My daughter recently completed her mock Leaving Certificate examinations and unfortunately the results leave a lot to be desired. At the moment she is studying in her bedroom and with having a short attention span, I feel that she is getting distracted. I think this is the best time to turn our spare room into a study space that she can use separate from her bedroom. I want to make this space both comfortable and stress free. Can you help Neville?
I can understand how difficult it must be for your daughter to concentrate in her bedroom. Teenagers generally have an array of gadgets surrounding them that tend to be more interesting than study. I’m sure we all have vivid memories of having to study and the difficulty of being confined to a room of text books therefore it is important to create a space that is both comfortable and stress free.
Your daughters study environment is incredibly important and there are certain colours that can help with memory and can create the optimum atmosphere to assist with concentration. Having fresh colours in the study room gives a bright and vibrant feel to the room. The best colour options are green, creams and sunny yellows which will give a cheerful feel.
Yellow is a happy, bright, and uplifting colour. It is linked with the intellectual side of the mind, and the expression of thoughts. It helps to focus our minds, induce clear thinking, and decision making. Crown Paints shades such as Sunrise, Primrose Yellow and Just Lemon will help in creating the perfect stress free space.
Alternatively if yellow isn’t to your liking you could also opt for shades of green. Green is perfect for relaxation and for promoting concentration, so this will help your daughter get into the right frame of mind for study. Take a look at the Crown colourcard where you will find a fabulous range of subtle green shades, such as Lunch Date, Mellow Green and Almost Sage.
When choosing window dressing for the room, I would be inclined to go for neutral colour blinds over curtains as this will help create a clean fresh open space.
I suggest installing a wooden floor for the study as carpets tend to feel a little too relaxed in a room that is specifically for study. You can add a large rug in the centre of the room to add an element of comfort and warmth.
Lighting is a huge factor to be considered in a room that will be used primarily for reading and writing so it should be planned very carefully to avoid strain on eyes. Natural light is very important in a child’s room as it promotes a sense of well being and is healthy when studying. Recessed lighting provides illumination for the entire room and should be carefully placed so it highlights the complete workplace. Anti glare lighting should be purchased and task lighting is a good option to ensure pleasant reading time.
Furniture is an important factor when decorating a study but should be kept to a minimum. A large desk with drawers, a comfortable chair and a good sized bookcase are all you need. If the space is small, light coloured furniture is advisable as dark wood can make a space appear smaller and more cramped.
To create an organised area I suggest that you get some shelves where your daughter can store her text books and essential study material. It can also be nice to have pictures, photos or posters in the room to give the space life and to allow your child to personalise this room. Having a space that is purely their own can motivate a child immensely as well as giving them confidence.
Exams are never an easy thing so I hope these tips help you create a positive environment for your daughter to study in as I’m sure that this will help.
Happy decorating!
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