This weekend at a birthday party, we were able to see some of our favorite school friends that we haven’t been able to spend time with since we pulled the kids out this fall. We were standing at the edge of the pond at a park, enjoying the serenely beautiful Sunday when Emerson spotted some ducks. “Look! She exclaimed. “There’s a female duck, and that one is a male duck.” She pointed at the aforementioned ducks, appropriately labeling them just as she had learned.
I beamed with pride, not-so-secretly hoping someone heard. But we were in earshot of no one. We’re not total failures! I wanted to say not-so-jokingly. We learned that in Science! I totally taught her that! {read: She actually retained something when she was standing on her head for the fifth time in a row for the day!} And then Emerson kept going. “I wish they were pregnant,” She said even louder before I could stop her “I love pregnant stuff. {read in your best It’s so fluffy! voice} They have babies!”
At some point my luck in the universe as a mother has kicked in, and then canceled itself out again. I was the weird mom who gets excited over absolutely nothing, and she, the child obsessed with babies. Before that, it was unseemly body parts drawn in grandiose depictions with sidewalk chalk in the driveway for all the neighbors to gawk at (I mean, she has two brothers) so I guess things are looking up.
Today, I’m talking about the space where we learn about mallard ducks, and pronouns, The Mona Lisa and Tsunamis. We watch documentaries about volcanoes and the Black Death, the moon and Pluto. We break down multiplication and number charts. We sing about the months and the continents. It’s the place where we do a lot of our learning, and I was bound and determined to dedicate a space to it. If we were going to spend most of our time together in one space for school, it needed to work with our learning style, and it needed to be fun.
It’s funny to me, how your house grows with you when you need it to. If you want it to. We’ve lived in our home for 7.5 years, and over time, many of our spaces have changed with meeting our needs. I love that we’ve had challenges to keep it functional and visually appealing… and the dining room has been one of those spaces.
This fall, when we decided to home school, it was a choice we felt we needed to make pretty quickly. We were very passionate about our choice, and we felt that we didn’t need to beat around the bush about it to make for an easy transition. We were using what we had. I painted our dining room table, and organized all our books, and in a weekend we were ready. I was in survival mode, and I was grateful that we could be ready.
But over time, I fell into my groove. We all fell into a groove. The table felt a little institutional. The dining room chairs were large and in charge and bulky and awkward for littles to work at. And I felt a bit limited in what we could do in that space with a giant table sitting in the middle.
So in the middle of the bathroom and bedroom debacle (and the closet redo that I talked Jamin into throwing in for fun because clearly have issues) our amazing la-z-boy sofa showed up. I was thrilled beyond anything and completely grateful, but secretly wondered if I could hide it in the garage for a while. I couldn’t deal with the house drama.
First world probs.
It sat in the living room for only a weekend. I’ll spare you with the musical furniture Mills-family-home-of-chaos, but have you ever added something to your space that was completely fabulous, and then you realized much to your dismay it just wasn’t going to work right that moment in said particular space? After you tried to rearrange the furniture five gazillion times? That awesome blue needed some balance and the chesterfield wasn’t budging… and now I’m rambling. Our living room is a little limited in it’s capabilities. But we had a better idea…
Our kitchen table was getting a bit wonky, so it was donated, (it could be repaired) and the dining room chairs went into storage for now. We love this and how it fits in our kitchen! And in the meantime…
We rethought our little Mills Academy (I am totally designing our own logo and having it monogrammed onto dress shirts to wear with khakis when we venture out so we look legit kiddingnotkidding) and added a few fun pieces that completely changed the entire feel of the space.
Tada!
That was a really long story.
Home school isn’t a clutter free process. Things don’t always stay neat and organized. There’s books and projects and paper and pencils and markers and magazines and ant farms {coming soon} and…well, kids. You get the picture. And our dining room still felt so formal. So we were pleased with this final little tweak. We can get up and move and work on the floor and dance and sing and oh how I love reading to them on that sofa.
Before we knew it this space evolved over time, and with the final addition of a few key pieces, it’s one of my favorite spaces in the house.
PS, I feel like a total rebel, cutting my final tether (read: dining room table + ultimate guilt) to our southern trad dining room. It’s awesome.
We purchased two of these little red campaign desks from target. They’re more the kids’ size and all three can work, and the price was right without having to alter/paint/build anything since we have so much going on right now. We also grabbed up two sets of chairs {for a total of four} We love the look and the fun feel it brings. We have space.
The sofa, as you know, is from La-Z-Boy. And it. Is. Fantastic. The bright blue rocks our world. No really. Sometimes I just go in and stare at it.
We built this frame… the how-to can be found step-by-step in our book, and all the free printables, here. Because we built the bench for the entryway, this space feels a lot more like a large room now. The kids love that little bench and we actually do some lessons there. (Read about the how to for these brackets + shelf, here + here.)
This little dry erase board is a great place for the kids to work on small projects. {How-to, here.}
The globes were gathered over time from various flea markets and my parents’ closet. I felt a little cheesy/predictable using globes at first, but it’s a classroom and noonereallycares. Also? We actually use them a lot.
And these little baskets keep all of their materials sorted, which were a part of the original dining room shelves. From Math to Language Arts and everything in between. Read all about the baskets/shelves here.
We turned a mirror {from our book} into a dry erase board for teaching, by adding a piece of MDF to the back and painting it, and then topping it with plexiglass. And of course I had to have a colorful old abacus because, um, it’s amazing.
This piece is one of my absolute favorites and corrals everything for the kids.
We added some bright pillows for some coziness and updated the curtains for a lighter feel with the fabulous Online Fabric Store. {They’re our fave!} We still loved the old curtains, but they were lending to the formal feel, so the new ones did a lot to free up the color scheme. The curtains are in Irish Linen, The pillows in Braemore’s Journey Fruitty Fabric, + Paloma Turquoise + Paloma Sunflower. I am smitten.
I spied the notebook rug at Land of Nod and died twice. Because everyone needs a little tongue and cheek in their lives. Layering the two rugs is probably a little more unconventional, but so is ditching the unused dining room. It breaks things up and keeps it light.
A how to for the frame (with free printable) here + the ticket stubs (with free printables) + frame here. We snagged the light with a coupon and sale off world market, here. And the fun runner rug from Ebay, here. (I always feel like a true champion when I win.)
We put together a simple little coat hanger with a spare board stained, and more of the triangle pattern from the bench repeated vaguely in a distressed white. Then we added some knobs from our local craft store and it works beautifully. I love that our entry way definitely functions as well.
Yes. I did put an apple on top of vintage books. Because it’s stereotypical old school, and I can. {Basket from Ikea = a great front door shoe catch-all}
This shelf once held little items from around the house, but now it completes the space by being full-on functional with extra book and curriculum storage. It really does make that whole area feel like its own room!
Pssst… and don’t forget the free map printables, here!
We love this fun little space! It feels so good to have (some) things back in working order. At first I felt a little weird about kicking out the dining room table but it’s been so freeing… and it’s fun to have something that truly reflects us. ;}
Let us know if you have any questions and as always, have an inspired day!
BJ says
We’re making the switch from homeschooling to private school, but this is so inspiring – almost making me wish we hadn’t chosen to enroll them in school. But then I remember I don’t have a fabulous space like this. We’ve got a cold basement that I attempted to re-do…not working. Enjoy your space – so beautiful! And wow, I love that sofa!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks so much, BJ! We all do what’s best for our children, and it’s different for everyone- so props to you! ;}
erin says
I love this! It is such a fun, functional space. It reminds me of our own homeschool room from my childhood.
In our current house we’ve also ditched our dining table and turned the former formal dining room into a sitting room, the former living room into the dining room, and the former breakfast nook into a play area for the kids. Hurrah for messing with the rules of what-goes-where. 😉
ashley @ the handmade home says
Yay for breaking the rules! ;}
Beth says
Love it! I want to get rid of my dining room table (my mom would die!) so badly but our eat in kitchen space is just not big enough to justify it. We have friends over a lot and can only seat four around the table in the kitchen. I would love a second den/homework room. Maybe I can rearrange and repurpose the dining table. So many ideas so little time!
ashley @ the handmade home says
HAHA! Are you from the south? Is this a southern thing? ;} I get it with the room thing! We just happen to have enough space in the kitchen. ;} Do it! You won’t regret playing with your space ;}
Laura says
Our oldest is 20 and our youngest is 7 (2 in between), and we have always homeschooled. We have found a routine that works well, but it could use a little sparkle. Thanks for inspiring me to try to bring a little more fun and wonder back to our school days!
ashley @ the handmade home says
As I received this comment this morning on my phone, my six year old could be heard wailing that she “didn’t want to do math!” in the background. It was comical. ;} Some days aren’t magical at all… some days are amazing. You know how it goes! Thanks so much for your sweet words – Glad to know others have gone before us!
Shannon - AKA Design / Bloggers & Brands says
I adore this room!!! It is so fabulous. Other homescool friends of ours did the same sort of thing with their dining room. Unfortunately we eat in ours everyday (the kitchen isn’t big enough to eat in). I am now thinking of making the family room more functional for homeschooling in. Right now everyone drags their books around the house. 🙂 Gorgeous homeschool room!
xo,
Shannon
carrie says
so. stinkin’. perfect. just when i y’all can’t outdo yourselves {read: fabulous map printables, frames, and doll houses}, you do! great job, mills family.
p.s. i wish i could know y’all in real life. we could be such good friends! 🙂 really, i’m not a stalker……just an “admire and acquire” kind of girl.
Amy Barber says
We are planning to Home School for Kindergarten. She went to Preschool, but we want to home school to help her progress faster. My question is, how did you deal with nay-sayers. My parents are having a hard time with this. Love the room!! Gave me lots of ideas.
Heidi says
Okay-not Ashely 😉 but as someone who has homeschooled at various times-you’ve got this! And I’d love to say ignore the naysayers but sometimes that’s easier said than done, especially when it’s family. I know my parents were pretty worried-but they actually were really supportive once we started and they saw how the kids thrived. I would direct your parents to articles/books that show how great homeschooling is, and show them all the cool things you can do. For other people-just smile and ignore. Seriously. Everyone makes a variety of choices in their lives that other people are going to have an opinion on. And most of the time we don’t care-it’s only when it’s something where we might have some insecurity that it bugs, kwim? But you will do great! And as someone who has alternated between homeschooling, private school and public school-there are pluses and minuses to all. You’re also not locked in-you can absolutely switch if you need to. Good luck!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Amy! I couldn’t agree more with what Heidi said! I mean, just ditto ditto ditto. I have fortunately had very supportive family members who totally understood me, and I was surprised. I thought I would face more “weirdness” on that front, so I am very thankful for that. Like she said, just be very open with them and let them see what you’re doing. When it comes down to it, you have to do what you have to do for YOUR family. And no one else’s opinion really matters. They can keep it to themselves. ;} Your gut as a mom/parent/guardian is never wrong. Stay the course. Sorry you’ve met some opposition. We’ve all been there. There’s pros and cons to it all. Bottom line- they’re your kids… and you know what’s best. You’re doing your best. The end. ;}
Jessica says
Its a beautiful room and I absolutely LOVE your posts. I actually cracked up laughing several times while here at work- of course then getting stares from my coworkers who I’m sure assume I’m crazy. Thank you for sharing all of your ideas and bringing a smile to my face this Tuesday morning.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks so much, Jessica! We love the space! It makes things fun!
emily says
This space makes me want to homeschool.
ashley @ the handmade home says
You know I’m here when you’re ready to chat it up! ;}
Maureen says
Oh.Wow. Beautiful, functional space. I so wish I did the monogramed shirts thing when homeschooling, hope you do it!(= This is such a wise investment in your space, home & family, really well done! My kids favorite memory is reading on the couch. My husbands favorite is coming home from work to all of us curled up reading a book together. I think the couch is brilliant. And beautiful, I keep staring at it too.
Naomi W says
I love your new space! Go for it! What color is the sofa fabric?
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Naomi! Thanks so much! The exact info can be seen here, from our La-Z-Boy design dash space. It makes it easier to enter the numbers in on their website, etc. I thought the more specific, the better. I hope this helps! ;}
Alicia @ La Famille says
This is completely awesome!
rachel says
Looks amazing. So beautiful and fun.
Aubrey says
I’m so glad the notebook page rug made you die too. It was the first thing I saw in the photo, and it makes me want to procreate just so I can buy one and homeschool my kids…and this will also require me to buy a pair of just-geeky-enough fake glasses, because…do I need a reason?
Christine says
We did the same thing when we decided to home school! Funny thing is, when my girls started high school back in the public setting, our dining room still remains an office! We never missed our dining room so why go back?!
Jesse K says
I just LOVE LOVE LOVE this room! So inspiring! And the couch, there are no words. I love that color. Do you happen to remember what color fabric was used on the couch? There are so many colors on the Laz-Boy site, I wasn’t sure which one you guys had. Thanks!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Jesse! thank you so much! Yes! the exact info can be seen here, from our La-Z-Boy design dash space. It makes it easier to take it straight to your local store and have all the numbers, etc. I hope this helps!
Jesse K says
Thank you!
Elizabeth Byler Younts says
Oh! So! Excellent!!!!
BriAnne says
Okay…you are too awesome! If I could just borrow you for a month or so….? I just love your style! Your site and style sense inspires me so much. I could sit and stare at your space all day 🙂 LOVE that couch. My couch is sagging in the middle where I have sat and read to the kids every. day. for. years. Maybe a new one would be inspiring. Hoping that I have a fraction of your decorating sense as we move into a new space.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Awe… Thank you so much, BriAnne. But I also have to add, that sagging couch sounds pretty special. 🙂
Jessica says
Wow, our homeschool room looks nothing like that. I am amazed! 🙂
Tina Ames says
Wow! I just happened to run across your blog while Googling for a calendar templet to organize my month…well, I pleasantly got my April calendar template (beautiful and clean, btw)…AND MORE! I’m a mom of three (much older than your young ones 10, 14 and 20 (my oldest just moved for college 🙁 ). For the past 8 months I have been planning my escape from Alcatrz (aka…my day job I’ve been at for 13 years!). I have a long time hobby I have been grooming into a small business recently for the sole purpose of staying at home with my yougest to begin homeschooling (one of the reasons I need to get organized and googled for a calendar)! We live in a very small home (just over 1200 sq.ft) and we have had to be creative with our use of space with 5 people! What a blessing and inspiration is is running into your blog!!! I feel like you wrote this just for me!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks so much, Tina! ;} And best wishes to you! ;}
Melinda says
I love this post!! Can you tell me exactly what color the sofa is? I absolutely love it! I went to link but too many selections and the fabric looked slightly different when I picked the color I thought it was. Thanks!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Melinda I have the sample right in front of me that they provided me with, though I’m sure if you just took this in to a location they would be glad to help – I hope this is specific enough/helpful ;} the color for the blue number is SD6ZD996796 the welting is SM6ZD107576 I hope that helps!
Nicki says
Best looking classroom I’ve ever seen. I bet your kids are super smart because their learning environment is so stimulating 😉
ashley @ the handmade home says
You’re so sweet, Nicki. Thank you! ;}
karen says
trying to find that couch on lazy-boy, does it have an name??
Emily says
What a wonderful space! Please please tell me how you did the shelving in the background! I am obsessed with how it looks. We just started homeschooling and I am getting inspiration for a better functioning space. Thank you!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey! All the details of our project can be found here. I hope that helps!