One Room Challenge: Kid’s Homework Station Reveal
Triple Kid’s Homework Station Design
If this is your first time here, welcome! I’m Kristin, an interior designer, and owner of Postbox Designs, an E-Design company working for clients all over the country. Full disclosure-I’m usually in the comfort of my bed under the covers! I’m also wife to Ben (who owns a remodeling company-you can see how this is a useful skill for his designer wife!) and proud mama of three bear cubs. Which lead me to my latest project…
It is here! I can fiiiiiiianlly reveal the big project I have been working on for the last few weeks! It is Week #6 of the Calling it Home Challenge where I have taken our boring white hallway and transformed it into something useable. We removed dozens of dusty glass shelves, track lighting, and stained carpet, and turned it into a homework area with a triple desk for our three baby cakes. This project has been so much fun, and it has been chock full of DIY projects and simple but fun ideas. And now it is done! Wanna check it out with me? Come on, I’ll walk you through it! If you missed the first five weeks, get caught up on all of the behind-the-scences, tutorials, hints, and more HERE
P.S. If you want to take home one of these goodies for your own house, check out the bottom of this post where I have a link to (almost) all of the items you see!
Create a Homework Center or Kid’s Activity Table
I wanted to do a neutral space (which is hard for me because I adore color!) mostly because it is right off the front entry. I didn’t want the space to scream “I have kids so I need primary colors everywhere!”. I also wanted a farmhouse meets industrial vibe. But most importantly, something very practical, durable, and useful. From the beginning I loved the idea of a triple desk for our three kids, so I found this beauty at Ikea-I love the warm walnut top and sturdy, industrial legs. Then I paired it up with three Target chairs that also had an industrial vibe. We also swapped out our outdated track lights for this little gem of a ceiling light fixture. A small change made a big difference!
The biggest project for this space was the shiplap wall. Find out more about this project in Week #3 but we basically cut down 8′ pieces of MDF and nailed them to the wall for an inexpensive, easy farmhouse look. I painted it a soft white color, and that became the feature wall of the space. We also ripped out the old, stained white carpet (White carpet?! Kids? Um, right…) and replaced it with wideplank, handscraped hickory floors. What was that? You need to see the horrible, strange “Before” picture? Sure! Check it out HERE. I’ll wait for you…
Homework Station DIY Kid’s Decor Project Ideas
Free Kid’s Art Ideas for their Homework or Craft Table
One of my favorite mini projects for this space was these Restoration Hardware Knock-Off Vintage Flashcards. For the tutorial of how to create them for FREE for yourself, check it out HERE. Since I was making them myself I decided to purposefully choose words that teach character like “honest/true”, “brave/valiant”, and “kind/gentle”. (Now isn’t that just a mom thing to do, include a life lesson for her kids?!). I ended up only framing one, so I will occasionally swap them out for my other words. And my kids were over-the-moon excited to see this crazy little gold bulldog tape dispenser! You gotta have fun when designing a kid’s space…
Budget Friendly + Free DIY Kid’s Decor Ideas
Early on I decided not to do drawers in the homework station for a couple of reasons. First of all, I wanted this space to be budget-friendly, so it helped cut down on costs to do a table-like desk. But also, we do have a mudroom where my kid’s keep their backpacks and school things. We also have a nearby “craft closet” for their supplies (believe me, that NEEDS to be behind closed doors, I may not open those doors if you come to my house to visit!). So this area didn’t need tons of storage. Instead I chose two industrial wire baskets for simple, accessible storage.
So because I have three kids, I have this strange thing with wanting sets of three when I design their spaces. Yes, I know they can share…but doing triple the fun is just, well-fun! So we installed these three sconces. They came in a bronze finish but were a great price, so I snatched them up and painted them black. I also painted some existing frames black and popped in a photo of each kiddo over their spot. No excuses for fighting over whose chair is whose!
DIY Painted Rug Tutorial
You can catch a glimpse of it above, but I wanted to use some sort of rug to ground the space. I have had this crazy obsession with the swiss cross pattern lately (if you are one of my clients you might have seen it pop into your designs!), but I couldn’t find the perfect rug at the right price for my space. So I decided to make one myself. I have an entire DIY tutorial of how I created this rug for just $20. Check it out in Week #4.
I found some more industrial elements, like this fan and wire baskets. This striped pencil caddy will corral all of the loose pens, pencils, and crayons (depending on who is using the space!). I found all of them at my beloved Target.
My favorite find were these periodic table inspired monogram pillows. Anyone who knows me knows my absolute weakness for anything monogrammed. Guilty as charged. But as a former biochem major nerd, I was giddy to find these as an ode to all of those chemistry classes I took in college. I grabbed each kiddo’s intial. By the way, if you want to know where any of these items came from, check it all out in Week #2
DIY No Sew Curtains for a Kid Space
In Week #4 I showed you how I made these no-sew DIY curtains from seersucker duvets. And because some kids don’t learn best at a desk, we added this beanbag chair (with a buddy, Mr. Bear to snuggle). It can be a mini reading spot or a place to take a break for awhile. My eye of course goes right to our ugly louvered doors-those are a “someday” project to swap out!
Homework Center + Kid’s Craft Table on a Budget
So here is the space again! It really is a fairly simple set-up but it works SO well for our family! We are an arts and crafts family and we constantly had half-finished projects on the dining room table that I would always get in trouble for moving. Now we have an out of the way place to let them work on their masterpieces. Plus for my oldest two who are in school, this is a great homework station. It is far away from the main house areas to give them some quiet, but close enough that I can stop by and help them. Common Core Math anyone else?! And our beloved Jasper wanted to be part of the photoshoot, affectionately known as The Beast in our house.
And finally…time to try it out! I think it’s a success. Don’t let this cutie pie fool you though, she’s the one who is going to use that red marker on the walls one day. And that’s why we buy washable markers people.
Kid’s Triple Homework Station Mood Board
For all of my clients I always create a Mood Board and Perspective, so I wanted to practice what I preach! I made a few changes along the last six weeks but here was the vision:
And the final space based off the above Mood Board:
Grab the Homework Station Design Sources Here
I have the entire Mood Board + Shopping List for my entire Kid’s Homework Station hanging out in my Free Resource Library. If you are already a member you can find it all right HERE (just use your password)
Not a member yet? No problem! If you want to check out my Homework Station sources AND see even more Design Freebies such as Mood Boards, Shopping Lists, and Guides, then you are in luck! I have all the freebies in my FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY for just about every room of your house. You can get free 24/7 access to it all right here:
When you sign up you also get an exclusive $50 off any Postbox Designs project (this is the only place you will find that!) if you want to work with me on any project in your home:
Thank-you for everyone who joined me on this journey, I hope I gave you some ideas for your own space! Ours is in a hallway, but maybe you can fit a homework area into the corner of a bedroom, in a rarely used closet, or a space in the kitchen. A huge thank-you to Linda from Calling It Home who is the miracle worker and hosts this Challenge twice a year. Check out all of the other projects on her blog and get ready to be inspired!
Have questions on anything you have seen? Or how you can work with me via Online Interior Design? You can check out How It Works or just email me at kristin@postboxdesigns.com
Erin @ Lemons, Lavender, & Laundry says
I am absolutely in love with this space. Everything is just perfect. I love the table and chairs, the pillows and photos. Beautiful job!
PostboxDesigns says
Erin thanks so much! I was happy with how it turned out and I loved doing ORC-I’m so doing it again!
Lisa @ferncreekcottage says
I love, love, love this space! The colors, the style and all the great accessories! Wonderful job! I hope your kids love it too (well probably not the doing homework part) 🙂
PostboxDesigns says
Lisa, thanks so much for the kind words! I was kinda hoping if it was a pretty space they would be more excited about homework…right! I’ll let you know how THAT goes! 🙂
Amy Dowling says
Gorgeous space: simple, clean and beautifully styled. Love it!
PostboxDesigns says
Amy thanks so much! It was the first time I went all neutral for a room-I think I’m going to do it again somewhere!
Justynn says
This reminds me of a homework area that Joanna from Fixer Upper did. I love hers and I love yours! The rug was truely a good DIY!
PostboxDesigns says
Thank-you-I love Fixer Upper so that is a compliment for sure! 🙂 I’m happy with how the rug turned out-I think it will be fairly indestructible with my three little ones!
Sabrina @ Pink Little Notebook says
This space turned out amazing! Such a dramatic change. Love everything you did.
Elise says
I love this space sooooo much!!!!!! It turned out beautifully! xx
PostboxDesigns says
Thanks Elise, I’m happy how it turned out…and that it is DONE!
Deb says
I love this so much! what a clever idea, and its done so beautifully! Pinned! Great job!
PostboxDesigns says
Thanks Deb! Let’s hope the kids think it’s cool enough for homework 🙂
amanda says
This is such as great use of the space! Great job.
PostboxDesigns says
Thank-you Amanda-it works so much better for us then a weird hallway area!
Vel says
I’ve never seen Homework area in ORC before, but you made me want to have one! Fabulous job! Congrats and CHEERS to us for another space done!
PostboxDesigns says
Thanks so much! My hubby and I were joking that HE has been using it just as much as the kids-at least it’s working for us! 🙂
Nancy @ Slightly Coastal says
Great job! It is so fun to see the finished project. I’m sure this is going to be a space for your family to enjoy for years to come. I know my boys are loving our new family space. Have a great weekend!
Nancy
PostboxDesigns says
Nancy thanks so much! I just checked out yours-it is gorgeous, what a change, I hope you guys are LOVING your new space!!
ashley@biggerthanthethreeofus says
I love that you were able to make a functional space for the kids and have it not be crazy kid colors! I need to do this so badly. I adore the shiplap wall and all the details.
PostboxDesigns says
Thanks so much Ashley-I agree, not all kid spaces have to be crazy colors but can still be fun! I hope you are able to do one too! 🙂
Maggie @ Maggie Overby Studios says
This cam out so cute. These pass trough spaces can so easily get over looked but this is a great use for the space. I’ve slowly been working my way down the links for the ORC and am so impressed with everyone’s projects. So good!
PostboxDesigns says
Thanks Maggie! I know, me too-I’m trying to check out each ORC. Thanks for the kudos, we are happy with how it turned out and they love using it already!
Wanda @ From House To Home says
Hi Kristin…Your homework area looks beautiful! And it’s such a great use of space…hopefully it will inspire your kids to want to do their homework 🙂
PostboxDesigns says
Thanks Wanda, that’s what I was hoping too-that they will just run here to do their homework every day ….a mom can dream! 🙂
Mila says
I am sure your kids will enjoy this space tremendously. It looks great!
PostboxDesigns says
Thanks Mila, it has already been a great area for them!
zan says
Sigh! This is beautiful! I bet the kids love it as much as I love seeing it! Those monogrammed pillows are gorgeous and that DIY rug! I love how you kept the space simple with little clutter. Bummer, I wanted to see a shot of the craft room:)
Preciously Me says
Love the area you created! And all the nice quotes in the frames are just beautiful 🙂
Congratulations for the amazing job!
Lauren says
That’s such a neat idea!! Everything works so well and that table is from ikea?! Oh ikea how I love thee. Looks awesome!
Lauren | Lovely Decor
Xx
Jessica says
I love this little study and all the practical DIY’s. This reveal is one of my favorites. Love!
Tara @ Lehman lane says
Your kids homework area looks absolutely fantastic Kristin! Love the ship lap wall, the lights and the long desk! It’s perfect!
Tilisa says
I love this idea! Now I want to find a hallway or space in our home to do this with. I love the color scheme too, and I am usually a color person! Great job!
PostboxDesigns says
Thanks so much! I think even a little nook somewhere would work…I’m so happy to have a space out of my kitchen for homework! 🙂
Lizzie @ Living Pretty says
Kristin, your space turned out so cute! Your kiddos must be thrilled!
Kathy says
Wow! It looks fantastic. You used the space so well, the details are so good. I bet your kids are extra motivated to do homework now.
Natalie says
I love this space!! We are turning our dining room into a homework room for our five kiddos. Do you have a link for this desk from IKEA? I searched the website, but only found smaller ones. This would work perfectly in our space.
PostboxDesigns says
Hi Natalie! Great idea-your kids are going to love it! I love have a specific spot they can call their own. Here is the link to the top-it comes in two sizes-I used the 98″ size for three kids. If you needed larger you could probably put two together or have someone create one for you out of walnut ply-but it is hard to beat the price of $189! You can get a desk top in a dozen different finishes. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10301149/ In case you need it, here is the link for the legs, which you buy additionally: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80130776/
Natalie says
Thank you so much! I think this size will be perfect since I currently only have three with homework!
McKenzi says
Hi, I am thinking of building this beautiful desk but I’m wondering if you feel like the middle section needs some additional support or if the 2 legs/stands support the weight well enough?
PostboxDesigns says
Hey! Great question! So mine is from Ikea (top and the legs) and the top is fairly light considering the size. With mine, two legs have been just fine. In fact, with the Ikea version, you don’t even screw in the legs, the top just rests on them. If you are building it yourself and are using a heavy piece of wood I think adding in an extra middle support is NEVER a bad idea! I would love to see what it looks like when you are done 🙂 Cheers!
Lisa says
Hi! I would like to create a double duty space in my dining room (which is almost never used as a dining room!) for my three kids to do homework/charge computers. Is your table actually listed as “countertop”? I would like to make a run to my local Ikea an hour away, and just want to make sure I am getting the right thing…returns are a major hassle!
I would like to be able to style the space as a coffee bar (a la Joanna Gaines’ homework/coffee bar) when guests come over…any ideas for that? Should I see if I can wall mount this at counter height instead?
Thank you!
PostboxDesigns says
Lisa, That sounds like an AMAZING idea! Yes, I believe it is listed as a countertop at Ikea-it is called the “Karlby”-it comes in a couple of sizes and finishes, I have the “walnut” finish in the 96″ size. I love your idea of doubling it as a coffee bar-you could add some farmhouse style shelves over it (I like some of the Ikea shelf hacks out there on Pinterest) or adding some fun coffee inspired word art oversized print over it (try Etsy). Mine is set on legs (called the Lerberg) but you can also probably mount it to the wall with the correct hardware-I would love to see it when it’s finished!
Vel says
You’ve probably read this a lot, but your room is absolutely phenomenal! I featured it today on my favorite Kid’s spaces from the ORC!!! Thank you for the inspiration!!!
Tammy says
Great job creating a homework space for your kiddos. It looks amazing! I need something just like this for my house.
Jody Evans says
I love the room, you did a beautiful job. If you don’t mind me asking, where did you get the chairs? Love, love , love them
PostboxDesigns says
Thanks so much Jody! Not at all, they are from Target and they are called the “Franklin chair”-they come in several sizes, I used the “desk” size…here is the link, we LOVE them 🙂 http://www.target.com/p/franklin-desk-chair-the-industrial-shop/-/A-44366386
Kelly Whitlock says
I am trying to locate this desk. I was able to find the legs but not the top? Do you remember the name of the top? Is it one of their desk tops?
PostboxDesigns says
Hi Kelly, Sure thing! It is an Ikea top…it is called the “Karlby”, it comes in a couple different lengths and finishes, mine is the “walnut”…I love it and would highly recommend it! 🙂
Jennifer says
Where can you find the desk legs?
THANKS!!
PostboxDesigns says
Hi! These metal legs are from Ikea! They are called the “Lerberg” and are a steal at just $15/ea (I have two sets on my Homework Desk). Happy Shopping! 🙂
Mary Ann says
Love the space! ! Can you give the dementations of the desk and the color of the wood used?
PostboxDesigns says
Sure thing! It is actually the “Karlby” desktop from Ikea, it comes in two lengths-this is the longest one at 98″. It is the “walnut” finish…we’ve been so happy with it my hubby just got two of these tops for HIS office! 🙂
Jennifer says
Did you purchase it as a countertop and add the legs or did it come with the legs attached? I can only find the countertop on the website.
thank you!
PostboxDesigns says
Jen, The legs do come seperate (called the “Lerberg”)…you will most likely just need two (I think they are $15/each). I’ll give you a heads up…I was shocked when I found out you don’t actually attach the legs to the top, you just rest them under the table. I figured there was no way that would work with my brood of three but it has held up perfectly. I’m so in love with it! 🙂
Whitney says
Hi, I love this space! Want to create something similar for my kids, but I have a question about the wall sconces on the shiplap. I keep seeing people do that and I love the look but it seems pretty difficult…did you hire an electrician to install them, and was it difficult? Thanks!
PostboxDesigns says
Hi Whitney, Thanks so much, so glad you found me! I did hire out an electrician to install the lights because 1. I have ZERO electrical knowledge and 2. We didn’t have any lights on the wall before, so he had to pull all new wires for them. It is a pretty easy job for an electrician (I did the same type of thing at my last house too!). We had the electrician hardwire the lights first, THEN we installed our shiplap, then we installed the lights over the shiplap. I hope that helps! Unless you are super savvy I would hire out a pro! 🙂
Carrie says
What a beautiful playroom! I would LOVE to know your tricks for making the no sew drapes! I have an odd sized window in my living room. The typical store sizes are not an option so they would have to be custom. This would fit my budget so much better!
PostboxDesigns says
HI Carrie! Thanks so much! For this room, I actually used some inexpensive Target duvets and used clip rings to secure them to the curtain rod! I have done this before with twin sized duvets, but since this was such a large slider door, I actually used queen sized ones. These are seersucker duvets from the Target Pillowfort line. The clips (and the height you hang your curtain rod) allow you some wiggle room with the length of your curtains. I hope you could use this trick in your space…I ended up spending just $20 per “curtain”! 🙂 The great part is they are already “lined”.
Lynette McCullough says
Gorgeous!!!
PostboxDesigns says
Thanks so much Lynette! 🙂
Paulette says
I love this room! Could you tell me the color on your walls where the two doors at the end of the room are? It makes the room so relaxing! Thx
PostboxDesigns says
Thanks Paulette! Ahh, I wish I could! Honest to goodness I took three wall paint colors that I already owned and mixed them together for a custom color. I added in some gray, cream, and a little bit of blue to make that cool gray color. For something similar you might try “Ashes” from Behr, it has a similar look. So glad you found Postbox Designs 🙂
Paulette says
Thx so much!
Jen says
I am doing the same project right now. I LOVE that table. Do you have a link to it on IKEA or know the name to search. Love the whole look of your room!
PostboxDesigns says
HI Jen, I’m so glad you like that table….you will LOVE the price too 🙂 It is all from IKEA….the top is called the “Karlby” (it comes in a couple of sizes/finishes)…mine is the 96″ long and in “walnut” finish. And the legs are called the “Lerberg”…good luck on your project! 🙂
Ivory says
This is a fabulous space. I love it! Makes me want to pull out a chair and take out a book and get to work. This how inviting you have made this cosy space.
PostboxDesigns says
Thanks so much! 🙂 Hopefully it will keep inspiring my kiddos to do the same!!
Jen @Jenron-Designs.com says
Such a fantastic design concept. It turned out beautiful, great job!
PostboxDesigns says
Thank-you so much! Sometimes the simplest solutions are the ones that work the best too 🙂