Formal Dining to Homeschool Room

Oh, how this room needed adjustments, to be bigger, more spacious, more walk around the table room, storage, and things to put our school things out so we would use them more. I could probably go on but I won't. ;) So needless, to say after weeks of me and Josh talking, thinking, and discussing how to make this room work we finally settled. There wasn't a way to continue with it being a dining room AND learning room. Now, I know some people can do this and make it work but let's be honest. I can't. If you know me well you know I like space, organization, cleanliness, and order. I want my kids to FULLY enjoy every learning tool we have. In fact, it was getting to the point where things were everywhere I would forget we had it or it was just a pain to get out to deal with. I didn't have time for it. I like things easily accessible for my kids. So after the decision was made to make our dining room a full learning room (Because let's face it, our season of life now is more schooling and less entertaining/dining) we were off to plan. With lots of research and laying out floor plans we were ready (and did you know white is hard to find!? Sheesh!). 

So since everyone loves a good makeover here you go!

Before with lots of clutter (table is normally cleared for school though) and gearing up for change...

Another before shot with trying to make school work with dining...(I use to have things stored in the bottom boxes of buffet. Boards at the bottom, etc.)

 Table out and making some progress...

We switched the small bookcase on the wall with the buffet/bookshelf (from Ikea) standing tall. Made more room for books in our living room.

 Tables were put together and gearing up for organizing... (Tables from Ikea. Total cost $20...we were proud!)

The big reveal! Ta-dah!!

View from the entry way

View from kitchen entry

 And some extra up close pictures... with some touches. :)

Found this gem at Micheals for 1/2 off and it's worth every penny! It spins around and makes it SO easy for the kids. :)

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 So now I have a new white board in the middle (which I LOVE!), our calendar at the bottom above the storage benches (found those beauties at Target for $8 each on clearance): two under boards and one under the window.

 Front door is the far left. The brown bookcase was from the living room and now holds all my supplies. Maps and timeline are above the "classroom" pets. :) And easel!

 My far right bookcase houses the job chart, my teaching manuals on top, playdoh and stamps, learning board games, puzzles, and manipulatives in the boxes. :)

The far left one holds lots of craft supplies we use, storage boxes, and Abigail's learning tools.

 They each have their own small shelf toward the middle. The right one holds Aidan supplies and books. The left one holds Abigail's learning tools and books. And the very bottom of Abigail's is Adelyn's busy bag/box.

We love the white. We love the bright colors. We love the space. We love the organization (yes, even the kids). We love learning and being in this room (even more!). It was completely worth it!!