Transforming the home for school or work
Here we round up some products and tips to help create an inspiring and practical space for home schooling, study and working from home – regardless of whether you have a dedicated home office or not. (Importantly, we’ve tried really hard to find options that are relatively low cost, and can be purchased online or at stores where social distancing can be safely practiced).
Notice board, pin board, inspiration board…
Call it what you wish! Great for displaying timetables, schedules, inspiration, art, craft, photos, quotes - if you can pin it, you can display it! These boards can either be fixed to the wall or for a more flexible option, leant on an art easel, or a ‘ledge shelf’. Fix the shelf to the wall just above the desk height, then when you don’t need the pinboard on display, you can use the shelf to display cute frames and photos.
Be sure to get some cute push pins, and get everyone involved in making their board their own! When it’s not time for school or work, if you choose a not-permanently-fixed option, the board can slide neatly under a bed, or in a wardrobe, or behind a door - until the next day when it’s time for school or work again.
So what exactly can you use?
L-R: We love cladding home office walls (floor to ceiling) in this acoustic panelling, as a variation to the traditional pin board https://www.bunnings.com.au/800-x-600-x-9mm-grey-forestone-acoustic-pinboard_p0510007 You can also cut this panelling to a size that suits, or even in another shape such as a circle, triangle or even a cute love heart for a girly, girl. It comes in some fun bright colours too. Bunnings also has ‘pin board’ sheets https://www.bunnings.com.au/pinboard-1200-x-800-x-9mm_p0510013 Use as is, or you can stretch a lightweight fabric over the top, stapling at the back to make it suit your décor. Stick to plain fabrics such as linens in greys or beige tones, or go a little funky with a lightweight black cotton. A standard cork board is also an easy choice https://www.kmart.com.au/product/large-corkboard/1383826 Wall ledge shelves can be fixed above desk height https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/mosslanda-picture-ledge-white-30297467/
Desk chairs
What do you look for in a chair? Comfort, whether the height is adjustable, wheels or no wheels – there are so many choices and it’s a very individual one for you and your family.
If you are on carpet, wheels don’t move very well, and a clear ‘office mat’ can look damn ugly!! So choose no wheels, BUT make sure the chair is lightweight so it’s easy to pick up and shuffle or move to get the positioning correct. If there is limited space, use a dining chair (if your dining chair is not too bulky to move about!). Using a dining chair style will make the office space feel less ‘officey’ and more ‘homely’. If your office nook is in an open plan room, this will make it to feel part of the home environment. It needs to compliment the other furniture in the room, rather than stick out like a sore thumb.
White or light colours are never ideal for kids! I know this for a fact. So opt for greys, charcoal, blue, navy, or something wipeable. Even wipeable white will keep looking grubby really quickly…especially for younger ones. Just be practical if you can here.
L-R: To soften the space and add a little luxe, you could throw a faux fur rug over your chair https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/564287028314156680/
Here a few chairs that function well and look great too. Oh and no arms means it will tuck under the desk - better for a neater look. (Remember – if you have back/health issues, and you are sitting at your desk for really long periods of time, don’t compromise comfort over look and price) https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/hattefjaell-office-chair-gunnared-medium-grey-80341335/ https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/langfjaell-conference-chair-gunnared-blue-white-s39252308/ https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/newbury-padded-chair-grey-jbnewburgy https://ozdesignfurniture.com.au/furniture/dining/dining-chairs/batilda-dining-chair-in-brandy-oak
Desks
If you have the space for a dedicated desk, look for one that has enough room for books, a device, stationary and a lamp. Drawers for stationary can be a handy addition, however depending on the age of your children, you may prefer a height adjustable option that will grow with them (or encourage doing some school work whilst standing).
Desks don’t have to come in the traditional desk form either. Ikea and Bunnings sell kitchen counter tops, and Ikea sells desk tops and legs separately - use drawers or filing cabinets under as support if you have the space - so the handyperson in the house can get to work!
L-R: You could even use brackets to attach a desk top to the wall. https://www.templeandwebster.com.au/Beesly-2-Drawer-Desk-TPWT2857.html https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/alex-desk-blue-40446396/ https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/pahl-desk-white-s19245106/ this is height adjustable to grow with your child https://ozdesignfurniture.com.au/cantina-desk-in-oak
Desk organisation
Whether your dining table has become the classroom and office, or you have a dedicated study, organisation and having the ability for spaces to visually ‘switch off’ at the end of each day is vital. Keep stationary items all together, and stored in something that can be easily transported around the house (this is also handy if your child likes seeking new places for inspiration throughout the day!). At the end of the day, everything can be neatly packed away to instantly transform your dining table (and house!) from ‘classroom’ to ‘home’.
L-R: https://www.kmart.com.au/product/a4-linen-archive-box/2828828 https://www.kmart.com.au/product/storage-container-with-lid---flat,-grey/804507 https://www.kmart.com.au/product/design-tub-with-lid---medium,-grey/1645304?cm_vc=PDPZ1 https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/lustigt-arts-and-crafts-storage-wood-60384528/ https://www.ikea.com/au/en/p/kvissle-desk-organiser-50397215/ https://www.target.com.au/p/acacia-wood-caddy/62547130
Desk lamps
No matter where you are doing work, and if you’re using a screen or pen and paper, great lighting is so important! An adjustable head is always useful, and the lamp itself can really add a whole lot of personality. If space is tight, consider a wall lamp, whether hard wired, or plug in and mounted on the wall, this will free up desk space.
Here are some cute and very budget friendly options:
L-R: https://www.bunnings.com.au/mercator-chloe-metal-table-lamp_p0126623 https://www.kmart.com.au/product/white-desk-lamp/2845819 https://www.bigw.com.au/product/mirabella-ollie-desk-lamp-white/p/58437/ https://www.bunnings.com.au/brilliant-xl-black-flexi-lloyd-desk-lamp_p0137640 https://www.bunnings.com.au/home-design-black-conico-table-lamp_p4370977
Last but not least - layout
Layout is going to be determined by the room, by the space you have, and access to power.
Try to avoid having your back to the door if you can.
Don’t be afraid to put a desk in front of a window, to free up other walls for more key furniture pieces that would otherwise block the light from the window anyway.
If needing to accommodate more than one person, give some breathing space, especially when we are now all online, doing zoom meetings, online chats, facetiming etc! Ensure there is access to power and a ‘docking’ spot for headphones!! For this purpose, to have them on charge ready to go.
Natural light, fresh air, and some live greenery, will all combine to make your work zone feel more invigorating and inspiring. An oil diffuser might be another worthy consideration! It will add to the senses, creating a scent that makes you feel uplifted and motivated, whilst calm and refreshed.
All in all, if this did inspire you, but you have absolutely no idea where to start or what would be the best solution for you, we can tailor make a scheme that suits your space and your needs, no matter how big or small, long term or short, for you and/or for your kids!!
Check out our Pinterest Board ‘Office’ for more really clever and cool inspiration pictures! https://www.pinterest.com.au/melanieredman/office/
Happy WFH xxoo
