how to decide on best room layout

[mckenzie]

We would like to change our guest bedroom into a study/chill out room for the DCs. It's not a massive room (if there is a standard size small double bedroom then this is it ) but we think we can fit in a sofa bed, a proper desk with computer etc and some storage. It's a square-ish room with a small alcove either side of the old chimney breast. We are south west facing and this room is at the back of the house. The door is opposite the back wall to the left hand side as you are standing in the room.

Where do we start? How do we decide where the computer and desk go to make best use of the natural light but taking into account the sun when we get it? Should the computer and desk face a wall or face into the room?

I'd be happy to pay someone to come and advise us on the whole decorating, furniture, equipment etc to make sure we get this room right but how do I find that person? It's really important for DS to have somewhere to go where the ambience is right for being comfortable and not getting distracted.

Any ideas gratefully received.

TIA

Get some graph paper and make a scaled drawing of the room. Sales cut-outs of the furniture. Work out space wise what would work and then check light/glare levels for the layout(s). I would be inclined not to put any shelves etc up until furniture in and you are sure you want to keep it that way. Not sure if this is helping. Am I being too obvious?

Thanks Fishfingers. Good idea re the graph paper for sizing things etc. And I'll definitely remember you advise about the shelves

In a big lovely adult study it's nice to have the desk facing into the room with shelves behind. But certainly for DC things will just get pushed off the back of the desk, so definitely have it against a wall.

Is it for a study (ie homework) or chillout space (eg music and TV/games)? Both things can't happen at the same time. I had this debate and decided they would still do most homework in the kitchen until old enough to concentrate in their bedrooms so our spare space is now for kids TV/ playstation stuff. I also didn't want a computer where I couldn't see what they were looking at.... our family computer is in the kitchen.

If you are having a screen, think about the light from the window - you may need a blind. If you go for the desk, then shelving above is a good idea - we've just fixed one above DS desk in his room and it takes all the bits and bobs off the desk surface so he can actually see the desk. At least, that's the idea. Drawers in desk are also invaluable.

Iv been using pinterest to get out ideas for our new house. If you look in the home decor section you might get lots of cool storage ideas!

Thanks for the replies. It's to give DS a quiet peaceful place to do his homework away from DD. DS has sensory issues and pencils really upset him but DD must use pencils still for her work. We have put a computer in the lounge but there are too many distractions for DS. We'd like it to be a room where he might chill if he has a friend over too which is why we like the idea of the sofa. We will have some sort of music system in there too as that helps DS.

I've never heard of that website Orangelily. I'll take a look now, thank you.

Sometimes you need to be invited by someone who's already a member to get into Pinterest without waiting weeks for an invitation from the site. Send me a PM if you want me to email you an invitation.