Homeschooling | Care Giving | Working from Home During Quarantine
Everyone has their own personal needs when they’re trying to find their personal workspace in a multi-generational household.
The coronavirus pandemic has changed so many aspects of our lives in a very short period of time. It’s not something we’ve had time to think about and prepare for. Businesses are implementing work-from-home policies, there are school and daycare closings, and “social distancing” restrictions. Most of us have seen our typical routines turned upside down.
Bottom line, there’s probably a house full of loved ones all trying to navigate being stuck at home. Add to that, each person is trying to find their own personal space.
Most homes don’t have separate rooms to dedicate to multiple adult and child work and school spaces. You might find yourself having to create multiple workspaces – for you, your spouse, and your kids. Also, you may find that you need a few extra beds to lay heads on. This can be a huge challenge.
Below are a few creative ideas we hope will help you restore calmness and order to your household.
Workspace
Start by assessing all the places in your home as possible work areas. Besides the obvious, possibilities can be a closet, an alcove under your staircase, a nook area, or even the garage and attic. It’s really about giving each person their own workspace that works and feels best for them.
A Closet as a Workspace or Study Nook
Virtually any unused closet can be used to create a private workspace. From a small reach-in closet to a walk-in, these under-utilized spaces are easy to transform into your own happy little cubicle. All you need is a work surface, a comfortable place to sit, and a healthy dose of inspiration.
Removing the doors to the closet can give your room extra dimension. However, if working from home creates an “always on” mindset, keep them. This will give you the option to close the doors on work at the end of the day, both physically and metaphorically.
Adequate lighting is important. If your closet already has a light fixture, try to use it. If there’s just a bare-bulb, replace it with a light fixture. This is a perfect opportunity for you to add your own personal touch! Also, if you add a task lamp this will help you clearly see what tasks you’re working on.
Lastly, a mirror is a must! It adds light, depth, and life to your tiny space. It also can give you the feeling of looking through a window. The smaller the space, the bigger the mirror. With mirrors, you can never, ever, go too big. This mirror is 48″.
The Dining Nook as a Sleeping/Study Berth
It’s super cozy when a bed is tucked into a nook and becomes a perfect spot for someone to sleep for the night or take a nap. It can also double as a workspace or study nook.
To get this project started, you’ll need an internet connection and a credit card. Pull-up your favorite home decor store and order ready-made curtains + hardware, a wall sconce, and an overhead light fixture. That’s, of course, if there isn’t an awesome one there already! For this nook, the daybed, art, and bedding where re-purposed from other rooms. If you don’t have a daybed, you can use a twin bed (minus the headboard if you can) or a mattress on the floor. For reference, a twin mattress is approximately 38 inches wide by 75 inches long. If you’re concerned that using a mattress on the floor appears unfinished or untidy; the trick to pulling it off lies in the styling.
A Bump-Out or Corner for a Daybed
Another idea is to designate a daybed for someone who only needs a laptop to work or study from. The bump-out shown above is part of a master bedroom and it’s the perfect spot for a two-sided daybed that creates two workspaces. The large window and two floor lamps give the bump-out just enough light to get the job done without feeling claustrophobic!
Another spot for a daybed can be a corner in the dining room. The dining table is the most likely place for homeschooling, so having an extra spot in the same room can give an older child, or even an adult, the ability to work independently. That person may want to consider using noise-canceling headphones. They’re good at blocking distractions and a way to regain some privacy in an open-plan workspace or learning environment.
We’re going to get through this. Stay Strong!
Our greatest power is our perspective. It can victimize us or empower us. There’s always a choice.
HAPPY TWEAKING!
"12 Tips to Tweak Your Way to a Happy Space”