The Costco Connection

CREATING THE
IDEAL STUDY AREA

BY JENNIFER ADAMS

HOW HARD IS it to get your kids to do their homework? Some children seem to be naturally drawn to academic study, but many others need a little more coaxing. All students, regardless of their natural inclination, will benefit from a well-thought-out study space.

Setting up an effective place to do homework involves more than just buying a desk and a chair. You need room for a tablet, laptop or computer, as well as enough space to spread out books and papers. The study area can be simple, elaborate or anything in between, depending on your space and décor tastes. Regardless of your style, here are some tips to consider.

KEEP THEM CLOSE. Young kids often prefer to be near you instead of being stuck in a distant corner or in their bedrooms. And you’ll enjoy the easy access for checking their progress. A room near the kitchen, family room or the dining room would be best. These areas are usually next to family activity, but far enough away to feel calm.

Ideally, there should be lots of outlets for charging electronic devices and a view out of a window to give minds and eyes a break. And kids often need plenty of space to spread out homework assignments and projects.

SETTLE IN. Be sure the study area has a comfortable chair that allows your student to move around easily and saves you from bending over. A chalkboard, whiteboard or self-stick board to list tasks—and cross them out as they’re finished—is very helpful.

SEPARATE STUDY AND SLEEP AREAS. Ideally, the study space should be outside your child’s bedroom. Grown-ups should keep computers and bill paying out of their bedrooms, and kids’ rooms should be free of stress, too. Plus, the toys and other books can be distracting.

A SPACE OF ONE’S OWN. Each child
should have dedicated desk space in a shared
study area. Let your kids set up the space the
way they want and they may be more likely to
use it. Keep in mind that at times they may
need a different place or more room for messy
or involved art or science projects so that it
doesn’t interfere with their other homework/
study area.

DON’T LOSE TOUCH. Older children and teenagers need a quieter space away from distractions, but don’t let them hibernate too deeply. Despite their protests, you’ll need to check on them occasionally.

BE FLEXIBLE. Besides the comfortable
chair mentioned, think about providing other
seating options. Reading in a beanbag chair or
on a floor pillow is more fun than at a proper
desk. But it’s difficult to do math homework
or art in that position. Have a variety of chairs,
and let your children move around for differ-
ent tasks. The idea is to provide a variety of
places to sit. No one—child or adult—wants
to be stuck at a desk for long periods of time.

DON’T FORGET SUPPLIES. Add storage for necessities. Provide a container for paper, rulers and pencils, and a shelf for books, but store messy hobby supplies somewhere else or behind doors.

TASK LIGHTING. A desk lamp provides extra light, of course, and also creates a cozy glow. Bright white LED lights can help your child concentrate and save energy, but since this type of light is like daylight, dim or turn it off close to bedtime, or use a warmer-tone bulb.

A LITTLE ATMOSPHERE. Calm, comforting colors such as light blues and greens help both children and adults stay focused, but monochromatic schemes can be too boring. Bold colors such as red and orange are exciting but too distracting. Balance it all by keeping the wall colors calm or neutral, and accent with bright art or posters. C

Jennifer Adams is an interior design expert. Many of her items can be found on Costco.com.

Jennifer Adams

SPECIAL SECTION BACK TO SCHOOL

THE COS TCO CONNECTION You’ll find a variety of desks, chairs, office supplies, storage bins, lamps, whiteboards and pens, as well as myriad other items to set up an ideal study space for the student or students in your life, at your local Costco warehouse and on Costco.com.