It won’t be long before it’s time to go back to school and work! While you’re soaking up the last weeks of summer, it’s the perfect opportunity to make some changes to your home to create a study-friendly environment. With the right furnishings, it’s easier than you think to carve out a dedicated space for homework or a home office.

Here are a few ideas to ignite your imagination:

Long Live the Traditional Office. If you spend a lot of time working from home or are looking for a dedicated homework space for your kids, there are myriad options available for creating a space that’s inspiring and timelessly beautiful. Choose a desk in multiple configurations with matching bookcase or credenza, open shelving, cupboards, drawers and so much more. You’ll be surprised at how much functionality you can fit in a relatively small space.

Double Duty, Space Friendly. Small footprint table and chairs are perfect for breakfast AND perfect for an ad hoc home office. There are so many options available – including bar tables that sit against a wall or even a small-scale kitchen island. Whether it’s making getting fed and out the door faster OR providing an extra study space, these pieces are so versatile. Plus, don’t forget kids’ beds with drawer storage! A long time family favourite, these beds are an ideal way to tuck away kids’ belongings and keep their bedrooms better organized.

Accessories Kids Will Love. Magnolia Home has created school-style furnishings and accessories with their trademark farmhouse sensibility. Your kids will love them, PLUS they add charm and whimsy to your home. Our picks: an old style chalkboard and retro schoolhouse desk.

Our Favourite! Mattress-in-a-box. One of the toughest things about moving (for example, to and from college dorms!) is transporting the mattress. Serta has the problem solved with its mattress in a box line. So portable, it even fits in the trunk of a car. What’s best of all is that because it’s from Serta, you won’t sacrifice quality or comfort.

Condo-Sized Furniture. Whether it’s a complement to your home office, in a college student’s room or simply for your downsized home, there are sofas, accent chairs, coffee and end tables and much more specifically scaled to suit a smaller space.

Back to school is just around the corner. Start planning how to make your home more study-friendly now and score an A+ for organization!

Tags: accessories, decor, design tips, Fall, Furniture, home office, how to, Kids