The laissez-faire lifestyle of summer is ending; it’s time for order and routine to make their way back into our lives. And with the new school year and fourth-quarter work climate comes the need for efficient, functional workspaces, for both adults and children of the household. To help you revive or create your home’s office/homework spaces, here are some guidelines.
Kids’ Workspace Must-Haves
Board
Whether it be a chalkboard, whiteboard or corkboard, kids love to be able to draw or pin up anything from notes to pictures with friends,” says Chantale Persinger from Closets by Design. “This is their personal space, so they want to be able to personalize it.”
Whether it be a chalkboard, whiteboard or corkboard, kids love to be able to draw or pin up anything from notes to pictures with friends,” says Chantale Persinger from Closets by Design. “This is their personal space, so they want to be able to personalize it.”
Workstations (plural)
“Kids should have a space that is kept clean so they can spread out their books, papers and/or laptops,” says Suzanne Pail from Closet Factory. Even if only one child is using this space, multiple work areas enables him/her to multitask. For example, an art project could be drying on one surface while he/she works on math homework at another workstation. Or, if a friend comes over to study, both children have room to work while collaborating with each other.
“Kids should have a space that is kept clean so they can spread out their books, papers and/or laptops,” says Suzanne Pail from Closet Factory. Even if only one child is using this space, multiple work areas enables him/her to multitask. For example, an art project could be drying on one surface while he/she works on math homework at another workstation. Or, if a friend comes over to study, both children have room to work while collaborating with each other.
Organized Drawers
School supplies abound, and kids aren’t known for keeping things tidy. Fortunately, drawer organizers do the work for them, keeping pencils, erasers, scissors and paperclips neatly tucked away.
School supplies abound, and kids aren’t known for keeping things tidy. Fortunately, drawer organizers do the work for them, keeping pencils, erasers, scissors and paperclips neatly tucked away.
Accessibility and Flexibility
As children grow, the size and height of their furnishings need to change. “For smaller children, you may need to have a work surface or storage location that is lowered so the child can reach it properly,” Pail notes. Some manufacturers make furnishings that can be adjusted to fit kids as they grow. Otherwise, just plan on buying a new desk or table in 2-4 years.
As children grow, the size and height of their furnishings need to change. “For smaller children, you may need to have a work surface or storage location that is lowered so the child can reach it properly,” Pail notes. Some manufacturers make furnishings that can be adjusted to fit kids as they grow. Otherwise, just plan on buying a new desk or table in 2-4 years.
Photo courtesy of Closet Factory
Home Office Must-Haves
Photo courtesy of Closets by Design
Surface Area
One thing’s for sure—you can never have too much countertop space! “Homeowners need this space, not only for their scanners, telephone, computer, etc., but that extra space is also needed to be able to work,” Persinger notes.
One thing’s for sure—you can never have too much countertop space! “Homeowners need this space, not only for their scanners, telephone, computer, etc., but that extra space is also needed to be able to work,” Persinger notes.
Path to Power
Every office should have multiple outlets that are easily accessible. “There are many options available to give you more places to plug things in and hid all those ugly wires at the same time,” Pail says, specifically recommending a power center that mounts into your desk’s surface. “They have everything from outlets to USB ports and even iPhone mounts that you can bring right to the desktop.”
Every office should have multiple outlets that are easily accessible. “There are many options available to give you more places to plug things in and hid all those ugly wires at the same time,” Pail says, specifically recommending a power center that mounts into your desk’s surface. “They have everything from outlets to USB ports and even iPhone mounts that you can bring right to the desktop.”
File Storage
Papers are usually the culprit of a messy desk. “Remember to accommodate enough file storage to keep official and personal documents organized and accessible,” Pail advises.
Papers are usually the culprit of a messy desk. “Remember to accommodate enough file storage to keep official and personal documents organized and accessible,” Pail advises.
Photo courtesy of Closet Factory
Open and Closed Storage
Shelving and storage is a must for a home office, but it’s also important to have both open shelves and cabinet-style storage. “It is important to have some open shelving for items you access often, like books and binders, and for display items, like pictures and souvenirs,” Pail says. Enclosed spaces are equally important, because not everything looks good on display. “Clients like cabinets so when they are finished working, things can be put behind doors,” Persinger says. “This keeps the area always looking tidy when not in use.”
Shelving and storage is a must for a home office, but it’s also important to have both open shelves and cabinet-style storage. “It is important to have some open shelving for items you access often, like books and binders, and for display items, like pictures and souvenirs,” Pail says. Enclosed spaces are equally important, because not everything looks good on display. “Clients like cabinets so when they are finished working, things can be put behind doors,” Persinger says. “This keeps the area always looking tidy when not in use.”
Expert Tips
“Most home offices don’t incorporate enough workspace. Desks often have space only for a computer. Therefore, it’s important to plan for additional surface areas so you can spread out paperwork. If your space doesn’t allow for that, a pullout shelf is a great way to gain some temporary workspace when needed.”
—Suzanne Pail, Closet Factory
—Suzanne Pail, Closet Factory
“The No. 1 reason clients call us to have their space organized is cabinets. When they go to a local store, they are left with open shelving. Most clients only want the bookshelves open; the rest they want behind doors.”
—Chantale Persinger, Closets by Design
—Chantale Persinger, Closets by Design
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