'Every design decision supports that smooth transition to the busy rhythm of the day' – how designer Marie Flanigan gets her home ready for back-to-school season

The article delves into how designer and parent of three, Marie Flanigan, prepares her home for the back-to-school season, focusing on practical design solutions that support a smooth transition for her family. Flanigan emphasizes that in a family home, aesthetics must be balanced with functionality, especially when accommodating the clutter and demands of children returning to school. Her approach centers on creating hardworking spaces designed to manage the daily routines effectively. Flanigan specifically highlights her sunroom as a crucial 'catch-all' space. This room, equipped with built-in cabinetry, serves as storage for school supplies, art materials, charging stations, and backpacks. Recognizing that this area can quickly become disorganized, she prioritizes its thorough clean-out and reorganization before the school year begins to ensure everything is accessible. Similarly, she focuses on tidying and preparing the pantry and mudroom, integral parts of their back-to-school routine. Key tips shared by Flanigan for preparing a home for the transition from summer to school include establishing routines and designated spaces for post-school activities. She advises creating clear spots for backpacks, organized homework stations, and consistent afternoon rhythms to minimize chaos. Her philosophy extends to decluttering by removing unnecessary items to make room for what is needed for the school year. Investing in durable and stylish storage solutions that children can easily use is also crucial. Furthermore, maintaining high-traffic areas to be both functional and inviting, and incorporating small touches of calm like fresh flowers or cozy throws, are recommended to ground the busy days. The sunroom is identified as the hardest-working room during the back-to-school period due to its dual function as a drop zone. Its design purposefully incorporates cabinetry to conceal clutter, ensuring that items are put away neatly but remain accessible. Flanigan's morning routine is structured to start early, allowing her personal time before the children wake. The organization from the previous day ensures all school necessities are ready, contributing to a smoother morning flow. Every design choice, from labeled bins to charging stations, is made to support this daily rhythm. School life significantly influences Flanigan's decorating and organizing choices, with durability and accessibility being paramount. She organizes spaces so that even her youngest child can reach what they need for homework or play. For instance, attractive baskets are used in the entryway for shoe storage, blending with the décor while keeping things contained. A non-negotiable family tradition is dinner together, even on busy days, made special by lighting candles. Children's bedrooms are designed to be multifunctional, featuring comfortable beds, cozy reading chairs with floor lamps, and ample floor space for play. The article concludes by noting the excitement and anticipation that come with the start of the school year, along with the fresh start symbolized by new school supplies and uniforms. Flanigan anticipates the cooler Houston temperatures of fall. The overall message emphasizes the importance of resetting routines and assessing how well home spaces function to support the busy school year, particularly focusing on storage solutions and efficient flow to manage potential chaos. #InteriorDesign #BackToSchool #HomeOrganization #MarieFlanigan #FamilyLife #FunctionalDesign #StorageSolutions #RoutineManagement #Decluttering #InteriorDesign #BackToSchool #HomeOrganization #MarieFlanigan #FamilyLife #FunctionalDesign #StorageSolutions #RoutineManagement #Decluttering