Janel and Dr. Jacob Peyton’s home is a two-story modern farmhouse complete with vegetable garden, flock of free-range chickens, and acres of land that separate it from the family’s nearest neighbor, 2 miles away in De Soto. The living and dining rooms look out onto a large wraparound porch, which in turn overlooks a vast wooded landscape. But the purpose of the rooms has less to do with aesthetics than with their practical use. Since 2014, the year that the couple began homeschooling their children, Janel has transformed the first-floor spaces into a schoolhouse for their boys, ages 9, 7, and 5.
“Homeschooling chose us, not the other way around,” she says. When the Peytons’ oldest son was 4 and already reading, they decided not to wait one more year before enrolling him in kindergarten; instead, they decided to undertake the job of teaching him themselves.
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“We didn’t know many homeschoolers,” says Janel, owner of Janel Peyton Photography. “I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to teach them.” Other concerns—such as how to create an atmosphere at home that limited distractions while nurturing curiosity—were more practical in nature.
Describe the classroom at home?
I was inspired by the one-room schoolhouse, where the older kids learn to be patient [with the younger ones], and the younger kids are picking up on advanced concepts. The kids each have their own vintage school desk; there’s a chalkboard, a fireplace, a couch, a big round table, a piano, and shelves. I’m motivated by the Montessori method of teaching. When kids are offered different learning environments, they will naturally gravitate toward them. Flexibility builds self-reliance. When they feel that, they want to learn.
What elements make the biggest impact?
Having different work areas but keeping them simple and organized and clear of distraction. The typical design in a school or a study area is busy, with lots of stuff to look at. I cut out the distraction. A minimalist style works best. If there’s too much stuff on the walls, the kids will look at it. If there’s stuff on the tables, the kids will mess with it. If the goal is to focus on what’s in front of you, you have to clear the distraction. If you feel free, that’s how your mind will be.
Where did you source the furniture?
I want things to be affordable and kid-friendly, so I find things on resale; the vintage desks, for example, came from Craigslist. The seller had 30 of them, and I wanted all of them, but I don’t have a purpose for them. The sofa and shelves are from IKEA. My husband and son built the table. The piano is from Craigslist as well. I found someone who was giving away a piano for free as long as we paid for the mover. For $100 we had a piano, and the boys now take lessons.
What should parents consider when creating a study area at home?
I think the goal is consistency and organization. If you think of what traits you want in your children as human beings—diligence, flexibility, adaptability—how do you create that in a space? You give them their space, and they take responsibility for it. Children will put away their things if they know where they go.
