Step 1: Zone the room

Face the wall: Position the desk toward a neutral wall instead of a window to limit visual stimuli.
Create a lightweight divider: In open-plan flats, a folding screen or tall bookcase instantly signals “study mode” without major renovations.
Lighting: Use a task lamp angled away from screens to avoid glare and headaches; Philips Hue bulbs let you shift from cool focus light to warm wind-down hues afterwards.

Step 2: Organise tools parents care about

Grab tray system: One tray for “questions to ask Ehsan,” one for “completed work to file.” Students feel less overwhelmed when every sheet has a destination.
Cable discipline: Stick-on cable clips keep chargers and calculators ready. Less time hunting = more mental bandwidth for maths proofs.
Scent/audio cues: A subtle diffuser or low-volume instrumental playlist signals the brain it’s time to focus. Consistency matters more than the brand.

Step 3: Manage digital distractions

Install app-blockers (Opal, Freedom) on laptops and phones.
Set router-level schedules if siblings keep streaming near the workspace.
Store phones in a charging drawer outside the line of sight; even upside-down phones leak attention.

Parent-friendly maintenance routine

Sunday evening reset: wipe down desks, refill stationery, print fresh exam papers.
Midweek micro-clean: 5-minute tidy right after dinner keeps the area welcoming.
Monthly purge: recycle outdated notes, archive key resources in labelled wallets.

Quick wins for small London flats

Use wall-mounted pegboards for calculators, compasses and headphones to free desk space.
Swap bulky desk chairs for ergonomic kneeling stools that tuck away after sessions.
Install a magnetic whiteboard on the back of a wardrobe door; it becomes the perfect scratch space for maths without dominating the room.

When the environment still feels fraught

If your teenager avoids the space or spirals into perfectionism, pair these physical tweaks with coaching. I can audit their setup during an online call and produce a personalised “focus flow” guide referencing the exact layout of your Chelsea/Kensington home. Send me a message and we’ll schedule a walkthrough.