Desk dreams: Homework station and home office looks that make us want to hunker down

Back to school also means back to homework. Often a dreaded chore, we believe a pretty (and practical) workspace can be more conducive to productivity. So, we took to Instagram to find some serious study space inspo. From kids' rooms to dorm rooms and from desks in the kitchen to workstations under the stairs, here is our edit.

Kids' spaces

Homework time often coincides with meal prep time, so we love the idea of having a workspace in the kitchen. Kids can tackle homework while you cook dinner and you'll still be there to answer all of those spelling questions! Generally, built-ins can call for an entire reno, and that's why we love this design from @julietkoczak. A wooden desktop pairs perfectly with the white cabinets and the hardwood floors and it's an easy extension of the cupboards. Plus, a stool tucks neatly out of the way when the desk isn't in use and won't take up valuable kitchen space. Situating it right underneath a beautiful window also makes for an enviable study space.

This playroom tucked in beside the kitchen is the most practical use of an awkward space. @thelearnerobserver took the space between her laundry room and powder room and transformed it into the best location for play… and homework. She carried in the black and white colour scheme from the kitchen, but the polka dot rug and hand-drawn frames make it anything but stuffy. Just like the kitchen space listed above, this little nook is perfect for getting dinner ready and overseeing homework time, simultaneously.

Playroom meets homework space in one of the most fun rooms we've ever scrolled past on Insta. Take inspo from @irwininteriorstyle's space by starting with a base of white and then adding in plenty of colour. We love that she added colourful furniture, such as a blue chair and bright yellow dresser, and yet the white elements keep it from being too busy. And we're pretty sure bunting hung from the ceiling and a giant stuffed giraffe make homework more fun!

This playroom from @mylittleroomcb is serious homework space goals. While most kids' spaces are filled with colour, take inspiration from the neutrals in this stunning room. The colour scheme of white, grey and pine lends a very Scandinavian feel to the area. The custom, but simple frame with built-in chalkboard that designates the workspace is our fave part of the entire thing.

This little study nook is from @hideandsleep_interiors. Perfect for a kid's or a teen's bedroom, it's the palette of whites, pinks and light wood that caught our eye. Take inspo from the peg board above the desk — the little baskets they used for this space add some much needed storage for when there are no drawers under the desk. A setup like this one is also great for small spaces. Skip the traditional desk chair and opt for a stool instead because it tucks away without taking up valuable play space.

This study space from @littlelibertyhome has an industrial vibe that we adore. Take inspo from dual vintage wooden desks and shelves made of pipes and wood. It's absolutely perfect if you have kids who share a bedroom. As you can see with this setup, symmetry is key, as is sticking to a simple, complementary palette, like the greys and black here.

Dorm room re-vamps

One of the only things I liked about my dorm room was my giant desk. Perhaps I would have made mine a little more stylish if I'd seen this design from @manufaktura_splotow back then. To create a space like this one, take inspo from how she added simple shelves above the desk for extra storage, but also for plenty of plants. Greenery always livens up a room — even if you go for faux! Plus a small stool like she used, makes for extra storage/plant space, and seating when you have company.

It's light, pastel and incredibly pretty. So of course we want it. This space from @instahome_houston would work so well as a home office, but we're convinced it's the perfect inspo for your dorm desk, too. Just like in this space, aim for plenty of white accessories, (even clock and frames like above), and accent like they did with rose gold desk accessories. You can't exactly paint your walls pink, but non-permanent wallpaper is a thing, and it's your new BFF. A calendar like this one, right above your desk, is the perfect place for your to-do lists; it could easily be drawn onto your wallpaper and is perfect for ample sticky notes.

If you've just arrived at your dorm to find that your desk takes up an entire wall, and comes with very chunky drawers, transform it into something chic like this design from @lustliving. Opt for a simple black and white colour scheme and make the wall behind your desk into a statement, since you're going to be staring at it a lot! That dalmatian print wallpaper stopped us mid-scroll — just remember to choose the removable kind. Gold accents, a few plants and a touch of faux fur complete her look, and lucky for you, they're very on-trend right now and easy to shop.

Home office workstations for all ages

If you're gonna go for built-ins, this is the space to take inspo from. This dual-desk workstation from @grayoakstudio would be great for a kids' bedroom, home office or even the living room. Schoolhouse accessories add a vintage feel, and we are particularly enjoy the contrast created with those royal blue chairs.  

Studyspace goals, indeed. @rogercooner_architect crafted the workspace of our dreams. With all of those built-in white cabinets around the exterior, it's the perfect way to organize all supplies and add in computer desks. The table in the middle creates room for whole family to work at. We love how the pops of yellow on the chairs add some cheer and that the bench can be tucked under the table when it's not in use.

This tiny little study space is perfect for an apartment. A lucite desk and velvet bench, just like the ones featured in this pic from @adaptationsny are not only gorgeous, but practical. The clear desk makes the room look more open, and that beautiful bench can be tucked underneath when not in use, taking up the least amount of space possible. We particularly like the the addition of a mirror over this workstation, because it too can make limited square footage seem larger.

What a beautiful use of a space that is often unused! This little nook by @mylovelylittle.room is so simple, yet so cute. There are plenty of under-stairs desks on Instagram, but we are enamored by how bright and cheerful this one is. To get a look like this one, opt for a bright coloured chair but keep the rest of the space neutral, just like she did. Plus, a strand of firefly lights adds a nice glow and gives off enough light to comfortably tackle homework.

This homework station would work well in a small space, especially that awkward wall in a living room, just as in this pic. Leaning desks with built-in shelving have been popular for a while now, but we particularly love how @househomemade styled hers with tiny plants and framed art to blend in with the rest of the room's decor.

A workspace like this one from @mintandpinedesign would fit well into almost any style of home. The three floating shelves (plus the tabletop) keep things feeling spacious; those white shelves blend into the wall, but serve as a place to display plants, framed art and books. We love that they added in an extra chair (in a very trendy tone) to sit and help with homework.