Summer goes by so fast–and before you know it, it’s time to gear the kids back up for school. No matter what type of schooling your family does, a designated study area can be beneficial. With ample space, the proper tools, and some personalized design, schoolwork can seem more fun and less like a chore. Here are some tips for creating a study space your kids will love.

Color Them with Inspiration

Colors affect our moods dramatically–so it’s certainly a factor that shouldn’t be overlooked in a kid’s study space. Vibrant colors are a must–but don’t feel the need to saturate the space. A colorful reading nook, patterned window treatments, a bright bookcase, and multihued rugs on the floor are just some ideas that will give the area a whimsical feel that makes homework feel less burdensome.

Provide Ample Storage and Supplies

Having the tools of the trade, such as storage and supplies, make getting jobs like schoolwork easier. Chalkboards, bulletin boards, generous shelving, and organizers are some tools that will enable your child to be more successful when it comes schoolwork. Additionally, having enough supplies on hand (glue, scissors, pencils, etc) for each child will allow them to be more efficient. Keep in mind that organization products don’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, you may already have things around the house that can be used–like a pitcher for scissors and rulers or a mug or mason jar to hold pens and pencils. For bigger storage solutions, scout out places like thrift stores for anything that can be spruced up or shop stores like Ikea who offer cool solutions for very reasonable prices.

Make it Individual

As kids get older, they require more space. This is where individual workstations come into play. Each workspace should be fully functional so that the child can get their work done. If possible, try to tailor the space to their personality to make it a bit more fun. A funky lamp, a framed photo, and even a desk chair in their favorite color are just some ideas on how you can make their workspace seem a little special.

If there’s extra square footage in the study area, create a comfy spot to stretch out on. It can be as unique as a custom piece of furniture, such as a chair, sofa, or ottoman to something more simple–like a cushioned window seat covered in a fabric they love or even a beanbag chair in the corner.

Keep it Quiet

Noise makes it hard to concentrate, so make sure your study area has a door that can be closed to block out distractions. This becomes more difficult if the study area is part of a multifunctional room. In circumstances like this, try tweaking the schedule so the kids have a block of quiet time where they can focus.