Back to School, the Luxe Way

Set Your Kids Up for Success (Without Sacrificing Style)

There’s something about August. Beach bags are still out, but the inbox starts filling up: orientation schedules, lunch menus, school supply lists, and reminders to label everything.

For our clients—modern families juggling careers, carpools, and everything in between—this season isn’t just about a fresh backpack and a new pair of sneakers. It’s about recalibrating the household. And as designers, it’s one of our favorite times to step in and make life run just a little smoother (and a lot more beautifully).

Here’s what we’ve learned after years of helping families design study spaces and other areas of the home that support the school year, without the stress—or the mess.

The Drop Zone

Every family needs a dedicated spot to contain the chaos of tying shoes, grabbing school bags, and making a dash for the school bus. It’s the unsung hero of a well-run home—the place where mornings either fall apart or flow with ease.

We recently transformed a narrow passageway into a high-functioning family mudroom designed to bring calm to the weekday rush. Maximizing storage was key, so custom floor-to-ceiling cabinetry was non-negotiable.

We layered in whimsical coat hooks and a bright geometric wallcovering that sparks creativity the moment the kids head out the door. A plush banquette, upholstered in a cheerful, high-performance fabric, offers the perfect perch for tying shoes and loading backpacks.

The result? An inspiring, beautifully organized space that supports busy routines—and sets the tone for smoother days ahead.

Study Hall, Luxe Edition

Just as important as the morning rush is the space where the school day continues—think focused study, group projects, and after-school creativity. In this upstairs bonus room, we designed twin study zones, each with custom built-in desks, personal pinboards for artwork and reminders, and a shared center cabinet stocked with essentials like a printer, chargers, and school supplies.

Beyond the individual desks, a large communal table was a must—for collaborative work, art projects, or simply spreading out.

To keep the atmosphere calm yet energizing, we layered in a playful ski-house-inspired palette. Faux wood wallpaper wraps the room in warmth and texture without distraction, while an antler chandelier brings a cozy “snow day in” charm. Flush-mounted light strips illuminate the desks with bright, focused lighting—creating a space where homework feels less like a chore, and more like a choice.

Unplugged and Upgraded: The Room That Does It All

After the homework is all done, a place to unwind without screens is essential. In a stunning Sands Point home, we created a multifunctional library for a young family with a love of travel, puzzles, and time spent offline.

Custom floor-to-ceiling cabinetry anchors the room and frames a dramatic channeled banquette—plush and sculptural, like something you’d find in a high-end hotel lobby.

A beautiful wood game table sits at the center, surrounded by comfortable, inviting seating that encourages everything from casual naps to impromptu card games. It’s become the family’s favorite space to unwind, unplug, and reconnect after a busy day.

We always say: your home should work hard for you, especially when life gets busy.

Whether it’s creating a calm launchpad for weekday mornings, a study nook that actually gets used, or a family space that multitasks better than you do—smart, stylish design makes the back-to-school transition not just doable, but elevated.

At Luxe Design, we believe your home should support your real life—with style, grace, and just the right amount of structure.

Need help getting your home ready for back to school? We’d love to help. Book a call to learn more!