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!