From the beginning of the pandemic, working from home became the norm for many Australians. Dining tables were converted into makeshift office desks, and garages were quickly whipped into shape for homeschooling. Even as ‘normal’ life resumes and your family returns to the office and school, it’s still likely that an area for study or work is required in your home. 

If you have school-aged children, dedicating a location to hitting the books can encourage good habits and make the study sessions run more smoothly. While we may not all have the luxury of a spare room to convert into a working zone, there are certainly ways to maximise the available space and create a functioning study nook that provides everything needed for a happy and productive student. 

15-year-old Australian students spend an average of six hours a week doing homework, according to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). With custom joinery and thoughtful space planning, a workspace designed by the expert team at Balnei and Colina can transform any unused spot into a comfortable workstation, setting your child up for study success.   

This month’s B&C Journal reveals essential design elements to create a comfortable and functional study zone. Consider the following design ideas for study nooks that deserve an A+. 

Robert Fonti

Director, Balnei & Colina

 

Balnei & Colina | Home Office Joinery Sydney

Customised joinery

From a corner of a bedroom to a cupboard in a hallway or a spot under the stairs, any small space can be transformed into a work zone with a customised layout solution from the expert design team at Balnei & Colina renovations. 

A bespoke study nook design will make the most of every available centimetre, incorporating a seamless combination of open shelving and custom cabinetry to help minimise visual clutter, maximise storage, and keep the study essentials easily accessible. Designing a nook with doors that can close when not in use means easy separation between work time and playtime and give you the ability to quickly hide any clutter!

Bonus marks: Add a potted plant. Studies have proven that houseplants improve concentration and productivity by up to 15%, reduce stress levels, and are a natural mood booster. 

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Balnei & Colina | Study Nook Sydney

Lighting 

Lighting plays a dominant role in the brain’s ability to learn and process information, and natural light is the most conducive to a positive and effective learning environment. Position the study nook in a spot that makes the most of the available daylight by a window or close to a doorway leading to a bright room. If the natural light is limited, consider designing a lighting source into the space, such as a wall-sconce or pendant light, or include handy hidden electrical outlets that allow for the addition of a desk lamp while minimising visible cords. 

Bonus marks: An adjustable wall sconce or a pendant light will free up valuable desk space and still give the illumination needed to keep focused.   

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Image credit: McCarthy Homes

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Image Credit: Destination Living

Colour Theory  

Many studies have proven the powerful impact colour has on our attention and ability to learn. If you are considering custom joinery for your new study nook, you may want to include coloured cabinetry or benchtops to create a stimulating learning environment that allows everyone to work to their full potential. 

While it’s important the study nook’s design flows with your home’s overall aesthetic scheme, a little bit of colour can make a huge difference in the mood of the study zone. 

Consider the following colour effects:  

Yellow: Improves attention, creates positive feelings and encourages creativity.

Green: Relieves stress and provides a sense of healing and growth.  

Red: Creates alertness and excitement. It can also increase appetite!

Blue: Suggests calmness and security, creating a sense of comfort.

If you aren’t sure how to incorporate colour into your design, a Balnei & Colina home office design consultant can work closely with you to create a study nook that supports your families needs and style preferences. 

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Balnei & Colina | Home Office Joinery Sydney

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Correct Seating 

An ergonomic office chair will provide the best back support, maximising comfort for lengthy study sessions and increased productivity. Look for styles with adjustable heights, padding and a high back. Stools and ottomans can look super stylish but are better saved for areas where long stints of sitting and concentrating aren’t required.  

Still unsure how to create a stylish study nook or home office that functions seamlessly? Book a complimentary appointment with a Balnei & Colina custom home office/study design expert in Sydney. Contact us on 1300 450 320. You can also send us your project details via this Contact form. 

Visit us at balneiandcolina.com.au, sign-up for our newsletter or connect with us via Facebook or Instagram to stay up to date with the latest home renovation and design trends.

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Balnei & Colina | Custom Study Nook Sydney

 

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Image credit: Rebecca Naughtin Architects

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