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We had an unuseable hallway filled with outdated built-ins, track lighting, and stained carpet. But with three young kids (ages 4, 6, and 8), we needed to make better use of that space! So we went about creating a farmhouse style Kid’s Homework (and Craft) Area where they each had their own station. We installed a shiplap wall and added three sconce lights, and under each light we added a framed photo of each child. We created a desk from Ikea that was long enough for all three kids to have their own station. We also replaced the carpet with wide plank, hand scraped hickory floors, and updated the lighting. I made my own rug for $20 using an inexpensive outdoor rug and painting a swiss cross pattern onto it. I also created free art by making my own vintage inspired flashcard art and framing it. I made “one minute” no sew curtains using seersucker duvets and clipping them onto curtain rods for our oversized slider door. Then little elements like our industrial chairs with Periodic Table inspired monogram pillows also add a school vibe to the space. We added in some fun, inexpensive decor like wire baskets for holding supplies and the kids went bananas for our gold bulldog tape dispenser! Everything in our room is kid-friendly, budget-friendly and durable. We want our kid’s creativity to shine in this area as they work on their craft projects and create new artwork (which they do every single day!)….now they have a place to make it, and I get my dining room table back! We did the entire project is about two weeks and less than $2000, but any extra space you may have in a bedroom, unused closet, or hallway could work to put in a mini station for your kiddos!

Kristin Bryant Thompson
Kristin Bryant Thompson
I'm a mom of three, interior designer, and owner of Postbox Designs, an E-Design company. I love custom designing my clients rooms, then sending their Room-Inside-A-Box right to their mailbox. You can usually find me barefoot in a messy bun working from my sofa...usually calling Rice Krispie treats my "lunch"!

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    Comments

    1. Angela Green

      July 24, 2016

      Can you please tell me the materials in which you used to make this desk? I have three boys the same age and looking to build a similar homework for them. I love your design!

    2. Tricia

      August 29, 2016

      Same question re the desk – I’ve looked on IKEA and am not sure what you did to create that?

    3. Kelly

      January 6, 2017

      I love that desk too!!! I couldn’t find it on IKEA’s website, but I like this DIY one from Ana White.

      http://www.ana-white.com/2015/01/free_plans/desktop-storage-compartments-build-your-own-desk-collection

    4. Jenny

      July 23, 2017

      Where did you find the monogram pillows?

    5. Samantha

      December 8, 2017

      I was wondering what the dimensions of your desk top are? Loving this!!!

    6. Marleigh Steis

      July 24, 2018

      What size of the countertop did you order? The link isn’t working and I want it exactly like yours since I also have three children that will be sitting doing homework.

    7. Amanda Hanna

      October 13, 2018

      Where did you find those chairs?

    8. Wendy

      September 5, 2020

      What size counter top did you use the 74 or 98?

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