Grace, it’s Time to Decorate! How Learning is Elevated Through Fun Style
Media provided by Blake H. ‘27
My ninth-grade World Literature class stood out to me—not only because of my intelligent, kind classmates or Mr. Root’s passionate, witty teaching—but also because of the room itself. Sunlight poured in through open windows, a welcoming circle of chairs set the stage for conversation, and shelves packed with books beckoned us to explore. Plants and trinkets filled every corner, making the space feel alive. From the moment I stepped in room 314, I was ready and motivated to learn.
Stepping into the new science labs, however, is a different story. Harsh fluorescent lights glare down, and bare walls stare back, making the space feel more like an interrogation room than a hub for discovery. Yet, with a few thoughtful changes, I can see the potential for this room to become a more inviting, inspiring place to learn.
At Grace Church, education is more than just acquiring knowledge; it’s about fostering a love for learning, building a sense of community, and making the entire experience of school joyful and engaging for students and faculty alike.
One of the most powerful (yet often overlooked) ways to achieve these goals is by intentionally decorating our school spaces. The environments in which we learn and interact significantly influence how we feel, think, and engage with our work. When designed thoughtfully, these spaces can ignite passion, strengthen connections, and add joy to each school day.
The atmosphere of a classroom or common area can either encourage or discourage a student’s desire to learn. Imagine walking into a room filled with vibrant colors, motivational quotes, and thoughtful artwork that connects to the subjects students are studying. Walls that tell stories—historical information, scientific findings, or artistic output—can serve as conversation starters and gateways into deeper engagement. Interactive displays, from student artwork to themed corners that represent different topics, can transform learning from something perceived as boring to something more immersive. The best part is that adding these elements would take minimal effort and funding.
Sammantha Farkas-Furniss, the high school learning specialist, believes that the physical environment of a learning space profoundly impacts students’ well-being, engagement, and sense of belonging. Stepping into her office, it’s easy to see her perspective; with wallpaper, framed photos, lamps, and trinkets, the space feels more like a cozy room in a home than a typical office.
For Ms. Farkas-Furniss, flexibility in classroom design is key. Movable tables allow spaces to adapt based on the day’s activities, whether they’re set up for whole-class instruction, small group work, or a lively discussion. In the Grace science labs, she notes that the versatile furniture enables teachers’ flexibility for their classes.
Ms. Farkas-Furniss also highlights the impact of seating arrangements that foster connection, like the large, discussion-oriented table in Mr.Klebnikov’s room (453). These layouts—with students facing each other—encourage conversation and collaboration, making it easier for students to exchange ideas and pick up on nonverbal cues.
The language classrooms are another example of intentional design. With translations, vocabulary aids, and cultural images covering the walls, students find an immersive space that boosts their confidence. Having these visual tools and cultural touches in sight supports students in navigating new languages, making the room itself an extension of their learning experience.
Lighting is another area Ms. Farkas-Furniss considers important for student comfort. She has noticed that fluorescent lights can feel harsh and jarring, often distracting students. To create a softer, more inviting environment, she suggests balancing fluorescent lights with warm lighting. “Sometimes, students ask me to turn off the overhead lights,” she observes, indicating their sensitivity to light.
One of Ms. Farkas-Furniss’s favorite additions to Grace is the cozy seating in the library. “The new couches create a real sense of community,” she explained. “They’re comfy and give students a space to bond, relax, or just be themselves between classes.”
She also believes that displaying student work can help celebrate community members’ achievements and build pride, transforming the classroom into a space that honors each student’s unique contributions.
Milo P. ‘25 wrote, in an article for The Grace Gazette last June, “The Room Where It Happens,” that the Grace community likes rooms that are spacious. A handful of classrooms at Grace aren’t sizable but this doesn’t mean that we give up. If we maximize the space by adding decor and art, our classrooms, no matter the size, can become havens for learning.
Campbell R. ‘26 said that she works best in a “clean and aesthetically pleasing space” with good lighting. She also reported that after getting a sunset lamp in her room, her homework sessions have become enjoyable and calming.
Other students shared the sentiment that lighting is a key factor to their willingness to learn. Thea S. ‘26 said, “I hate fluorescent lighting.”
While Thea thinks fluorescent lighting is the worst possible way a school could be lit, Leo F. ’26 has a different opinion, “Research actually shows that fluorescent lighting can significantly increase productivity.”
Whether you are for or against fluorescent lighting, one common opinion shared by many members of the Grace community is that having better commons would make downtime at Grace more enjoyable. Jojo D. ‘28 explained,“Personalizing the spaces and adding more couches or furniture would be great.”
Comfort and lighting seem to be important issues at hand. Antonia A. ‘27 shared that fairy lights would be a great addition to any classroom to bring warmth to the space. “I feel like I would be more at peace if every classroom had some accent lighting, maybe fairy lights.”
School is a place where students, teachers, and staff come together to form a learning community. Yet the way we decorate shared spaces like hallways, classrooms, and lounges can reflect and reinforce the values we hold dear, creating a sense of greater belonging and unity.
Decorating spaces thoughtfully is not just about aesthetics, it is about shaping the experience of everyone who walks through the doors of Grace. Prioritizing design that brings passion to learning builds creates an environment where students are excited to come to school each day.
Serena Huber ‘27, the author, is a staff writer for The Grace Gazette.