11 Spaces That Aced High School
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. But who knew high school influenced interior designs too?
Charmean Neithart
September 24, 2012
Kids everywhere are again packing lunches and sharpening their No. 2 pencils. The traffic seems to be heavier first thing in the morning as the streets bustle with carpools and yellow school buses. I drove my kids to their first day of school recently. It was an important day for my daughter, as it was her first day of high school. She was quiet on the way, sitting in her freshly pressed uniform. Finally she asked, "What was your high school like, Mom?" I just laughed and said, "I had fun, learned a lot and met new people."
As she jumped out of the car, I watched her walk onto campus and into the next phase of her life. What happened to all those kids I knew in high school all those years ago? Did their high school years leave a lasting impression? Did their favorite classes shape their lives — and the inside of their homes?
Well, you know I had to take a look on Houzz. These spaces have hints of classic high school classes. Do they remind you of anyone from your own high school years?
As she jumped out of the car, I watched her walk onto campus and into the next phase of her life. What happened to all those kids I knew in high school all those years ago? Did their high school years leave a lasting impression? Did their favorite classes shape their lives — and the inside of their homes?
Well, you know I had to take a look on Houzz. These spaces have hints of classic high school classes. Do they remind you of anyone from your own high school years?
Math. Ah yes, the math whizzes. I remember them well. I wasn't one of them. A mysterious bunch, they always seemed to have magical powers to me. This math-inspired wallpaper adds great character and whimsy to this home office. No doubt, one of those whiz kids lives here.
Chemistry. This great kitchen looks just like a chemistry lab — very clean, with the "workstation" featuring vintage stools and science beakers as vases. A great space for a chemistry buff.
English literature. If you were one of those English lit groupies in high school, here is a project for you. Honor a favorite literature passage by stenciling it in overscale print on a wall. This looks great for family rooms or bedrooms. This idea will personalize a space and show your English-student pride.
Biology. Remember that kid in biology so in command of the subject that the teacher asked him to teach part of the class? I think we found him. This specimen collection is brilliantly displayed with custom shelves and apothecary jars. The frosted glass pattern is a genetic code.
World history. OK, now here is a subject I love. This great wallpaper is the perfect backdrop for all history lovers or folks who love to travel. It looks great in a bedroom or home office.
Art. Everyone loved art class. The art teacher was usually eccentric and wore handmade jewelry. There was a group of kids who excelled at art; the things they made from scratch were just incredible. Notice this shower mat made from wine corks. I think I found one of those kids right here on Houzz.
Home economics. The home ec classroom always smelled delicious, and everything was very neat and tidy. Putting things in their proper place was part of the curriculum. This homeowner gets an A.
Physical education. Our gym never looked this good. The gym was of course where all the athletes hung out and practiced. A love of exercise and sports seems to be a priority in this great home gym. Just 15 minutes a day of exercise can make a huge difference in your energy level. Remember that lesson from P.E.? Whoever lives here took that lesson to heart.
Theater arts. The theater arts kids put on great productions in high school. A visit backstage always revealed costumes, sets and lots of chaos. Of course, I always loved the sets. I'm sure many of those kids grew up to have artistic hobbies and careers. Whoever lives here is set up to create and to make a daily costume change too. Notice the great spool holder that now holds necklaces.
Wood shop. Remember those wood shop students? They were a tight group and always had sawdust in their sneakers. I think one of those students lives here. A collection of vintage rulers is displayed on stair risers. A vintage gear completes the look.
Related Stories
Organizing
How to Create a Joyful, Clutter-Free Home Office
Follow these steps to get rid of the paper piles and make room for beauty and better organization
Full Story
Remodeling Guides
15 Ways to Create Separation in an Open Floor Plan
By tidgboutique
Use these pro tips to minimize noise, delineate space and establish personal boundaries in an open layout
Full Story
White
Design Pros Share 10 Favorite Creamy White Paints
By Becky Harris
These off-white color choices include versatile tones, warming hues and pleasingly soft shades
Full Story
Entryways
4 Designer Tips for a Fashionable Entry
By tidgboutique
A pro shows how adding color, statement pieces and more to a foyer can set the right tone for the rest of the home
Full Story
Most Popular
7 Major Decorating Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
By tidgboutique
Gain confidence to start your interior design project with this advice from a professional designer
Full Story
Living Rooms
4 Must-Have Features for a Small Living Room
By tidgboutique
A designer shares important ways to live large in a tight space and make it look stylish
Full Story
Most Popular
7 Common Decorating Mistakes to Avoid
Pros share solutions to design problems they often find in people’s living spaces
Full Story
Most Popular
How to Decorate a Living Room
By tidgboutique
A designer offers tips for creating a comfortable space that reflects your style
Full Story
Budget Decorating
Where to Splurge and Where to Save When Decorating
By tidgboutique
See where it makes sense to invest in durable essentials and focal pieces, and where to economize on other things
Full Story
Lighting
Pro Tips for Lighting 10 Rooms and Outdoor Areas
Get professional advice for lighting your kitchen, bathroom, living room, office, patio and more
Full Story
Charmean Neithart
The bio room = Love at first sight.
I have no idea what that furry creature is on the bottom right corner but it made me smile.