Study Hall

It's back-to-school for the kids and back to business for the rest of us.  After a summer outside, even we adults have some homework to attend to.  While our kids might do their homework on the kitchen table (surrounded by snack food) or flaked out on the floor, the rest of us deserve a grown-up work space.

This fall we will be working on an office makeover project (more on that later), so we've been thinking about desks.  There are so many different ways to go with desks, the topic requires some serious study:

Old School
You can almost hear the teacher scratching away on the chalkboard with this vintage schoolhouse desk.

Pine and Iron desk from Halo

Classic

For a classic craftsman look with a more open feel, this desk gets interesting on top of  

architectural sawhorse legs.

Stanley Modern Craftsman Colony Floating Drawer Desk

Transitional

Clean lines and leather detailing help this desk fit well with a variety of styles.

Modern History Leather-wrapped Desk

Contemporary

Mixed materials of wood + metal = modern elegance.

Interlude Home Menton Desk

Vanguard

Work of Art

Bronze-cast bamboo legs that appear to be bound together with string and barely capable of supporting the walnut top -- stunning (and actually quite sturdy).  This piece was inspired by an artist's sketch.  

Rendez-vous from the Les French Collection

Masculine

The leather drawer pulls on this masculine parsons table remind us of Ralph Lauren's iconic look.

Three drawer writing table from Hickory Chair.

Bohemian

Bone inlay is everywhere these days, but stainless legs make this gorgeous piece unique. 

Bernhardt Padma Desk

Whimsical

This would be a great desk to work into a bedroom or bath design.

Bungalow Miranda Vanity/Work Table

Funky

Flight attendants, please prepare the cabin for departure.

Four Hands Aviator Desk

Farmhouse

White-washed bead board and chrome with lots of storage space for your butter and egg money.

White Out by Caracole Light

Eclectic

We just love the ethnic vibe from this carved-leg desk.

Shine's Essex Desk

Multi-function

Whether serving as a kitchen island or in a family study, these desks provide room for a whole crew.

Four Hands Rupert Work Table

Lexington Westlake Dining/Work Table

The Transformer

Is it a desk?  Is it a console table?  It's both!  

A flip top desk from the Stanley Coastal Living collection is flexible and stylish.

Use it as a sofa back or console table to squeeze some workspace into a multi-purpose room.

Or open it all the way for a standard office space.

The Chameleon

Don't have a dedicated office space in your home?  No problem!  

Look for desk styles that can blend seamlessly into the design of other living spaces.

A traditional flip top secretary from Somerset Bay Home in a custom finish to fit the space.
Room by Whittington Design Studio

A mirror and bamboo desk by Bungalow reflects the light from the window in this sunny bedroom.
Room by Whittington Design Studio

The Built-In

Sometimes storage needs or room size make it challenging to create work spaces.  Built-in computer desks are a great solution, although they can look a bit boring without help.  Custom carpentry moulding, upholstered chairs, drapery and artwork can help take a built-in space from drab to fab.

An adjustable bar stool turned a countertop into computer space for this contemporary client.
The chaise is a great place to relax after the work is all done.
Room by Whittington Design Studio

This client needed to incorporate work space into a family room.
 The custom cabinetry and granite worktop are softened with the use of an upholstered work chair.
Room by Whittington Design Studio

Kid-Focused

Kid-focused offices can be stylish too.  The rolling stools and large table in this room make the workspace flexible and a full-size world map makes geography review a breeze.  Need help with your math homework?  The custom wall panels add up to fabulous!

Room by Whittington Design Studio

So go ahead and carve out a well-designed space for the grownups or the children to do their homework this fall.  You will get excellent grades from the whole family.

And stay tuned to our blog as we unveil some new client projects -- including guest room, living room and office makeovers (complete with before and after shots).  We will also have our usual fall party ideas and holiday design tips, so keep checking in for inspiration.

Do it!

p.s.  Did your kids steal all your pencils for back-to-school?  Check out this sharp idea!

Pencil Convex Mirror from Tozai Home