JOIN USWe all need that space where we can curl up with a book or do our
work with no distractions. Study rooms cater to that need, says Natasha Menezes.
In today’s busy environ, a sense of longing for our own private cave originates strongly. We crave for a space where we can de-stress and get some much deserved alone time, all the while keeping productivity and efficiency at its summit. Things that come to mind when I say study room are, leather seating, long wooden desks, a fine cigar jacket, a dark wood library chest and rich vintage lamps.
But it’s not just singletons or disheveled authors that typify such study decor. Fact is if your home is your office or if your work demands lot of creativity, such a decor can embody the boudoir for your intellect. Just like dressing rooms and wellness bathrooms exist to indulge and detoxify our senses, the study is just as intimate a setting, albeit for our grey matter.
And what about the times when the new semester is ringing a loud sharp bell and you are looking forward to new discoveries and long study periods? Perhaps redoing your study room before the onset of a new semester will lift your spirits.
One of the most imperative keys to optimum study design is practicality. Good organisation is more vital than size of the study. Since your thoughts won’t drift easily, a mid-sized expanse will give a better sense of clarity, but will require a certain degree of orderliness.
First of all, take a glance around your existing room. Is it practical? Do you have enough illumination? Is your seating comfortable? Your desk - is it at a proper height or has it outgrown your size? Check the layout of your room carefully and make a checklist of the items in it. Decide what you want to keep and the items that you want to stow away. This way, you can bring in more expedient items. If your study area is located amidst your bed, you can demarcate the areas with a room divider and create a more viable thinking zone.
Basics first
The basics of perfect study room design are a comfortable chair and desk, preferably placed near a window, appropriate amounts of lighting, a cabinet to store your books and documents, a waste basket to stash unnecessary items and all the gadgets you require for work – a printer, computer and scanner.
Once the layout and basic furniture is figured, think about its placement and the accessories for the area. As in any other room, the study should reflect your individual personality. What colour tones are ambient of your persona, yet appealing to the idea of studying? Try to limit the usage of superfluous collectibles and keep the room in order. Keep foliage around the room to add a breath of fresh air, and add a dash of colour to your accessories where needed. But remember the highlight is to create a room that is inviting, limits the surrounding distractions and enables you to work.
Designing a study room is neither expensive nor does it take much time. So if you have an extra room at home, why not turn it into a room that will meet the needs of your entire family? Create a place where you can work from home when needed and your kids can also learn and do their homework in peace and solitude. The ideas given below work well even when you have limited space. You can design a study corner in any part of your room with these simple thumb rules.
Lighting
“Pay attention to the lighting in your study. This is one of the most crucial aspects to study room design. Ideally, your room must welcome in as much natural lighting as possible, so place your writing desk near a window. However, if you don’t have this option, you can place it in the corner of a room but your chair must face the centre of the room to avoid shadow falling over your shoulders while reading,” says interior designer Parul Amla.
The type of work involved defines the degree of illumination needed. For example, if you have the freedom to select your space, settle the orientation of the room rendering your activity type. For morning productivity, face east and for daytime work, face south. An ideal study area location would be either in the attic or under a pronounced gable or against a large window.
Artificial lighting can never replace natural lighting, but if the latter is not possible then invest in a good pendant lamp or desk lamp. Track lights are a must-have for a studio or workshop. Indirect light from a ceiling or wall is classic and is a representative element, especially when it is softly seeping in through the edges. Add a touch of aristocracy with a rustic looking fireplace.
Your study should have minimal furniture. It is extremely important to have a functional chair and writing table. A cabinet is essential to organise your paperwork and books. And if you have the space, then why not convert one of your walls into a library. If space is a constraint, then add some shelves above your desk.
Colours
The walls in your study room must neither be painted too dark nor too light. When it comes to designing a study for your kids, be more experimental with colours and replace those dull white walls with sky blue, yellow or sea green. For an adult study room, however, stay away from reds and oranges, as they make concentration difficult. Instead pick pastel or neutral colour schemes. But do allow yourself to play around with a splash of colour in some form, say accessories, for instance.
Keep some fresh green foliage interspersed around the corners of your room. Hang a painting on the wall and use a bright rug or carpet on the floor to finish off your design. Feel free to add your personal touch to elements of design in the study room, but don’t get lost along the path. Always remember to project order into this space.