Study Hall

Get prepared for the upcoming school year, when homework and reading assignments start piling up.

Photography by Brian Francis | Styling by Rebecca Hawkins

Study hall

To help tame the chaos for this family with three school-age boys, the parents decided to turn the kids’ attic playroom into a stimulating, innovative space that encourages quiet time as well as an occasional study break. The homeowners painted the ceiling a light blue. Soft apricot-colored walls echo the setting sun for a warm and calming feel.

“We have a cool room for school projects, and we can play games here too!”

Extra Credit
  1. Dry-erase wainscotDry-erase wainscot (found in the millwork department) allows the family to post school assignments. The homeowners attached the dry-erase panels to the wall using construction adhesive and added screen and corner moulding with clear caulk.
  2. Carpet tiles, which can be replaced individually if needed, make an instant area rug over the hardwood flooring.
  3. Insetting the cabinets into the wall provides storage while keeping the desk space open.

The kids store their dry-erase markers on moulding that’s attached with the flat side down
to create a ledge.

Book Nook

The homeowners created a comfy and inviting reading cave with recessed lighting and upholstered walls made from carpet padding and tab-top curtains. At the nook’s entrance, magazine racks store reading material. To make the racks, the homeowners cut a piece of plywood, sanded it, and applied paint. They attached each wire organizer with the screws provided.

“The kids love to paint and draw—With the art center, they can practice their creative talents.”

Make it: Brush Holder
  1. Spray-paint a 4- to 6-inch PVC reducer in the desired color, and let dry.
  2. Using construction adhesive, secure a shower strainer to one end of the PVC.
  3. Brush holderPlace the brush holder on the top tier of a stainless steel turntable.
Make it: Art Center

Art CenterFollow the how-to steps to create your own version of this creative desk. You’ll need two five-tier chrome shelving units, a pine panel, and a few tools.

  1. Assemble the lower half of the two shelving units, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
  2. Position the two shelving units against a wall. Cut a piece of pine panel to fit on top of the units.
  3. Using a pencil, trace the pole locations at the four corners of each unit onto the panel. Drill the holes using a drill/driver and 11∕8-inch bit. Sand, prime, and paint the panel.
  4. Slide the panel over the poles of each shelving unit, resting the panel on a middle shelf at the desired height. Secure the panel to the wall using two corner braces. Assemble the upper shelves of each unit.
Light the Way
  1. Flush-mounted track fixtures feature adjustable heads to provide light where it’s needed most.
  2. SkylightEasy-to-install tubular skylights brighten the room with natural light. Using a light-reflective tube, this skylight can bring sunlight to almost any room in the house.
Good to Know

When designing a space for reading, be sure to include multiple light sources. This room receives natural light from the skylights; adjustable track fixtures provide general and task lighting.

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Customer stories
Customer avatarBy:Sherrie
Posted: February 25, 2011
Customer avatarBy:Sherrie
I would like to put in a picture rail and the chalk holder looks the same. Is it? Is there more detailed instruction on how to put the molding together?
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Project Details
Skill level:Intermediate
Rough cost estimate: $4,345*

Cabinetry and countertop: $2,070
Hardware: $50
Millwork and lumber: $1,040
Dry-erase wall and shelf: $200
Lighting: $125
Flooring: $165
Paint: $195
Accessories: $230
Magazine rack project (makes 2): $25
Upholstered wall project: $245

Rough time estimate: 2 weeks**
Cabinetry and Countertop
  • cabinetry (KraftMaid, Malibu, Maple, Slab, Natural, Special Order)
  • countertop (Formica Laminate, Neutral White, Model 918-58, Special Order)
Hardware
  • knobs (satin nickel, #261222)
  • pulls (satin nickel, #261224)
Millwork And Lumber
  • skylights (Sun-Tek, Special Order)
  • 1 laminated pine panel for art center desktop, 1- x 16- x 72-inch***
Dry-Erase Wall And Shelf
  • dry-erase wainscot (Mark-R-Board project panels, #61082)
  • casing (1 1/16- x 3 1/2-inch x 12-foot)
  • casing (5/8- x 3 1/4-inch x 6-foot, #229985****)
  • corner moulding (1 1/16- x 1 1/16-inch x 8-foot, #3095)
  • screen moulding (3/4- x 1/4-inch x 8-foot, #3542)
  • paneling and drywall construction adhesive (Loctite, #241406)
  • clear caulk (DAP, #219849)
Lighting
  • flush-mounted track fixtures (Portfolio, brushed steel, #119655)
  • recessed lights
  • track light (3-light, white, #233036)
Flooring
  • carpet tiles (Flor, Finer Things, Flaxen, Special Order)
Paint
  • walls (Valspar Ultra Premium, Sweet Almond 2005-2C, eggshell)
  • trim and art center desktop (Valspar Ultra Premium, Bistro White 7006-4, semi-gloss)
  • ceiling (Valspar Signature Colors, Laura Ashley Home, Spruce Frost LA1113, eggshell)
  • magazine rack (Valspar Signature Colors, Waverly Home Classics, Tomato Red WV38014, semi-gloss)
  • primer for plywood and pine panel (Valspar Interior Latex High-Hiding Primer, #165217)
Accessories
  • tower shelving units for art center desk (5-tier, Shelving By Design, chrome, #71484)
  • 2 corner braces for art center desk (1 1/2-inch, #196067, #22489)
  • turntable (2-tier, stainless steel, #245656)
  • PVC reducer for brush holder (6- to 4-inch, #23411)
  • construction adhesive for brush holder (Loctite, #53254)
  • shower strainer for brush holder (#253143)
  • stool (24-inch, Linon Home, #203691*****)
Magazine Rack Project
  • wrap racks (Real Organized, #26863)
  • 1 sheet of plywood, 1/4-inch x 4- x 8-foot***
Upholstered Wall Project
  • 3 sheets of plywood, 3/4-inch x 4- x 8-foot***
  • carpet padding (#188336)
  • drapery panels (The Kids Room, Carousel, #242106)

*Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market.

**Does not include lead time for Special Order materials.

***Availability varies by market.

****Available by Special Order in some stores.

*****In-stock availability varies by market. Available on Lowes.com in all markets.

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