Designing the Perfect Homeschool Space

Guest post from Interior Designer: Lauren Brantley!

When I was in fourth grade I started my homeschool journey with my mother as my teacher. Flash forward to now and I have my little girl, living my dream as an online interior designer, and stay at home mom. I never really knew how hard working from home and taking care of our children was until I had my own. One thing that makes life a little easier is making sure your space for your kids is designed with them in mind.

In this blog, I am going to share with you the key elements of your homeschool space that are designed for their needs. I have created a small homeschool room design that gives a modern organic look that is great for any age. Throughout the room, you will find comforting textures and warm tones that allow your child to feel invited into work (I will provide more details on how to accomplish this).

No matter what age the child is that you are homeschooling it is important to have a designated area that he/she does their homework in. Why? Because like they would in public/private school, the consistency of creating a space or room creates display. Now I know that every home doesn’t necessarily have space for an entire room to be dedicated to homeschooling, the one I grew up in didn’t either, but one thing is important to have space!

In the space you choose to make sure you have able storage, you’ll see in the design that I have attached, I chose the IKEA desk which provides storage and workspace for the student. Closed storage and open storage are great so the student can display books or pictures (or even artwork they have made. Another way to display artwork your child has made (seen in the design) is a custom pinboard. This is an easy project to visit my blog for more. You’ll see on the blog that this is an easy 4 step project that will add style and function to your space no matter how large or small it is!

For style, I like to keep these rooms neutral. Some designers say to keep kids playrooms or homeschool rooms bright and colorful but from my experience of being a homeschooled child, this isn’t conducive to learning. Your child might be different, depending on its needs. I especially encourage a neutral learning environment (that remains air) for homes that have multiple age children. When you have a child that ranges in ages, say a 7-year old that has a 12-year-old sibling their desires style-wise are vastly different. Your best bet is to go with those greys and earth tones that appeal to all genders and ages. You will see in the design that I did add a fun element to the design via wall art and texture. Providing these accents keeps the kids interested in the space and makes them want to come in space and study. Provide texture via the rug, pillows, and lamps by using brass (antique brass if you are going for a masculine feel).

One last thing make sure you provide an alternative space to the desk. Just like us, your kids don’t want to sit at their desks from 9-5, so provide a desk alternative. For the design, I chose the butterfly chair (which I just love!) pair with an ottoman, for additional seating, and the fur pillows and rug. This space will be great for reading those English lit books we all remember hating! Your kids will get lost in the words but feel cozy doing it, you may have to check on them to make sure they don’t fall asleep!

I hope by the end of this blog you feel more confident and able to conquer your kid's homeschool space, no matter what age your child is! Remember every kid is different. To download the design, keep your kids in mind, remember the key elements (storage, alternative space, neutral color palette) and have fun with it!

I look forward to seeing your office views! Please tag me on Instagram @lashleydesign what your kids space!

Please join me on my Facebook group for Work at Home Moms HERE, Say hi and tell me you found me via Bliss and Miss!

Links:

• Shop this look here!

• Get the memo board!

About Writer Lauren Brantley:

I am Lauren Brantley, Owner/Blogger of Lauren Ashley Designs. I am a wife to an amazing man, mama to a beautiful baby girl, and a sweet fur-baby! I am a graduate of Liberty University with a BS in Interior Design.

Ever since I was a little girl I guess you would say I have had a “knack” for design. When I was seven I would draw up makeshift floor plans of my dream house, doorways and all! Once my parents bought me my first drafting table at thirteen I thought my world was complete. However, my design talents were truly manifested once I stepped on a college campus. My sophomore year of college I started Lauren Ashley Design as a blog to post updates and design tips for followers. In the past year, the small blog has become much more. Lauren Ashley Design has become a platform for others to find easy access to design through e-design. I truly am living my childhood dreams as an e-designer.

Connect With Lauren via Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and her website!

My Resolutions Are Ready!

This year has been particularly hard for me, in terms of finding the perfect resolutions to complete. In the past, I have tried things that I knew I needed to work on and become better with for whatever reason. Did that work? Most times it actually did. In fact, I am one of those goal-oriented people. Like, I just really love creating a to-do list and crossing things off. I also love planning things out and seeing them come together at a later time.

So why is 2020 so different? Why has this been so difficult for me? Because this year, I am really wanting to push myself and put myself to the ultimate challenge. Now, that does not by any means mean that I am going to set myself up for failure and set an unrealistic goal. It is quite the opposite really. It just means that I am not picking something that I know I can do overnight, just for the sake of saying, "yay! I did it!" No, I want to set a goal that I have to work for.

This year, I have decided to set goals that I maybe have struggled with in the past or things that I have never even attempted before. A true challange.

Why does it even matter that these goals are much harder than those in the past? What more will I get out of it? Everything. It is much more significant for me, personally. First, let us discuss why it matters. It matters because once I achieve these goals, it just allows me to know that I can do hard things. Just because something is hard, that does not mean I can shy away or give up. In fact, it is more of a reason to give them a try. You do not want to live your life in your comfort zones. You must step outside of those comfortable places if you want to grow into something or someone that is bigger, better, and stronger than who you currently are. Next, what more will you get out of it? Just think of how great it feels when you complete something you know you can do. Now, imagine the sense of accomplishment and an even greater sense of achievement you will feel once you achieve something you never thought was possible. It will feel invigorating for many more years to come.

So what are the resolutions are why are they significant?

1. To Be Consistent: This may actually come as a shocker but I am not always consistent in all things. Now, do not get me wrong, there are many things that are easy for me to be consistent with at all times. For example, I have no problem being consistent in activities with Max because (just look at the little face!) he is the sweetest and I enjoy being with him. It is not hard for me to intentionally direct time and effort to be with him. The same goes for school and staying on top of my school work because I just love school and learning new things. However, it is hard for me to stay on top of going to the gym, self-care, and meditating. Especially when I start seeing results. It is like if I see good results then I think its time to slack, smh. This is important to me because I know that everything I want is on the other side of being consistent day in and day out.

2. Blog on a More Frequent Schedule: I love blogging and I have done it for many years. However, I would love to transform my blog into a resource rather than just something for enjoyment. This year, I would like to do more "mini-series" about specific topics that I am passionate about and perhaps even switch the tone up a little bit. I believe this will allow me to grow as a writer and further develop my writing portfolio. I have not found a schedule that I am going with yet but I have been researching some since in quarantine. I am excited to see where this takes my blog.

3. Complete Semester 1 of Nursing School: This is something that I am very excited about, as you can imagine! I was accepted into Nursing school about two years ago and I decided to defer my enrollment for a variety of reasons, Max being one of them. Well now things are finally aligned and I feel confident enough to "just go for it." I am currently in pharm and will start the actual program with clinical in August. I cannot wait to see all the things I learn as I grow into my new career.

4. Reach Milestone 2 of My Weightloss: As I have mentioned previously, I am on WW and I love it. I think it is a great program and it is very easy. While I have stopped my paid subscription, I am still staying within the limits and seeing the weight come off. I have also continued my workout routine but due to the COVID-19 outbreak our gym is now closed and I have been doing home workout videos. Do I plan to go back to the paid subscription? Actually, yes. I will go back if I feel the weight is not coming off or if I feel like I am having a hard time sticking to my points without the app. Until then, I will use self-discipline and do it without paying for the app.

5. Get (AT LEAST) One Paid Client: In the past, I have been pretty quiet about my life coaching journey and the services I offer. In a way, I expect people to find me, if they need my help or when they are ready for my services but now I know that is not necessarily true. Some people do know when they need extra help but others may not realize it. Just like some people may not even be aware of what a life coach is or how a life coach helps their clients. This year, I would like to do a better job of sharing my journey to becoming a life coach and how I can help others. I know this will translate into a paid client, whether it is in the form of a freelance writing opportunity, enrolling a new client, or another opportunity. When someone knows your story and they can see your work, they are more willing to come along for the ride.

Heres to 2020!