Homeschool spaces that will inspire you

Full Swing

This family's homeschool is located in a loft above the kitchen in their industrial farmhouse in Ohio. Homeowner and photographer Julie Ranee purchased the hammock on a trip to Ecuador 22 years ago. "The kids love having a special reading nook," say Ranee. Another novel way decor can inspire learning? Display motivational messages and school drawings as wall art.

Divide & Conquer

A farmer's table and four blue chairs from Target make up the main gathering space for Ranee's three kids. The separation between the learning area and the rest of the house helps kids mentally prepare a day's work when they enter the school zone.

ON HOUZZ: Kids' study spaces earn high marks

Musical Chairs

Interior designer Darlene Weir is all about flexible seating options in her Pennsylvania home. Although her boys use a traditional chair-and-desk setup for writing assignments, they do most of their reading, researching and memorizing on a beanbag. "Flexibility is the perk of homeschooling," says Weir.

Stow Away

Homeschooling requires things like glue sticks, crayons, pipe cleaners and more. Weir manages the mess with clutter-controlling baskets and dressers. "They keep the items easily accessible, while hiding them from view," she says. To break up the monotony of daily schooling, Weir also moves the kids to new settings, like the kitchen. "A new environment can be reinvigorating," she says.

Twice the Fun

Interior designer Natasha Barrault and architect-designer Herve Daridan designed this Malibu family retreat with homeschooling in mind. "The rooms actually transform into a homeschool in the morning and then return to a regular living or dining room the rest of the time," says Barrault. Want your space to to do double duty? Look for durable decor (translation: no delicate glass or ceramic pieces) and never underestimate the power of slipcovers.

ON HOUZZ: Discover your living-room style

Special order

Barrault and Daridan custom designed fabric-covered boxes with metal frames to fit in the bookcases. Each box is filled with letters, numbers, toys and other educational items. Using adaptable pieces helps to maintain a stylish aesthetic, while providing practical storage for school supplies.

ON HOUZZ: Get your house back-to-school ready

Wiggle Room

Interior designer Amy Steenson's homeschool works hard for her family. The efficient and flexible space functions as a school, home office and a guestroom for friends and family. Arranging furniture around the perimeter of the room helps free up the center space for reading and creative group activities.

Hide & Sleep

Steenson loves versatile storage solutions, such as table legs with storage space. "It's best to find boxes that can fit under desks and tables, and adaptable furniture like end tables that can double as filing cabinet," she says. A major space saver? A sleeper sofa or futon. "We can read together on the couch during the day, then turn it into a bed for visiting guests," says Steenson.

ON HOUZZ: Dream kid spaces