Classroom design

Getting ready for school involves two aspects. One is the physical space and materials, the other is thinking about students, philosophy and practice. I can't fully focus on the thinking unless the classroom  is in order and ready. It is possible to simply have desks and storage place or one can take time to design the classroom space.
There are people who have a design gene. They can look into an awful room and see potential. A magnificent vision forms in their head. They know exactly what colors and textures fit together. Even when they have seemingly junk in their hand, they can create amazing environments.
I am not one of those people. I have struggled both with home and classroom design.
So may-be it has been for my benefit that over the years I have had to move my classroom so many times. I am getting better at classroom design.
I'll show you what I mean.
For many years I didn't have much say in what was in my room. Then five years ago I moved from kindergarten to third grade and got a new classroom. It was a small dark blue room with very eclectic furniture. I looked at many different classroom pics, gathered ideas, and did the best I could  considering my knowledge, skills and resources. I threw some out, moved things around, and got, well, something. To add space I decided to get rid of the teachers desk and filing cabinet.

Before:

After:

Then next year I had to move again. I got a lighter room, but the furniture was still a mismatch of styles.  I didn't have a sofa or an armchair. My sister and a cousin made some pillows for my reading corner.

Before:

After:

Then I had an opportunity to order new furniture. I ordered a sofa, shelves for the classroom library, a fabric covered bench that had storage room inside, curved computer desks and cubbies with doors.
 This was going to be MY classroom for years. First I painted the walls. (For once I was glad the room was small. The painting took only two days and I didn't ache much later.)

New furniture:

The pillows that I had got last year matched the sofa well.

Book baskets after initial sorting

A parent speaking about business plans during our economy unit

You can imagine my despair and disappointment when I was informed that because of combining classes I had to move again. I almost cried thinking of packing again, leaving behind the walls I had painted, putting the furniture that had been custom made for the size of this classroom into a larger space. I moved most of the furniture by myself, had some help with the larger pieces. When others had long left, I covered everything with plastic. At that point I really cried. I felt exhausted. At least school promised to paint the walls this time. I got some extra furniture from other classrooms.

Before:

After (a small slide show):




For two years I haven't had to move classrooms. This summer there were some network and cable works done, so my furniture was moved out of place. I have decided to make some minor changes.
My classroom is not ready for kids yet. Yesterday a piece of ceiling fell off. Nevertheless I am much less worried than the previous years. I stayed in the same room as before and I am happy.
When the room is ready, I will post again and explain my thinking in decision making.