If you make it fun, they will come…
10 Items to Create a Kid’s Homework Center
Hi! Welcome to Postbox Designs–I’m a fully custom Interior E-Design company where I help my clients design spaces all over the country! After designing their space, I fill up their Postbox with all of the goodies they need to order their entire room (drawings, shopping lists, instructions, material samples, and more!). Then they can order their entire room…without ever leaving home. On their budget and their time schedule. Plus I’m there to walk them through the whole process: start to finish. Oh yah, it really is that fun!
But when I’m not designing for my clients, I also am a monthly contributor for Remodelaholic-they are the go-to for all things DIY and budget friendly design! And this month’s post was all about the kids. I created an exclusive, free Mood Board for a Kid’s Desk, Homework Station, or Kid’s Craft Table. And you can see it all!
But first, there are some simple things to remember if you are creating a space for your kids;
5 Tips to the Perfect Kid’s Homework Station
The only rule you have to remember:
It has got to be fun or they aren’t going to use it!
Kid’s Homework Center Tip #1
Simple Kid’s Homework Desks Work Best
Unless you want to be constantly tidying up your kid’s study space, make it super simple and user friendly! I love this simple desk with a painted pegboard that allows for easy decor changes. Kid’s can hang their artwork here or tack up their sports schedule. Add in these painted Ikea spice racks and bright decor, and you have the perfect kid’s study space. The racks can store notebooks and papers, or craft supplies.
Kid’s Homework Center Tip #2:
Budget Friendly Always Works Well with Kid Spaces
Whether it is a kid’s space in my home or my kid’s clothes: I don’t want to cry when something gets ruined. So when I design for kid spaces, I try to create a mix of durable pieces that will withstand use and abuse, along with inexpensive pieces that won’t break the bank if destroyed. I love this kid’s study space/activity center below because it is composed of Ikea parts! The desk cabinets, countertop, and shelf are all Ikea budget-friendly but also make of durable, easy-to-clean materials. Add in some fun pops of color like these yellow lights and turquoise door and it is a spot the kids will be naturally drawn to.
Kid’s Homework Center Tip #3:
Personalize the Space
This is actually my very own kid’s triple homework station!
If you have the room, it is always nice to create different “station” for each child. In my homework center each child has their station marked with a framed photo of themselves and a monogrammed pillow…no fighting over the favorite chair! Another way to do this is assigning a drawer to each child, or a special tray or cubby. Alternatively, create a caddy for each child that can be stored away when not in use. When the child is ready to work at the desk, they can simply take out their caddy filled with their own supplies and start working.
If you like the look of this Kid’s Triple Homework Station you can find the FREE Mood Board & Shopping List to re-create this budget-friendly kid space yourself:
Kid’s Homework Center Tip #4:
Vertical Space is your BFF.
Anytime you have a small space to work within, use vertical space to your best advantage. But for a kid’s desk or study space, vertical space also allows you to double or even triple the function. I love this desk with a low shelf in easy reach for craft supplies. Hanging over it is this patterned cork board that allows the cuties to display their own artwork. Additionally, a vertical cabinet to the left of the desk holds a myriad of supplies. P.S. I’m also a fan of a combo of closed and open storage with kids. Open storage means kids can easily access their items. However, closed storage is so precious when it comes to keeping the room looking clean and crisp-those drawers can hold a lot of stuff!
Kid’s Homework Center Tip #5:
Create a Fun Theme
You can have the most practical, organized kid’s desk, but if it isn’t fun they will never want to use it. Bright colors, patterns, and themes automatically make a space more attractive to kids. Make their desk or activity center a place they want to spend time! While the desk above shows bright pops of color, the below double homework desk creates a fun atmosphere with neutral colors.
The vintage schoolhouse style theme continues from the light fixture, to the wall decor, to the desks themselves. Adding in bright colored vintage items like this green sewing machine will make this space perfect for older kids. This theme will work for both genders and any age group.
Wild & Free Kid’s Desk: Love It? Want It? Need It?
Here it is! This FREE Kid’s Study Space Mood Board + Shopping List has all of the items shown on the Mood Board. I created this animal themed Homework Center so it would work well for boys AND girls…and for a lot of different ages. If you have school-aged kids this area can work as a homework station. Smaller children can use it for arts and crafts.
The small desk would work well in a bedroom nook or small space. Or you can lined up several of these side-by-side so multiple children can use the space.
You can get the full Shopping List at the original post on Remodelaholic:
Homework Station Shopping List
Kid’s Playroom + Kid’s Study Space Makeover
And if you want to see even more kid’s spaces, I’m ready for you! This recent Playroom + Homework Center makeover has not one but TWO totally different designs. Plus I share six other kid space makeovers on this blog post:
Kid’s Homework Center + Playroom Design
Want More Free Kid’s Space Designs?
And finally you can get oodles of free designs, Mood Boards, Guides, Shopping Lists and more at my FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY. While there are all types of styles and rooms in the Library, you can find many Kid Designs in there like this Free Playroom Mood Board.
If you are already a member of the Free Resource Library you can grab it right HERE!
Til next time!
Kristin
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