Just before school starts: How to design a home study environment?

With summer vacation ending, now is the time to get tips from Hadar Seginor-Goldstein, Marketing Manager at Etzmaleh, for designing the perfect home study environment.

Allocate a Dedicated Study Space

It's important to allocate a dedicated area for studying to minimize unnecessary external distractions. If space is limited, you can define it using a desk and design elements like painting the wall above the study area, using wallpaper, or adding a portable partition.

Creating a Functional Corner

Study areas for children or teenagers must be comfortable for prolonged sitting. Aesthetics are great, but functionality is key. Choose a desk that fits the child's physical size—not too big or small—and that will be useful for several years. Consider the various items that will always be on the desk, such as notebooks, books, writing instruments, a calculator, and for younger children, workbooks and markers. It's important to choose a high-quality, durable desk. Prefer desks with drawers for storage space, and if needed, add a storage unit above the desk.

Choosing a Quality Chair

Select a chair that combines optimal ergonomics and fits the child's body structure and height for optimal support. Choose a high-quality chair made from excellent materials that is ventilated for air circulation. To ensure the chair can be used for several years, pick one with adjustable height and backrest.

Creating an Inspiration Board

Next to or above the desk, hang a pleasant and inviting inspiration board. You can choose a corkboard, magnetic board, hanging frame with designed clips, or any other original and creative item for hanging motivational quotes, pictures, reminders, schedules, weekly plans, etc. The board has endless design potential according to the child's style and ensures that even when homework becomes tedious, they can look up and find calming inspiration.

Textbooks Alongside Designed Items

Every proper study area is decorated with various textbooks. To create a pleasant and personal learning environment, add accessories and design elements to break the academic atmosphere and add pleasant interest to the study shelves.

Adding a Protective Surface to Preserve the Desk

To keep the desk in good condition and protect it from scratches and dirt, it's recommended to place a protective surface on it. This surface can be clear Perspex for a neutral design or designed PVC to add interest and upgrade the room's appearance.

Incorporating Plants into the Study Area

Adding live plants instantly transforms a study area into a colorful and pastoral kingdom. Plants will add green to the space, contribute to the positive energy we want to create in the room, and make the study area inviting and warm.

Designing Together

Especially when designing study areas for teenagers, it is recommended to do so in cooperation with them. Even for younger children, involve them in the selection process, let them choose design elements that reflect their style, and design the personal items that will feature in the study area together, making the final result pleasant, inviting, and personal.

And What About Choosing Colors?

According to Sharon Perger Leshem, Architect Relations Manager at Nirlat Paint Company, "Color is one of the most important elements in creating the atmosphere and harmony in the study and work environment. With color, you can give an illusion of space to small corners, define areas, give a new look to old furniture, and more. Color is the design tool that can bring the biggest change to a space in the quickest, simplest, and most affordable way. Choosing the right shade deepens creativity and concentration. Studies show that yellow enhances concentration and focus, providing an excellent foundation for learning and evoking a sense of joy, which is no less important in the learning process. Dividing space with color also creates order and calm, with shades of blue-green offering tranquility and cleanliness. Study areas for girls are perfect with pleasant pink touches. For older students, nothing beats various shades of gray for years of excellence and maturity."