Social studies: homework centers give kids space to thrive

Sunset, May, 2004 by Mary Jo Bowling

Home offices aren't just for adults anymore. Now that so many kids have computers, their homework centers are evolving into mini offices.

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Architect Byron Kuth says homework centers are usually one of the first things he discusses with clients. And clients often have different ideas about the location of these centers. "Some kids are encouraged to take tasks to their room; others work on projects in family rooms, where the process can be monitored," says Kuth.

A private workstation

In the design shown at left, space was made for work, play, and display in a girl's bedroom. Panels of orbital-sanded acrylic plastic on adjustable shelving units make up the desk and the shelves above. "The Plexiglas is great because it doesn't show scratches," Kuth says. "If it gets gouged, it can be sanded out."

Plexiglas and metal are used in the home's central staircase, located right outside the door of the girl's bedroom. Using the same materials for the work center ties the room to the rest of the house.

DESIGN: Byron Kuth, Kuth/Ranieri Architects, San Francisco (www.kuthranieri.com or 415/544-9880); Chris Whitney and Tommy Hicks, Object Assembly, San Francisco (415/822-8565)

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Space for two

The homework center pictured above started life as a closet in a children's playroom. When the owners renovated their own home office, they asked interior architect Mark Dutka to create a study space for their two sons.

The key to the shared area is a set of mobile storage units underneath the desktop. "Each boy has his own storage cabinet," says Dutka. "They can pull [them] out and use the top for writing or drawing."

The desktop is plastic laminate, which is durable and easy to wash. The maple-veneer cabinets hide scratches better than a painted unit.

This area is designed to grow with the family. "The red knobs could be replaced with brushed nickel when the boys get older," Dutka says. "We left the frame in place so that if the family ever needs to make the space a closet, they can do so."

DESIGN: Mark Dutka, InHouse Design Studio, San Francisco (www.inhousesf.com or 415/824-9266)

RELATED ARTICLE: Set up a homework center

Mark Dutka specializes in work centers for all ages. When designing kids' spaces, he pays attention to the following things.

* Ergonomics. Invest in adjustable keyboard trays and chairs. "The arm and wrist should be at a 90[degrees] angle to the keyboard," says Dutka. "If the feet danle, put a box or footrest underneath."

* Durability. Painted walls near the work center should be covered with semigloss paint so they can be wiped clean. "You want something that can be easily washed or replaced over time," he says.

* Storage. Art and school supplies should be easily reached (read: low) by a child. Dutka suggests shallow drawers for this purpose.

* Shelf liners. To protect and preserve the insides of drawers and cabinets, line them with self-adhesive shelf paper.

* Bulletin or tack boards. Most kids generate lots of artwork. Give them a place to display it to free up the desktop for other projects and keep clutter to a minimum.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JAMES CARRIER