kids room
Lots of leg room Bay windows are often used for bench seating but they can be even more useful as study nooks. A custom desk is an inexpensive solution for a room like this, and there’s plenty of room to move, particularly as short legs morph into long legs. Not having to face a blank wall can also make the prospect of doing homework more appealing.
Restricting beds, cabinetry and the study area to one wall maximises the open space in this room. With so much storage built in, there’s plenty of room on the floor for play or lying around with a good book. A soft rug and a beanbag makes the floor space extra inviting. This smart set-up uses vertical space in a different but no less innovative way, eliminating the need for a separate desk and chest of drawers entirely.
Even bedrooms that are on the small side can squeeze in a sizeable desk with a bit of imagination. Instead of having a separate bedside table and desk, this room blends the two together. Lighting for both studying and reading has been built in beneath the overhead storage cabinetry, removing the need for a lamp. Tip: Don’t scrimp on space on either side of the chair – there’s nothing inviting about having to cram yourself into an uncomfortably small area to study.
Wall of fun Shelving that incorporates a fold-down desk or two can be a valuable addition to a bedroom or playroom. The display of books and knick-knacks will change over the years as their tastes change, but the set-up can stay the same if you plan it to be able to grow with your child from the start. Tip: Be sure any desks built into cabinetry are large enough to accommodate lanky teenage legs. Double power points by each desk are must-haves for charging up laptops and other devices without the need to relocate.
Landings at the top of stairs in a multi-storey home are often under-utilised and make an ideal spot for a study nook. With good airflow and the right lighting, this space works well to provide the right environment for concentration. The landing and stairs only receives heavy traffic at certain times of the day, and is otherwise relatively quiet. But being in an open space, this is also another option that makes it easy to keep a casual eye on anyone working here.
This nifty nook has been set inside a cupboard, and makes a great study space for an industrious teen. Proper lighting is definitely necessary to aid concentration and prevent eye strain, so the built-in fixtures under the shelving provide just the right amount of illumination to work with. Power points set underneath the desk have made it easier to set up a computer and a printer, making studying even easier. Another plus of this design is that any mess can easily be hidden away behind the bi-fold doors when the space isn’t in use. And by having this study cupboard in a hallway or little-used area of the home that’s still out in the open, it’s also easy to keep a casual eye on the student’s activities, to make sure they’re keeping their head in the books
Once the aesthetics are taken care of, it’s time to think about the functionality of the space. Teens use the internet for school work and to maintain their social lives online, so incorporating data points is essential. “Make sure your teenager has enough power points to plug in computers and charge devices,” says Leech. “Try to integrate them into the study area to keep it contained and neat.” Gerke agrees that having access to the internet is important to teenagers. “Having an ethernet cable installed or adding a WiFi booster will help teens stay connected,” she says.
One of the key features of any teenager’s bedroom is the bed. Gerke suggests buying the largest bed that will fit the room, without compromising study and storage space. A sturdy trundle bed is also essential, as your teenager is likely to have plenty of sleepovers. “However, a quality blow-up mattress will do the same job, it’s cheaper, and can be stored away,” says Gerke. It is also wise to invest in quality bedding as teenagers like to lie around on their bed with friends, says Leech. “Make sure the bedding is comfortable and durable, and add some extra cushions they can lean on,” she says.
Gerke suggests adding a quality pinboard to the design as it will reduce wall damage and give your teenager somewhere to pin photos and reminders. “A pinboard is a great inclusion as it allows teens to personalise their space and showcase what is important to them,” says Leech. “The board also acts as an ever-changing artwork as their tastes change.”
Although your teenager will want to create a space that embodies his or her own individual style and tastes, there are certain elements that every teenager’s bedroom should include. “A large, comfortable bed is essential, as teenagers grow quickly and often have friends over to stay,” says Leech. “A sturdy desk that can fit a laptop and a comfortable chair are also important, as these are the years when study ramps up.” “Great lighting and a quality desk lamp are vital for long nights studying,” says Gerke. “Access to natural light is also a must as it fosters a positive mood and attitude.”
Storage is key when it comes to designing your teenager’s bedroom. Wilson believes it is better to have a combination of open and concealed storage, such as a bookshelf with cupboards or drawers at the bottom and some open shelves at the top. “Teenagers like to display trophies, photos and mementos, but they also have books and sports clothes that you will want to hide away,” says Wilson. “Floating shelves or a desk with drawers is a great way to display precious items and conceal mess.” If your teenager’s bedroom is on the smaller side, Gerke recommends incorporating customised joinery into your design so you can take advantage of every nook and cranny, and personalise the space to suit your teenager’s needs. “Utilising under-bed storage is also a good idea,” says Gerke. “Rather than buying an ensemble base and mattress, consider a base with integrated drawers or one on legs so you can hide shoes, books and other bits and bobs underneath it.”
Draw on the walls Another idea is to let kids personalise the area around their desks by painting a full-wall chalkboard backdrop. Because you can now get chalkboard paint in all sorts of colours, there’s no need to be limited to black – try a vibrant blue, as shown here, to make white desks pop. Word to the wise: don’t use chalkboard paint above kids’ beds or they will end up full of chalk dust
Kids can’t resist lofts, they’re just more fun than playing on than ground-level spaces. In this room from UK-based Slightly Quirky, a mezzanine-level loft sits above a pair of twin beds with built-in storage below. In the play loft, ample shelving creates a home for the children’s book collection, and the transparent loft barrier lets grown-ups keep an eye on play. My boys, 8 and 10, share a room. They each have a lofted bed, and underneath each we put a beanbag chair and a bookshelf. We attached a fabric curtain under each bed, so if they need some privacy, they can pull the curtain and have their own little cozy space. Having the lofted beds leaves a large central floor space for playing. The previous owners added a built-in storage area along one wall, so each of my sons has his own hanging closet and built-in drawer unit, divided by a desk (which we converted into a lego- building and storage area.
Design a nook Create a cosy desk area by constructing cupboards on either side of your desk. Here, a window forms the central area where the desk is located, while cabinets either side turn it into a snug workspace. Drawers and cupboards are ideal for stowing everything out of the way, while handy shelves are positioned within easy reach of the desk.
Q