With back-to-school season fast approaching, transition for many families is just around the corner. A new schedule for fall, new morning hours, new dinner routines, and a renewed sense of structure around the home. Along with all of this comes… homework! Yep, homework.
Once the homework comes flowing in, do you have a space in your home set aside for the kids’ studying? A space with minimal distraction and comfy seating is ideal of course, but an attractive and motivating space is welcoming too.
Here are a few ideas from REFINED homes that might just inspire you to create a kids study area of your own!
Double Duty — Attaching study space to the bed means you’re making great use out of something you already have. This loft bed has room for storage as well as a desk surface, and the lamp is a practical touch.
Simple Inspiration — This no-frills desk is the only thing a child needs to get things done and will fit just about anywhere. The calming artwork above makes the space cozy and gets the creative juices flowing.
Kitchen Central — The kitchen is the hub of the home for many families, so why not set aside some seating that’s especially good for homework time. This wall bench with comfy pillows makes a great spot for homework, with mom or dad nearby when questions abound.
Family Space — If you have the room, a craft room/project room/game room is a great way to use those extra square feet. This space says fun, but has lots of practical storage and surfaces for getting down to business too!
Bedside Built-In — A cozy nook in the bedroom (or any room) is a great way to fit in a desk or shelf that might not fit elsewhere. This tuck-under mini office is a calming and quiet place for a student to focus and keep organized before tucking in for the night.
Pantry Bonus — There’s no reason a pantry off the kitchen can’t do double-duty. In addition to being a great place for parents to organize their mail or home office needs, this space is perfect for kids big and small to sit down and get something done — from coloring pages to calculus.
Mixed Mudroom — Mudrooms are also spaces that can often squeeze in a little something extra, like a desk and some storage. Backpacks are already being dropped in the space, so why not make the homework to table run a short one?
We know that families with organized spaces are happy ones, so setting aside a place in your own home for homework time is worth the effort. Take some ideas from these tips, or create something of your own!
REFINED creates stunning and spacious homes that combine luxury and practicality. Check out our available homes page to see what we’ve got in the works, or get in touch with us today!
What architectural details will give your home the ambiance you want? Adding crown moulding, a vaulted ceiling, skylights, sliding barn doors, or unique lighting fixtures are a big part of what gives a living room its style, even before the decor has been brought in. Consider these factors as you're building or remodeling your home.
What do you want the living room to be used for? Entertaining, reading, watching TV, or enjoying your family are all common living room activities. Make this your starting point as you decide how to design the room, and as you select furniture. A room for entertaining may have more seating and more side tables for instance, whereas a room intended more for reading and lounging will make space for a bookcase.
What do you want the focal point of the room to be? Is it the TV? The fireplace? An art piece? Since you've already spent time thinking about what the room will be used for, select a focal point that aligns with that. Then determine your decor and layout around this.
Do you want the room to have a relaxing vibe or a more formal feel? Select furniture pieces (& architectural elements) that reflect this, and they'll impact your room in a big way. Even your use of accessories can impact how welcoming or utilitarian your room feels.
At REFINED, understanding how you plan to use your home -- and how you want it to look and feel -- are intrical parts of our design process. Each home building experience is custom tailored to you, from the structure to the final decor. Interested in building or remodeling a home in the Edina or Minneapolis area? 
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Don't downplay lighting. Using drop down pendants or a chandelier can be an amazing way to infuse color and style into the space. Don't be afraid to use lighting as your color pop.
Will this entertainment space be family-friendly? There's no reason it can't be if kids are a big part of your home. Consider ways to make soda, popcorn, and snacks exciting and accessible, and make sure to choose a space with video-game-central nearby.
Infuse some urban elements. Adding a brick wall or some stone features will create just a little bit more ambiance that will set the bar area apart from your more relaxed living spaces nearby.
Keep comfort in mind. Think about home-living style elements that can make your bar area welcoming. Having a stylish, comfortable arm chair nearby for instance, is part of what makes partying at home unique from going out. And quick access to the TV or other entertaining hot-spots in your home (like a walkout to the backyard) are all part of creating an easy-going entertainment space that's still high on style.