Creating a Dream Study Area

January 27, 2016

Alana Willis Style

I could possibly be one of the most un-stylish people you could meet. So, here at Mums who Study we are lucky enough to have uber-stylish mums who are willing to share their ideas. Let me present you with one such mum - meet Alana Willis from Alana Willis Style and That Interior Blog.

Alana is a successful interior designer and her blog was nominated in the 2015 Amara Interior Blog Awards. She has worked on many projects including the design of Milk and Paper a French-styled coffee shop in Scarborough, Perth and recently interviewed Jamie Durie at the launch of his new lighting range at the Furniture Gallery.

I have been reading about how environment  impacts productivity so I thought I would ask Alana for some ideas about creating the perfect studying environment. I spent most of my PhD writing inside a converted cupboard (which now houses the chest freezer, to give you some idea of the space!) so the idea of having a dedicated study space was something I had always dreamt of. Even if you can't find such a space, Alana suggests keeping everything together inside a nice-looking suitcase. I am sure you will enjoy reading this interview, even if only to imagine a world where you can choose the colour-scheme and furniture in your dream office! 

What do you think are the most important elements to have in a place of learning/studying?

It’s most important to have a light filled, organised, ventilated space with the right colour scheme for learning.  

What tips do you have for mums who are wanting to create the ideal work space in their homes?

Firstly, whether its an entire room or just the corner of another room, make it your own space. Personalise it with organised jars, magazine holders for papers and an old vintage belt to tie around books. Colour is important, and yellows, greys and greens work well or a lovely black and white monochrome look. Don’t forget a little plant to provide a refreshing oxygen boost. And make washi tape your friend and collate a vision wall to keep you focused.

Normally with limited spaces/places to work, student mums normally set up their working environment in a shared family space - usually the kitchen table! Do you recommend any particular products or specific ideas to help with this?

It’s important to have your own space to be able to spread out, but if space is a problem, why not use a cute vintage suitcase that also doubles as a gorgeous design piece? You can have all your study bits and pieces inside and at the end of your study session, pack it all back into the case and slide it under a bookcase or console table for a chic vintage look.

Another option is a project I did for The West Australian, which was a wardrobe office that included a pull-out desk on rails, a shelf with jars, a hole out the back for a lamp and laptop cords and a vision board. At the end of the day, you just close the doors on it!

Both the suitcase and wardrobe can be found for free on verge collections or gumtree. Here is another idea for a smaller space.

Thanks to Alana for the tips - one thing I am going to do is put a little plant near my laptop.  By the way, the image below is definitely NOT my office.