It’s pretty hard to believe that we’re already in August – and people are talking about kids going back to school. So many major differences in this, and how kids will be impacted in their spaces.
Image: Love Create Celebrate
Let’s recognize and acknowledge the importance of creating safe, functional, motivating, and inspiring workspaces, stations, rooms, areas, or zones. I have decided to focus on How to bring happy into your kids work from home space! And, I want to highlight the
5 Tips for fun and function:
Image: Decor Pad
- L I G H T
Lighting for a desk space should include a natural source from a window if possible, to improve mood and productivity. An adjustable desk lamp or articulating task lamp with shade to diffuse harsh glare, and even smaller clamp-on lights for the approaching darker days are all great choices. If you can, hardwire the rooms main overhead source to a dimmer. Using a dimmer will help eliminate eye strain, reduce electricity, and add energy.
Image: remodelaholic
Use cool white LEDs where possible to best create natural and long-lasting light. LED’s are also better for the environment and are cost-efficient. A bright white is best.
Ultimately, you want the whole space lit, and you want to avoid blue light, glare and shadows.
Image: DecorPad
- L A Y O U T
Your layout is important to plan along with lighting. Consider where your natural light source is, as computer screens will likely create screen glare. You can avoid shadows by positioning your child’s work station facing either North or South. And if your windows receive direct sunlight, make sure to have window coverings to reduce heat and diffuse light.
Image: The Spruce
The layout includes the flow and functionality of the workstation. Accessibility via safe and comfortable seating, desk height, storage options, ability to organize, portability if required and multi-functional space is all-important.
Image: Jess Davis via Instagram
Kids don’t need much space, but by utilizing a nook or niche in your home, a blank wall or some space under the stairs, even a rolling or portable desk, you can create a quiet space that is uniquely theirs and suits the layout of your home as well as the functionality of your space.
Image: Nesting with Grace
- W O R K T O P/ B E N C H/ S T A T I O N
Permanent fixtures are ultimately the best solution to providing a happy study from home space. So, if you have the room or an area to create something special, I encourage you to do it!
Some examples of desktop or workstation ideas include a shelf desk, folding desk, ladder desk, floating desk, suspended desk (using rope or cable), bench desk, and tabletop.
Do you have an old closet that can be repurposed into a quiet little space where your littles can retreat, AND get their studies done? Do you want to put their desks away? Look for old portable school desks and move them from room to room. Countertops and Dining Tables work too.
If you have a trolley or storage boxes to put their items into, I highly recommend personalizing these items with paint, pictures, pattern, texture, and accessories…
Image: bhg
PRO TIP: Organization is your friend for your kids’ study station. Look for shelving, magnetic boards, pin boards, peg boards, storage containers and trays, desk sorters and organizers, hanging hooks and baskets, buckets, cubbies, caddies and desk pads.
Image: Woohome
- S E A T I N G
Seating should be comfortable, and safe. Kids wiggle around a lot! Maybe you want something with straps? (I’m kidding!!)
Image: Clean and Scentsible
Anyway, you can look for anything from stools and chairs with armrests to lumbar support, to exercise balls to modern and ergonomically designed. I’m going to suggest you utilize a study chair. Specific to the task, they are meant to support and be comfortable. Kids will feel grown-up, and you can add touches like pillows or cushions if they need/want it.
** For kids with really short attention spans, you can get sensory cushions with extra contact points. See www.funandfunction.com
- S T I M U L A T I O N
Stimulation in the form that works best for your children. If your child loves …(fill in the blank), then decorate and design the workstation around what motivates them and gives them JOY! Their productivity will increase when it’s aesthetically pleasing and will maximize learning in an environment that is comfortable, familiar, clutter-free, and has few distractions.
Image: Home My Design
Designing a space that stimulates and contributes to their home study routine is similar to how you’d create your own zone! And this is where I leave you! (But not really!)
Image: Livable
Pro Tip: colour, using different materials, personalizing the space, using attractive storage, creating ownership, and collaborating with Mom and Dad, are contributing, stimulating factors.
I encourage you to use the above tips in how to bring happy into your kids work from home space! Then do me a favour, tell me all about what you did, and how it worked for you! I’d love to hear from you! J
Image: Extra Space
Lastly, let me know if you need help. Source places like magazines and Pinterest to get ideas. Use Mood boards and take your kids with you to shop for their special furniture and goodies. Have fun with it, OK?!
