A Home Office for Kids?
Remodeling your home to create a place for kids to study
As kids head back to school, parents look for solutions to make the floor plan "work" for homework. Let's face it: Home work isn't what it used to be. Kids, especially tweens and teens, used to gather around the kitchen table, are now gathering around the home computer to type their homework assignments, research homework topics or play games. Smart home builders are incorporating this trend into new construction.
If you review the latest floor plans and modern amenities, you can find integrated study areas and custom built-ins in common areas and family rooms, as well as spacious kitchens featuring mini home offices with multiple computer workstations.
But even in older homes, built before the era of the home computer, you can create your very own solution. So as your kids start heading back to school, you can plan an area devoted for studying. You can work with your existing space to create a study area away from the TV but still visible enough that you can keep an eye on your kids' computer time.
So where do you start? Most homeowners begin by deciding where the designed study area will be in the house. The most common choices are: the kitchen, the loft or the family room.
Kitchens: More than any other room, the kitchen is the main gathering place in the home. Many homeowners are choosing to add a mini office center to house a computer, filing drawers, phone, and space for writing and posting messages for other family members. This center can be enclosed behind cabinet doors or left open. This is a very popular solution for parents of school aged children who want additional space for the kids to do their homework.
Lofts: Most people convert a loft to create an extra bedroom, sometimes with a suite, depending on the space available. However, because most loft conversions are small, it's important to use the space wisely and make the most of any storage opportunities. Whether enclosed or open, a well-organized loft space can be ideal for school-aged kids to do their homework in.
Family Rooms: In an effort to get more quality time, some families are designing group home offices in which parents and kids can work together. Some are renovating existing rooms, installing desks and adding laptop ports for every member of the family.
But the key question you must ask yourself first is: What makes for a good place to do homework? Take a look at the below criteria before you select the best place in your home.
* Adequate space: Be certain that the homework space is not cramped. If there is more than one child, they should not be working on top of each other.
* Noise level: Quiet is, however, a requirement, so if the kitchen is a hub of activity, your kids may not be able to concentrate on their assignments and retreat to their bedrooms. A special time slot may help to alleviate the problem.
* Computers: With the addition of technology to school curriculum, a computer is necessary. To maximize the impact on your home design, a computer station behind closed doors that open at times of study with an extension on the desktop for books can be a great solution. When the task is done, the desk arrangement can be closed up and out of sight. If two children are using one computer, they will need to schedule the times and take turns.
* Storage: Be certain to have adequate storage for study equipment. Also, do you have a bulletin board to tack up notes and memos related to school? Is there a shelf for related books? And ample storage for extra pencils, pens, and crayons?
* Lighting: Task lights for writing or reading are appropriate. Lighting should be over the page but not in the face. Clip-on lights as well as free-standing lamps work well. Watch for glare on the computer screen.
* Involve the kids in the design: Children will take an interest if they have some input as to what the space looks like. Talk it over with them and get their opinions. If at all possible, allow them to help in the selection process. Encourage them to get involved.
With good planning and help from a professional remodeling contractor, you will find a solution that works for your entire family.
If you review the latest floor plans and modern amenities, you can find integrated study areas and custom built-ins in common areas and family rooms, as well as spacious kitchens featuring mini home offices with multiple computer workstations.
But even in older homes, built before the era of the home computer, you can create your very own solution. So as your kids start heading back to school, you can plan an area devoted for studying. You can work with your existing space to create a study area away from the TV but still visible enough that you can keep an eye on your kids' computer time.
So where do you start? Most homeowners begin by deciding where the designed study area will be in the house. The most common choices are: the kitchen, the loft or the family room.
Kitchens: More than any other room, the kitchen is the main gathering place in the home. Many homeowners are choosing to add a mini office center to house a computer, filing drawers, phone, and space for writing and posting messages for other family members. This center can be enclosed behind cabinet doors or left open. This is a very popular solution for parents of school aged children who want additional space for the kids to do their homework.
Lofts: Most people convert a loft to create an extra bedroom, sometimes with a suite, depending on the space available. However, because most loft conversions are small, it's important to use the space wisely and make the most of any storage opportunities. Whether enclosed or open, a well-organized loft space can be ideal for school-aged kids to do their homework in.
Family Rooms: In an effort to get more quality time, some families are designing group home offices in which parents and kids can work together. Some are renovating existing rooms, installing desks and adding laptop ports for every member of the family.
But the key question you must ask yourself first is: What makes for a good place to do homework? Take a look at the below criteria before you select the best place in your home.
* Adequate space: Be certain that the homework space is not cramped. If there is more than one child, they should not be working on top of each other.
* Noise level: Quiet is, however, a requirement, so if the kitchen is a hub of activity, your kids may not be able to concentrate on their assignments and retreat to their bedrooms. A special time slot may help to alleviate the problem.
* Computers: With the addition of technology to school curriculum, a computer is necessary. To maximize the impact on your home design, a computer station behind closed doors that open at times of study with an extension on the desktop for books can be a great solution. When the task is done, the desk arrangement can be closed up and out of sight. If two children are using one computer, they will need to schedule the times and take turns.
* Storage: Be certain to have adequate storage for study equipment. Also, do you have a bulletin board to tack up notes and memos related to school? Is there a shelf for related books? And ample storage for extra pencils, pens, and crayons?
* Lighting: Task lights for writing or reading are appropriate. Lighting should be over the page but not in the face. Clip-on lights as well as free-standing lamps work well. Watch for glare on the computer screen.
* Involve the kids in the design: Children will take an interest if they have some input as to what the space looks like. Talk it over with them and get their opinions. If at all possible, allow them to help in the selection process. Encourage them to get involved.
With good planning and help from a professional remodeling contractor, you will find a solution that works for your entire family.
