the way so that it is not taking up valuable floor space. A desk unit may be included with the bed or one can be installed beneath it in a similar finish. Some bunkbeds can be converted into desks by removing the lower bunk. This will depend greatly on the type of bed and the level of do it yourself experience of the person making the modifications.
The kitchen is a fantastic option for many young children as well as older children who have more difficulty staying focused on their studies when left alone. A small desk can be added to the kitchen if there is any available wall space. Alternatively, a kitchen island with bar space or a drop leaf can be installed to provide the needed workspace. Larger kitchens that have a kitchen table can be designated homework zones for specific hours each day.
Regardless of where the specific homework area is located, it will most likely require creative storage of the needed art, school, and technology supplies. Printers and other large devices can be stored away in cabinetry along with clear or decorative boxes that are filled and labeled with specific supplies. These can be accesses and moved to the workspace as needed. For this type of multipurpose design, it would be beneficial to have students work on a laptop or tablet with a Bluetooth keyboard in order to allow all computer equipment to easily be removed from site when study time is over.
A family room is another excellent location to design a dedicated homework space. The room is typically underused until after dinner on most days and has more room than most kitchens or bedrooms. It is also easy to find furniture that compliments the style of most family rooms and that can be multifunctional for more than one member of the family.
Executive desks, bookcase desks, writing desks, computer desks, and hutches all come in a wide variety of sizes and finishes. This makes it easy to find a piece that will not only serve as a functional retreat for students in need of a designated work space, but also as a command center for adults to pay bills and complete work from home. If more than one person will be using the desk be sure to create individual storage and filing solutions for each member of the family who may use it. This will minimize disagreements and ensure the area is kept neat for the next person.
No matter what area of the home your family decides to utilize to create a homework haven, it can be a stylish and functional part of your home. It is important for children to have a consistent work space to complete their assigned homework and where they are encouraged to explore intellectual interests on their own.
