Homeowners

Get Your Home Ready for Back-to-School Season

As your family settles into back-to-school season, you may want to create a study space that encourages academic success.

These kinds of areas are good for home schooling or hybrid learning, doing homework, or other activities that require concentration and quiet. They can be parts of a child’s bedroom, a nook within the home, or an entire room.

The good news is it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune to get started. Additionally, homeowners who are planning a major renovation may be able to use a home equity loan to help finance the work.

Let’s dive into some ideas to inspire you as well as tips on how to fund these learning zones and save some money in the process.

Design a children’s study nook

Fortunately, a study nook doesn’t require a full renovation. It’s all about smart zoning and visual cues that define a “space within a space.”

“Start with a slim desk or wall-mounted surface,” said Phyllis Harbinger, an interior designer at Design Concepts/Interiors with locations in Greenwich, Conn. and Miami.

If possible, try to tuck the area near a window so you can harness natural light.

“A designated task lamp, a pinboard for reminders or inspiration, and a comfortable but supportive ergonomic chair can go a long way to maximizing the learning environment’s success,” said Harbinger.

You might also consider a closet conversion. This can involve removing the door and reimagining the interior with wallpaper, lighting, and built-ins.

This may be a good option for those short on square footage.

Turn a whole room into a study or school room

When you have the luxury of reimagining a full room, the secret sauce involves blending structure with warmth, so it doesn’t feel too institutional.

“You can start by identifying three main zones: one for work that [requires focus,] one for reading or creativity, and one for supplies,” said Harbinger.

Think of it as a miniature classroom with a bit more personalization. Closed storage helps keep clutter in check, and open shelving can display books/binders or current projects.

“I like to incorporate a mix of materials, such as cork, whiteboard, and textiles, to add texture and provide kids with different surfaces to engage with,” adds Harbinger.

If multiple children are using the space, color-coding their zones or creating symmetry with matching desks and lamps is a good idea. This way each child has a sense of ownership and is more likely to enjoy (and actually use) the space.

Convert a garage/basement/ADU into a study room

To separate school life from everyday home life, you may want to transform a garage, basement, or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) into a study space.

The first step is to make sure the space is comfortable through the right lighting. Then consider insulation and ventilation, as they are key to ensuring a comfortable learning environment.

“In a garage or basement, use area rugs to define the learning zone and soften the acoustics,” said Harbinger. “You may also want to add fun acoustical panels or large-scale pinboards to the walls, which can enhance both aesthetics and functionality.”

Peel-and-stick carpet tiles in a variety of colors can also make the space livelier.

If you’re converting an ADU, you might want to integrate a kitchenette or small storage pantry, so snacks and supplies are close by. This may help to ensure the space is used for longer periods of time.

Budget-friendly ways to create a study area for the kids

Designing a study space doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re looking for ways to lower your costs, repurposing furniture is a great place to start.

“Shop in your house,” said Harbinger. “An unused console table can become a desk. A vintage bookcase can house your supplies.”

Paint is another budget-friendly and powerful tool to define a space, even if it’s just a color block behind the desk.

And don’t forget to tap into your local “Buy Nothing” group on Facebook or Facebook Marketplace for some secondhand furniture or other items that can take your study space up a notch.

With a bit of creativity and planning, you can create the study space of your dreams while keeping your budget in check.

How to pay for these school or study spaces

Homeowners planning a larger project may be able to leverage the equity they built in their homes to finance the work. Home equity is how much you own on your property due to paying down your mortgage balance plus any appreciation.

Here are a few ways to use your equity:

Second mortgages

A second mortgage is just as it sounds. It’s a new mortgage in addition to your current one. This new loan provides you with a lump sum of money upfront. It might be worth exploring if you have a good idea of how much your school or study space will cost you and don’t want to give up a low mortgage rate on your existing loan.

Compared to credit cards, second mortgages usually come with lower interest rates. That could potentially save you thousands of dollars on your project.

Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs)

If you’re unsure of exactly how much cash you need for your back-to-school renovation, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) might make sense. HELOCs work similarly to credit cards in that you can withdraw funds as you need them, up to your set limit.

Draw periods typically last for five to 10 years and then you repay only what you borrowed. As a bonus, interest rates on a HELOC are usually significantly lower than those for credit cards.

Cash-out refinances

With a cash-out refinance, you replace your current mortgage with a new, larger one and pocket the difference as cash.

Then, you can use the cash to cover just about any expense, such as a study space in your home. You then make your new mortgage payment every month.

Just note that this option typically extends how long you’re paying off your mortgage.