As an interior designer, style is always of the utmost importance…but as a mother of two my kids ALWAYS come first! At this time of year, I am running around getting my kids ready to go back to school and of course this means getting their “back to school” supplies.

However, being a designer, I am thinking about how to inspire my kids to engage them to do their homework and excel in school…all through loving their environment. I have learned the best way to do this is to create a special space within your home, just for kids and created with your kids, where they can concentrate on work while having fun.

Here are some of my ideas to help you get started!

1. Always keep COLOR in mind! Fun, vivid colors will make your kids feel like their study room is a place they can happily escape to. Try a nice playful rug like this, to liven up your space! If your children are anything like my daughter, they will love reclining and reading in a comfy egg or bubble shaped chair. Just go with bold accent colors to add your child’s own style and flair.

Chair featured from moderndose.com

2. Incorporate your children’s interests into the furniture. For instance, if your son enjoys baseball, purchase a comfy baseball bean bag chair! Freshen up the room with colorful modern furniture that you and your children will both enjoy. Shelving is a great way to get creative. If your child is a fan of skateboarding, they will love these funky shelves to rest their books and school supplies!

As distracting as it may seem to us, some kids love to listen to music while doing school work (like my son). Incorporate what helps them focus into the room’s décor. Make the room fit their personality with a nice sound system and fun design! These cool iPod dock stations come in different styles and colors on speakal.com.

3. Encourage creativity! You want to create a space that makes your children focus on school without feeling like they are in school. Try wall paints that can turn a wall into a magnetic board or chalkboard that your kids can write on.

PB Teen has adorable colorful and patterned tiles that can be arranged into boards for your children to post their work and schedules in style. This would make a great addition to a study area and is available in patterns for both girls and boys.

Accessories are of course important additions to any home décor, and it holds true here. Everything from notebooks and folders, to magnets can add stylish flair to a study area. Find patterns that rock your kids’ imagination, like this tote from Gallison.

4. Keep things in reach. When designing a work space for kids, remember that your kids may not be as tall as you! Everything should be accessible to your children and at their eye level, not yours. Even a hook to hang their jackets on or a cork board to post their homework should both be within their arms reach.

I know my kids can be a great source for design inspiration, so listen to what your kids like, and your end result will be fabulous! Happy “back to school” shopping!

“Robin Baron, a creative, energetic New York City native, has successfully built her interior design firm, Robin Baron Design, over the past 20 years. Robin began her career as a fashion designer and understands that like fashion, home design has a significant influence on attitudes, energy, and inspiration.”

View the full post here. Read one of her many articles on sheknows.com here!

“New York interior designer Robin Baron creates some of the prettiest spaces.  With a career in fashion and then in interior design, Robin knows how to design luxury spaces that have a beautiful mix of color and texture.”

To view the full post visit, AphroChic.

I’m always thinking about how everyday items can be repurposed, and I include fresh vegetables and fruit in that thought. Here are some of my ideas to keep in mind next time you spend a Saturday at your local market.

1. Try taking an antique bird cage and filling it with your favorite produce.  If you can’t find a bird cage, you can use any interesting basket or decorative plate. Red apples are great for the fall!

2. Use produce to add to existing accessories. Once, I came across two fabulous candlesticks and used grapes to fill in the middle section. The grapes draped beautifully and brought more attention to the candlesticks.

3. Farmers markets normally have a wonderful selection of fresh flowers and plants. For something unexpected, create an outdoor garden in any room by placing bunches of flowers in a desk or buffet drawer.

4. If you are looking for an inexpensive home decor accessory that will last, I love fresh lavender! You can normally find a large selection of lavendar at markets. Place a bunch of lavender in a silver canister for an intoxicating aroma and interesting detail.

The inexpensive nature of these ideas gives you the liberty to play around and try new things! To find a market near you, check out  www.localharvest.org. If you live in NYC, I hope to see you at the market soon!