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Creative Homework Spaces
Aug 26, 2010
Back to school… that means time for homework! I don't have any kids grumbling about it myself, but plenty of my friends dread the task of getting their children to do homework. Here are some inspiring examples of spaces designed to make homework easier and more fun. Read on for ways to adapt a space for homework when you don't have a dedicated room.
Make Space in the Kitchen
If you have a built-in desk, dedicate it for homework space.
Photo: CWP Kitchens via Gold Notes by JG Kitchens
Under-stair Desk Nook
This space is often underutilized or turned into an awkward storage space. Open it up for an out-of-the-way desk space.
Photo: via Apartment Therapy
How About the Hall?
A wide hallway can be fitted with a desk and shelving to make it more than just a passageway.
Photo: via Remodelista
Best DIY Homework Table!
I first saw this project in Fresh Home Magazine, but the instructions are also online here. If you have basic woodworking skills and equipment, this multi-purpose, space-saving design could be the perfect solution for a lack of homework space (or dining space, bill-paying space, whatever). Folded down, it's a bar-height table for two. Folded up, it's a beautifully framed chalkboard!
Photos: via Home Magazine
Desk, Seating, and Storage in One Small Space
This storage bench tucks neatly beneath a sunny window-facing plank set between two bookcases.
Photo: via Martha Stewart Living
Keep it Simple
This is a great idea when you need space for multiple kids. A long, narrow counter with magnetic boards above is nothing fancy. When the kids outgrow it, turn it into a buffet space for entertaining.
Photo: via Remodelista
Need a little help rearranging a kids' room to accommodate homework/sleeping/storage/games/friends? I can help make the most of a small room with creative space planning and projects that are do-able and affordable. And I'll pull it all together with a look that satisfies you and your kids. Just email me.
TAGS: homework spaces desks kids rooms work space home office fold-up table diy design desk under stairs back to school interior design solutions
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Inspired Room: Helen's Fresh Start
Jul 19, 2010
Here's a peek at one of my recent eDecor Plans, designed for a Traverse City condo near West Bay. Helen was ready for a complete change in her open kitchen/dining/living area, which is the first space one sees upon entering her home. A few "before" shots show a space that was designed with a nautical theme in the late 90s and later partially updated. Helen had a need for storage and entertaining space along with a strong desire for a fresh look with touches of her vibrant personality. She had already replaced some of her original furniture and was headed in a color direction based on a detailed rug and burgundy leather seating, but the rest of the space wasn't working with it. I needed to establish a color palette and plan solutions for updating the entire combo space on a fairly tight budget.
BEFORE: To the left of the entry, a small dining area lacked definition.
BEFORE: The living room was off to a good start with a beautiful rug and great light. The furniture was a bit overscaled for the space, and a matching set doesn't exhibit the charm and personality that Helen was craving.
BEFORE: Helen wanted to upgrade to a flat-screen, so this space becomes available for a semi-custom storage solution.
BEFORE: The kitchen was dark and dated, but Helen doesn't need to gut it to bring it up to date.
Here's a look at some of the design solutions shown in 3D illustrations, built on a foundation of warm colors and a transitional look with a rich mixture of finishes. (Click any image to enlarge.)
3D VIEW, AFTER: Here's the angle from the front door: a mixture of warm neutrals, coppery hues, and rich reds.
3D VIEW, AFTER: The kitchen gets a cosmetic update with paint, copper backsplash, new fixtures, and new countertops. 3D VIEW, AFTER: Wall colors, lighting placement, and furniture arrangement emphasize the different spaces while keeping the open feel. 3D VIEW, AFTER: A cut-away view of the whole space. Dwelement's 3D Views can show any angle of a space and even remove walls or ceilings for a better look at a smaller space.
I included Helen's existing sofa leather, rug, and flooring on the Inspiration Board. They are the given elements of this design. I designed a custom-looking storage unit with out-of-the-box bookshelves. And I found the most amazing deal on a beautiful MinkaAire ceiling fan for $62! (Sorry, it's gone now, but Helen grabbed one right away since I marked it with a "Buy It Fast" badge.) I like to give options, especially when a significant investment is involved. Here I show two faucet options and two countertop options, a Zodiaq engineered quartz top and a simple but rich-looking laminate. Helen can choose which option works for her when she's ready to replace the counters. I also provide local sources whenever possible for items that are best purchased in person. Helen's existing barstools and tile flooring are the given elements on this page. I design the space down to the small details— like china and flatware, in this case. I also provide real samples whenever possible. Helen received samples of the fabric, countertops, and extra-large paint swatches. To get a real feel for how a Dwelement eDecor Plan works, download Helen's Refined Revamp magazine-style PDF: A well orchestrated design plan makes the difference between a room that looks packaged or disjointed, and one that truly reflects your personality. I take the time to get to know you, whether you live down the street or around the world. Interested in what I can do for you? Just email me. There's never an obligation. —Diane
The 3D Views from Helen's plan help her visualize the finished result. The rest of the eDecor Plan is a guide to every step and every piece and material required for her renovation. Here's a look at the extensive Inspiration Board, which shows how all of the pieces and materials work together. (This plan covers a combo space, so the Inspiration Board is four pages long. My standard single-room eDecor Plans have 2-page Inspiration Boards.) In the magazine-style PDF file that each client receives, the item descriptions link directly to the item's webpage for easy shopping. It's a visual shopping list. Or it's an inspiration for shopping secondhand and revamping existing pieces. Use it how it works for you! Try it yourself by downloading Helen's complete eDecor Plan at the bottom of this blog entry.
Download the plan and experience the efficiency of eDecor yourself
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Inspired Room: The Domestic Transformer by Gary Chang
May 13, 2010
This is the ultimate example of smart space usage! In just 330 square feet, architect Gary Chang can turn his Hong Kong apartment in 24 configurations, complete with space for guests and a screening room with a hammock. Watch and be inspired…
Okay, so you're not an architect but you still have to deal with the challenges of a small space? I can help! Space planning and maximizing square footage are important components of my eDecor Plans. —Diane
TAGS: gary chang architect domestic transformer small space living video hong kong china studio apartment multiple configurations sliding wall system
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Inspired Rooms: Well Designed Media Rooms
Feb 19, 2010
{Short & Sweet Friday}
I have fond memories of my grandfather's TV room, a dark space in the back of the house with a duct-taped recliner, a hefty supply of lemon drops, and the sweet scent of Cigarillos hanging in the air. At the center of the room was the rabbit-eared set that brought in all the exotic Chicago television I didn't have in Upper Michigan. (A channel in Spanish! No way!)
Media rooms, as they tend to be called now, are a bit more refined, more thought-out. But a good one still has the same sense of casual relaxation and a little separation from the busiest parts of the house. Here are a few that I like, and why I think they work. Happy weekend! —Diane
This room really feels lived-in, but not out of control. Effective and simple built=ins frame the TV nicely and offer plenty of storage. A large ottoman/coffee table give every seat a surface and contains items in use to one spot. Photo: House Beautiful.
An upstairs media room is anchored in each corner by matching casual-modern tripod lamps. Comfort was a priority when designer Susan Ferrier chose this extra-deep sofa and tuck-under side tables. Photo: House Beautiful.
This is a very versatile space for its size. Its length is used to full advantage with a custom sofa and separate seating area at the end. Perfect space for a little Wii Fit, eh? Photo: Barbara Egan for House and Home Ireland.
P.S. Today is the last day to enter to win the HGTV Dream Home in New Mexico. I recommend you check it out here before clicking over to the A.D.D. nightmare that is HGTV.com. Go directly to the contest page here.
TAGS: media room design tv television space small modern casual transitional red grey gray white
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Inspired Rooms: Princess Rooms You Can Live With
Feb 03, 2010
It seems that Disney's unstoppable marketing forces have convinced every little girl in America that she needs a room like this:
And every parent in America wants to kill them for it, right? Of course, moms and dads want to make their kids happy, but there's a way to do a princess room without the ubiquitous fuchsia/purple color scheme and licensed characters on everything. (After all, would a real princess have a room filled with other princesses? I think not.) Here are some royalty-inspired, girly bedrooms that are sure to make everyone happy for years to come.
Read the blog on Monday, February 8
to see one of these rooms replicated on a realistic budget!
A simplified palette of soft pink and white is just enough. Furniture like this can be found at any thrift store… a couple of coats of white paint, and you're set.
Just a couple of glam touches in a lavender room make it luxe: a Venetian mirror layered over a standard dresser mirror, floor-length drapes, a fancy chair and a fluffy rug.
Enveloping the room in the palest of pinks casts a comfy glow. Try a warm, peachy pink like Abalone Shell or White Dogwood from Sherwin-Williams. Consider adding adult elements like an upholstered chair and a botanical print.
Again with the pale, pale pink… it's so much more relaxing and sleepy than fuchsia! The gorgeous rug sets the palette for this pink-and-olive room. This scheme works beautifully with wood floors. Note the feedsack upholstery on the chairs. It gives a well-worn sophistication to the room, and because it's tough and cheap you won't have to worry about stains or wear-and-tear.
Jonathan Adler does a bolder take on the princess look, pairing sweet gingham with a colorful Bohemian print wallpaper. Navy blue carpeting wears well and counters the girly vibe just enough. An unconventional bed placement leaves a lot of open play space.
A cornice like this can be cut from foam core board with a simple utility knife, then covered in fabric. A daybed works as a sofa during the day and gives the room a very glam feel that teenagers love. Touches of lucite, patent leather, faux fur, and mirrors take the look over the top.
It's a pink room, right? But the walls are white! Proof that you don't necessarily have to use the walls as the anchor of your color palette. Touches of brown keep this room from looking too sweet. Luxe touches here are the sunburst mirror, monogrammed bureau as side table, footboard bench, and hotel-style bedding.
Which room will it be? Find out how to create one of these rooms on a realistic budget on Monday, February 8. —Diane
TAGS: decorating designing little girl's room bedroom princess room decorating sophisticated adaptable pink white lavender green disney alternatives
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