New year, new home!
The new year is a great time to reset, refresh and reprioritise to set yourself up for a better year than the last.
A major makeover to a study space can be as simple as a new coat of paint.
With school children heading back to the classroom this week and next, and teenagers starting university next month, now is the time to make sure their study environment is in order for optimal results in 2021.
Paint the study
A major makeover to a study space can be as simple as a new coat of paint. A simple off-white would be useful if your child has artwork, learning posters or other materials to stick to the walls, as it will not contrast, but choosing a less neutral colour may make the study environment more interesting as well as subliminally help your child to learn and retain information. Blue is a calming colour, orange is believed to spark productivity, while green can enhance endurance. Yellow is also a popular colour for a child's room as it can aid happiness and creativity, but too much yellow can cause a loss of focus.
Invest in new furnishings
An appropriately sized desk and a comfortable chair are two basic requirements for a study but look at what else in the room is required to maintain concentration and prevent distractions. Position the furniture to provide ample natural light, but also consider if the curtains or blinds need to be changed to prevent glare and keep out heat from any afternoon sun. If the room needs extra lighting at night, a desk lamp is an easy option. Also consider changing the globes of lights in the room to a cool white colour, rather than a warm light - it is easier on the eyes. If the room gets cold in winter, consider installing carpet or at least buying a rug to hold some of the warmth; or if the room gets hot in summer, look at whether the air-conditioning system needs an upgrade or service, or if a fan will help to keep air circulating.
A clean, comfortable space with plenty of natural light will encourage good academic performance.
Upgrade the tech
Old operating systems can cause slowness that will disrupt motivation and focus, so new computer equipment may be warranted. Also, ensure that the internet connection is stable to prevent unwanted delays. An upgraded broadband plan or a Wi-Fi extender may be required to keep the connection smooth.
Make space in the kitchen
For those who do not have a separate study space or do not want to have their children hidden away in another room, look at how to incorporate a study space in the living room or kitchen area. Installing a breakfast bar-style bench along a wall or in a corner is budget-friendly. A workstation also can be built into a cupboard and closed off when not in use. For those with even less space to work with, a drawer can be turned into a desk shelf that can be tucked away when homework is done.
By Cara Jenkin
