3 Ways to Create an Organized Back-to-School Haven

Written by Lisa Linford on August 30, 2023. Posted in Helpful Tips

As summer ends, the excitement and anticipation of a new school year begin to take center stage. For parents and students, the back-to-school season presents an opportunity to hit the reset button and embrace a fresh start. A key aspect of a successful transition is organization, a crucial element that sets the tone for a productive and stress-free academic year. At Gridley Company, we’re passionate about transforming spaces into functional, aesthetically pleasing areas that enhance your daily life. In this blog, we’ll explore three essential aspects of back-to-school organization.

Mudroom Benches: A Functional Welcoming Entryway

The chaos that often happens during the morning rush can be tamed by creating a designated drop zone. This multifunctional cabinetry, called a Mudroom Bench, not only adds character to your secondary entrance, but also serves as an organization hub.  Many of our clients ask about adding drop zone areas near the entrance of a side door or garage, where the family most commonly enters and exits the home.  Designing a Mudroom Bench to include cubbies or baskets makes it easy to stow away shoes, backpacks, and other essentials.  Add outlets to your drop zone to create a charging station that helps the kid’s separate screen time from other activities.  Hooks above the bench create a space for jackets, hats, and bags. A built-in drop zone doesn’t just declutter your space but also provides a welcoming transition from the outdoors to the indoors. Adding a stone top to the bench and your worries of hanging a damp raincoat or umbrella will be at ease, while also protecting the cabinetry finish so the bench can be sat on to tie shoes.  Customize it with your preferred style or custom color to make a lasting first impression that reflects your personal aesthetic. This unique drop zone was designed by our Design Team Leader, Lisa Linford to create a space for her client’s two children to store their clothing, shoes, school and sports or hobby bags.  The Mudroom Bench was placed just off the secondary entrance, allowing for a smooth and organized transition in and out of the house each morning.  Our clients opted for a vibrant and playful custom cabinetry color match (Sherwin Williams: “Calico”) to make the space more exciting for their kids. 

Entry Coat Hooks: Functionality Meets Style

Perhaps you are looking for something more simple, or lack the space for a large built-in.  With so many ways to create functional and stylish drop zones, Gridley Company’s Design-Build Service works with you to design the space you need while working within your desired investment range.  Entry coat hooks are a simple yet effective solution to keep outerwear off the floor and within easy reach of a front or side entrance. By installing a row of hooks along a designated wall, you provide an instant space for both family members and guests to hang their coats, scarves, and bags.  This “Welcome Area” allows us to declutter as we enter our homes, feeling freed and relaxed, and able to continue our day at home.   Dressing up the space with decorative wall paneling can add charm to your entryway while catering to different organizational needs. Whether you opt for sleek and minimalist hooks, or ornate vintage-inspired ones, the result is an organized and visually appealing entry area that speaks to your own personal aesthetic.

Homework Desk Spaces: Encourage Concentration and Creativity

The importance of a dedicated homework space cannot be overstated. A well-designed homework desk area promotes focus and productivity. Choose a spot that is free from distractions and well-lit. Incorporate storage solutions like shelves, drawers, and organizers to keep school supplies within arm’s reach. Personalization is key – allow your child to express their creativity by decorating the space with inspirational quotes, bulletin boards, and artwork. By making this space inviting and organized, you set the stage for successful study sessions and creative exploration. Creating an organized environment can significantly impact your family’s daily routine. By incorporating these thoughtful design elements, you’re not only making your home more functional but also contributing to a positive and smooth transition into the school year.  This unique floating desk concept was designed by our Interior Designer, Jessica Cairy for one of our Downtown San Jose clients.  Our client’s needed a homework space where mom could keep her eye on the kids from the kitchen as well as a space where she can track her recipes and plan schedules.  With the minimalistic design, the workspace became an all-purpose planning and homework station for the whole family.  The custom cabinetry was installed by our fabulous in-house Build Team and managed by our Project Manager, Roger Anderson.  At Gridley Company, we’re here to help you transform your space into a haven of organization and inspiration. Let’s work together to create a space that sets the stage for success, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment throughout the academic journey.