6 Tips to Combine a Crafts and Homework Room
You and the kids can both be productive, with a high-performing space that encourages crafting inspiration and school assignment finishing
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design... More »
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The dilemma: Your kids could really benefit from a quiet, productive space for doing homework, but you also want an inspiring craft space. Can't decide if you should devote your spare room to your kids or yourself? Consider a third option: combining the two. Since both are part-time activities, they can easily share a space with a little help from the pros. This advice can help you create a double-duty workspace that caters to both you and the kids.
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| 1. Create distinct workspaces. “As tempting as it is to combine study and craft surfaces, resist it,” says designer Martha O’Hara. “For a room to have true dual functionality, you’ve got to create specific and different spaces for multiple activities.” If you're worried about the space seeming cramped, remember that a desk doesn’t need to be large. Simply allow for enough room to work with typical study essentials, like a book, notebook and laptop. |
by JDS DESIGNS
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2. Store wisely. Clutter does not benefit studying or creativity, so set up proper and organized storage. “Keep frequently used tools and materials in open containers for easy access, and keep anything extra or items used only occasionally to dedicated shelves and marked boxes,” says interior designer Jenna Denson.
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| 3. Light it up. Good task lighting is critical for a multipurpose craft and study space. “Whether it’s undercabinet lights or an arm swing, light fixtures focused on work surfaces will make any craft/workspace all the more functional,” says O’Hara. |
| 4. Open the shades. Beyond interior lights, take advantage of any available natural light: It can be great for creating artwork and soothing for doing homework. “Consider creating focal points around windows to keep the room bright as well as visually open up the space overall,” says Denson. |
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| 5. Bring in the bulletin boards. Accessorize both your children’s study area and your crafts area with bulletin boards; the kids can pin up assignments, and you can create your own inspiration board. “This is a creative, productive space, so you should have an area to post images and ideas that create visual inspiration for you,” says O’Hara. |
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| 6. Decide whether to sit or to stand. The kids will probably need to sit for homework, but your needs might be different. Whether you prefer to sit or stand as you work, be sure to customize your workspace so it fits you. “Consider how you like to work,” says O’Hara. “Do you want standing room only, with a counter stool to spare? If you’re going to be productive, you’ve also got to be comfortable.” |
Comments
trixylarue I love, love the last room...what a great idea, the space is separate but people will feel together and the mess is blocked from view.
6 months ago · Like
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laikalee What is that over the chandelier in #2 -- lampshade? What is the material? Neat look, tho' quirky..
6 months ago · Like
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missychum In my dreams!!! Struggling to combine kitchen, crafts, home work in a 10x15 ft space....sigh....
6 months ago · Like
A. Peltier Interiors loved these photos and tips. Very inspirational, thank you!
6 months ago · Like
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docilana The ultimate in luxury. A room dedicated solely to crafts and homework. In my next life
6 months ago · Like
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Janet Kieck We're gutting the kitchen, now I know how to make use of the old kitchen cupboards and workcounters - in the study/workroom...
5 months ago · Like
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soultrain21 Does anyone know where the storage units/drawers came from that are in the picture with the green walls and all the jars?
5 months ago · Like
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mommmyto4keiki Where can I buy the chandelier on #2?
3 months ago · Like
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Joanne Hardin Oh boy, if I had money to make my sewing room like these! I would be in dream land! I love how organized everything is and clean and white. Maybe someday ! Lol....
2 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Dec. 25, 2012.
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