How to Create Productive Home Workspaces for Both Adults and Kids

Sep 22

With more and more workplaces allowing flexibility, having a dedicated home workspace is vital. Most businesses are allowing work-from-home days, so an adult workspace is now necessary, in addition to an area where the kids can do homework.

Step 1: Locate the Right Space in Your Home

Adults need a room where they can shut the door for quiet and concentration. Younger school children benefit from a homework station near adults so they can ask questions and get help with tasks. As the children grow and become more independent, having a dedicated work station in their rooms might be more appropriate.

My son was in Kindergarten when Covid hit, so we utilized an area off the kitchen as a desk where we positioned his Chromebook for Zoom classes. Now that he's in 3rd grade, we converted the closet in his room into a "closet office" that he absolutely loves! Nobody misses the closet space since he never hung any long items, and all of his clothes fit just fine in a chest of drawers.

Step 2: Choose a Functional Storage System

Having good storage at a workstation is extremely important. Personally, I like neatly stacked clear acrylic containers for storing my office supplies. I can see easily everything that's at hand. Some people might want their items more hidden, so wood storage might be better.

Try to keep your storage system and any clutter off your work surface. Shelves can be hung above the desk and will help keep your workspace clear while still giving you easy access and views of necessary items.

In my son's new closet office, we have shallow shelves above his desk in the closet filled with reading books. The shelf that is directly above his desk is strung with cool string lights for a really fun glow when he's working or playing Minecraft on his computer. We painted the whole closet Benjamin Moore Mysterious (a very dark navy blue), which adds to the neat little cave-effect that is brightened by the fun string lights.

Step 3: Select Furniture & Decor Intentionally

My son doesn't weigh very much and sits at his desk for less than 2 hours at a time, so a simple, modern side chair was fine for his desk area. If designing an office space for an adult or someone who spends more than 2 hours at a time in the chair working, I suggest an ergonomic desk chair.

When considering decor for your workstation, remember that live greenery is a must! You can also fake it with a well-made faux plant if you aren't the greatest at maintaining plants. Just as you want to instill contentment and peace in your entire home, designing your workspace with a focus on natural elements can boost your mood and productivity.

Kids can go nuts with colors and accessories. When designing my son’s space, I found success by picking 2 or 3 options that I liked, and then giving him the choice from those. He still feels like it's completely his space since he had a say.