Blog Archives

Buying Dorm Decor? …Wait!

Posted on May 2, 2012
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When you get your new address at the college dorm, you might be tempted to go on a décor shopping spree, but I’m going to try and convince you to put that on the backburner for now. Weird, right? Someone who writes a blog about dorm décor telling you not to shop for dorm décor? Just hear me out.

The roommate issue – If you don’t know your roommate, you really should wait before you go out and buy dorm décor. Why? Well, for one, you might become instant best friends and want to buy matching (or coordinating) décor. Or, on the other hand, you might hate each other (sorry, but it’s true); in which case, you might want to be careful about buying things for the room like curtains or rugs. Things that you can keep completely on your side, like bedding, wall tattoos or mirrors, are usually okay (if you really can’t wait).

Time to settle in – You probably haven’t had to decorate a new room yet, or maybe you have, but you should know that it’s always better to live with things the way they are for a few days before you decide what you really need or want for the room. You can see how the light shines into the room in the afternoon and how dark it gets at twilight. This will help you decide what kind of curtains and lighting to get. You can figure out where you want your television, which will help you figure out what size to get. You get the picture.

Save money – I don’t like to admit this, but I have jumped the gun in the past, buying things before I settled in to a new place. I ended up with a lot of extra stuff that I didn’t need, and then I had to go out and buy new stuff that was right for the space. Sure, I was able to return some stuff, but I still invested extra time. It’s better to avoid the charade in the first place.

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Dorm Decor Tips

Posted on April 22, 2012
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This is what you might consider a “back to basics” kind of post. I think it’s important to highlight the things that you probably shouldn’t do without when you move in to your new dorm. These should be the things you buy first and bring along with you when you travel to your new space for the first overnight stay. Of course, you can look through the list and decide what can wait and what cannot, but I think it’s a good guideline to use in addition to the list that you get from the school. Each school is different and some may require that you bring or not bring certain items. Be sure to follow that list carefully.

Here are a few things that I recommend bringing with you to the dorm:

  1. A good mattress pad. If you’re like me, you can’t sleep on a hard mattress, and dorm beds aren’t known for their plushness. Get a memory foam or down mattress pad to ensure you get a good night’s sleep and are fresh for classes in the morning.
  2. Extra-long sheets. Go ahead and bring two sets of sheets, so you don’t have to have emergency laundry days. Clean sheets are important.
  3. Colored bedding. When you buy those extra-long sheets, buy them in colors or patterns. Just don’t buy white. Even if you’re a neat freak, you’re going to be using your bed as a desk (at times) and a couch (most of the time), and of course as a bed. It’s not going to maintain that pristine whiteness you’re looking for. Just get something that won’t look too dirty after a year of constant use.
  4. Colorful area rug. I’m a firm believer that a room shouldn’t be boring. A boring room just drains your creativity. Add a little spice to your room with color in the form of an area rug. It’ll keep your tootsies warm and your mind free to be creative.

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How to Feng Shui Your Dorm Room

Posted on April 15, 2012
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When you have a very small space that you have to spend a lot of time in, it’s always a good idea to make it as welcoming and positive as possible. Who wants to sit in a dreary dungeon? Not me; that’s for certain. One way you can do this is by giving your room a Feng Shui makeover. Feng Shui is all about creating a space where energy is allowed to flow freely, so you won’t have any blockages and you won’t have anything draining your chi (energy). It doesn’t really matter whether you’re studying to become a clown (yes, clown college is a real thing) or a software engineer, you want to keep your energy intact.

Here are some tips for creating a Feng Shui atmosphere in your room:

  1. Doors – According to Feng Shui principles, your bed should never be directly in front of a door. This one is really hard to follow in a small space because you have your front door and closet door to contend with. But, if you possibly can, move your bed so that the doors are opposite the side of your bed.
  2. Electronics – Most people will have a computer and a television inside their dorm because that’s your only living space. But this goes against the principles of Feng Shui. At the very least, you should keep the computer, television and any other electronics as far away from the head of your bed as possible.
  3. Windows – If you’re lucky, you’ll have a window or two in your dorm room, but it really shouldn’t be directly next to or over your bed. If you can’t avoid this, just use dark curtains and close them before you go to bed. Those who practice Feng Shui believe that your energy can escape through the window while you are sleeping.
  4. Mirrors – I always recommend adding a mirror to a dorm room because it makes the space seem larger, but in Feng Shui, mirrors are another energy stealer. If you hang a mirror, keep it away from the bed.

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Secret to Successful Dorm Window Treatments

Posted on April 8, 2012
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When you’re decorating any room, including your dorm, window coverings should be a serious consideration and not an afterthought. And no, you can’t just sling up an old sheet to keep the peepers from looking in: not if you want to have any sort of style.

Actually the window treatments are a very important part of your room design because they will determine how much light enters your space. Since dorm rooms tend to be on the small side, you should choose a window treatment that allows the most light into the room. That will not only boost your mood, but it’ll make the space feel just a little larger than it is.

So, whenever I’m designing a dorm or another type of small space (be it a living room, bedroom or office), I like to make use of sheer curtain panels. Sheer panels let in the most amount of light while providing a soft cover of privacy for your room. If you feel you need more privacy, like if your room is on the ground floor or directly across from a room in the next building, you can choose a curtain panel with a little less opacity, but still try to go with something that lets at least some light in.

When choosing your curtains, you have to keep in mind that this is your dorm room, and much like a bedroom, you may be changing your clothes in this space. You don’t want people to be able to see it at all times. One solution for this is to hang solid curtain panels in front your sheers. This way, you can close the two solid panels whenever you’re changing, and keep them open to let the light shine in during the remainder of the day. When you’re sitting there taking your online accounting courses, you probably will appreciate the glimmer of light and not mind giving up a little privacy. When it’s time to hit the hay, close the solid panels again.

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Think of Your Dorm as a Room in Your Home

Posted on April 1, 2012
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When you first visit the dorm room where you’re going to be spending your first year away from home, there are a lot of different emotions. There’s definitely an overpowering sense of freedom, but there’s also the sense that you’re living in someone else’s space. And, in essence, you are.

But that shouldn’t stop you from making yourself feel at home. There will be some rules you’ll have to follow (for example, most students aren’t allowed to paint the walls), but you shouldn’t let that bring you down. Think about how you would want to design your first apartment. Seriously, give it some thought. You definitely won’t be able to bring all of those elements into a tiny living space, but it’ll give you an idea of where you’re headed. Don’t just add things willy-nilly and tack up posters and images on the wall as if you’re in prison. Come on, people. This is going to be your home for the next year (off and on, but more on than off), so make it a nice, comfy place to be.

One of the first things you should decide on is the bedding. Most dorms have extra-long twin beds, so you’ll probably have to go out (or get mom to go out) and buy all new bedding. Think of it as a good thing. You can start from scratch and create a bed that looks like it came straight off the pages of an interior design catalog. Oh, and if you don’t feel confident doing this yourself, you can either enlist the help of a more design-savvy friend or relative, or you can buy a bedding ensemble that is pre-designed. I’m not talking about those cheesy sets that you’d get in a bag at Walmart. You want it to look like your room was designed by someone with taste, right? Take a look at the preassembled collections put out by Dormify: not too matchy; seems just right. So, as you’re sitting there studying and learning how to become a fashion designer, at least your room will look like it has a little style.

 

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Applying the 60-30-10 Rule to Dorm Décor

Posted on March 22, 2012
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When you’ve been designing for as many years as I have, you learn certain “tricks of the trade.” One of the first tricks you’ll learn is the 60-30-10 rule of color. I’ll get into the specifics shortly, but first I want to talk a little bit more about the importance of sticking to a rule (such as this one) for such a small space.

When you’re designing a small space, such as a dorm room, your number one goal is to make the room appear larger than it is. There are two ways you can do this: With color and with space. There isn’t much you need to know about space, except that you should keep as much of it empty as possible (while still creating a functional dorm). But, color is a little more complicated. The 60-30-10 rule will get you halfway, and your color choices will complete the picture.

When you’re designing according to this rule, you need to choose three colors (I’ll offer tips on that next week). One color takes up 60 percent of the room, so that’s your wall color. If you can’t paint the walls, your 60 percent could be a large area rug or the bedding (since you’re probably only decorating half of the room anyway). The 30 percent is usually the curtains, and the 10 percent color represents the accent pieces (like throw pillows and vases and such). You can go with patterns (and you probably should for the throw pillows), but you want to make sure of two things. Don’t fill your room with a lot of patterns; instead mix patterns in with solids. Also, make sure the dominant color is what you’ve chosen as one of your three. So, if you chose blue, yellow and beige for your 60-30-10, respectively, your throw pillows should be predominantly beige, but they can have hints of other colors.

Just follow these simple rules and your space will become a simple, yet elegant hideaway instead of a drab and dreary dungeon. Trust me, it makes a big difference. And, you want to be sitting in a nice space when you have to do boring things — like pull an all-nighter studying for a forensic psychology exam. Fun times!

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Flea Market Finds

Posted on March 18, 2012
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Spring is in the air, and that can only mean one thing: it’s almost flea market season! Now, you might think I’m a little nutso to be getting excited about flea markets, but you’d really be surprised at how many great things you can find there. And, the best part about shopping at the flea market is that you can bargain. And, the second best part is that they’re usually outdoors, so you can work on your tan at the same time. Trust me; this pale Irish girl knows the importance of a good tan. But, I digress.

Here are a few types of items that you can look for the next time you’re at a flea market.

  1. Area rugs: Just be sure to ask whether they’re used. I’m not a fan of buying used rugs. You just never know what went on before it made its way to you, and steamers can only get out so much. On the other hand, if you can see that it’s in really great condition (check the back for stains), you might want to throw caution to the wind and go for it.
  2. Furniture: A lot of craft furniture manufacturers can often be found at flea markets, and you’ll also find some people selling antique and used pieces. Don’t count these out. Remember, almost anything can be restored or repainted to create a new look. Have a little imagination.
  3. Candles. Believe it or not, the flea market is a great place to find candles and votive holders for your décor. I say that because you’re likely to find stuff that you won’t see elsewhere, which is always cool.  Last year, I found the coolest pair of antique candlesticks for a client of mine. She was an administrative assistant with an eye for quality and an almost non-existent budget (a difficult duo). But, she loved the design we landed on (thanks in part to my flea market finds!).

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Double Duty Furniture

Posted on March 11, 2012
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When you’re decorating a really small space, like your dorm room, you have no choice but to be crafty. You don’t always have the luxury of buying one thing that only serves one purpose. You need to get creative. Look for furniture that can serve double duty, so you can reduce the amount of items in your room and fight off that cluttered feeling. No one likes clutter. If you walk into someone’s room and find it to illicit claustrophobia, you can know that they weren’t going for that feeling in their design. That claustrophobia is a result of a poorly-planned room.

When you have a small room, you can’t just go buying things willy-nilly. You have to carefully consider each item before you let it stand on your hardwoods. Here are few ideas for things that can serve double duty (and help save space) in your room:

Murphy Bed – Obviously this one doesn’t apply for those of you who are dorming it this semester, but the Murphy bed is perfect for those tiny off-campus apartments. For those of you who don’t know, a Murphy bed folds up into a wall, so you can use your room for something other than sleeping whenever you want. Some Murphy beds even have a table on the other side, so when your bed is folded up, you have a small sitting space that you can use.

Bookshelf Room Divider – If you need some division between you and your roommate, consider getting a small bookshelf to put between your beds. You both can use it, so it’ll be super functional.

Hope Chest/Bench – If you need extra storage in your room, a hope chest is a good way to go. This way, you can get a pillow for the top and use it as a bench when you’re not shuffling things in or out.

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3 Basic Dorm Design Tips

Posted on March 4, 2012
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Dorm rooms are notoriously small, so they can be extremely difficult to decorate. The worst mistake you can make is to either fill the room with too much stuff or to introduce too many patterns. Some students don’t care about their décor, and I get that. Really, I do. But, I think they also need to understand that a chaotically-designed room can illicit feelings of chaos, which are just not conducive to productive study sessions.

Here are a few simple tips for designing your dorm that will help make it feel like home:

  1. Avoid the urge to match your roommate. It’s always a good idea to coordinate, but if she chooses an ornate pattern for her bedspread, you really don’t have to go with the same pattern for a harmonious look and feel. Just pick a color that goes with it, and call it a day. Too much of one pattern will overwhelm a small room anyhow.
  2. Bring only your most functional furniture – Think about bringing furniture that can serve double-duty, so you don’t have to bring two pieces to do the same job. You might opt for a bookshelf that can also serve as a room divider or a storage trunk that can provide extra seating for when you have guests. Keep it simple, but above all, keep it functional. Do not (for the love of all that’s holy) bring any furniture that does not serve a purpose. You just don’t have the space for that.
  3. Hang a large mirror. Mirrors are great for opening up your space and making it feel bigger. Have you ever been in a restaurant that had a wall lined with mirrors? You thought the place was twice as big as it was, didn’t you? The same principle can work for your room. While you’re sitting there and spending hours studying for your forensic psychology exam, you don’t have to feel like the walls are closing in on you.

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What Not to Bring to College

Posted on February 26, 2012
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When you first decide to head off to college, you’re likely bombarded with checklists of things you should bring. But, it’s almost more important for you to know about the things you shouldn’t bring – in my humble opinion. Having stuff sitting around in a small room that you can’t even use is worse than having a few items on a list to get the next time you head to the store. So, here are a few items that you should avoid bringing to your new dorm, unless you have permission from the school:

  1. Space heaters – Mom might be worried about you being cold at night, but the school is worried that you might burn down the dorms, so keep that space heater at home. Dorm rooms are generally kept very warm anyway, so space heaters wouldn’t be needed.
  2. Hot plates – For the same reason that you shouldn’t have a space heater, and so many more, you shouldn’t be cooking meals in your dorm room. The quarters are just way too close for it to be safe. Ask mom to get you the dining hall plan instead.
  3. Pets – Believe me, I know how hard it can be to leave your four-legged friend at home, but you must. Even if she’s a teacup poodle that your RA probably wouldn’t notice, you don’t want to have any trouble. Plus, a dorm probably isn’t the safest place for a pooch that small, anyhow.
  4. Weapons – Goes without saying? Well, there are some kids out there who grew up hunting and plan to continue that tradition throughout their college years. It’s not safe, and it’s not allowed. Leave the guns, knives, bows and arrows at home. You don’t want to be responsible for what your silly drunken mess of a roommate does when you’re not looking.

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How to Shop for Dorm Décor

Posted on February 19, 2012
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Retailers have happily jumped on the decorating-the-dorm bandwagon, pushing whole lines of coordinated products that they advertise as essential to life in a college dorm. Lost in the retailing blitz is the real decorating goal for a dorm room: It should make a student feel at home, but not have too many things. You never want “stuff” to take over your room. As you’re sitting there studying infinitely interesting topics, like the history of forensic science, your mind and space should be clutter-free and comfortable. When you surround yourself with things that make you feel comfortable, you’re more likely to enjoy dorm life.

Banish Clutter: When it comes to dorm rooms, the first thing to consider is storage. When you have a place for everything, it’s easier to keep everything in its place. Easy access to storage is important too. Clutter is likely to accumulate if you have to stoop, drag out boxes from under the bed and open containers every time you want to put something away. Shelving and modular units are a better option.

Basket Cases: If you don’t organize the stuff you do have, you might become a basket case yourself. Instead, use baskets to hold laundry, small appliances and kitchen utensils. You’ll want to keep practical items handy, and baskets store them in style.

Quality Bedding: Dorm beds are notoriously hard. A quality mattress pad is worth the investment. Purchasing two sets of extra-large twin sheets takes the pressure off on laundry day. As the bed will likely be the largest surface in the room, it’s important to choose a comforter that you absolutely love, but try to get one that you can toss into the washing machine, too.

Let There Be Light: Windows are natural focal points, making them the perfect place to make design statements. Sheer curtains flanked by textured, patterned or colorful panels give a small dorm room grand style. Coordinate the window treatment with the bedding to give the room a pulled-together look.

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What Not to Do When Designing a Dorm Room

Posted on February 12, 2012
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I know how it is, you just got your dorm assignment and you’re excited to get started buying things to fill up your new space. Trust me; I get it. But, you’ve got to pull in the reigns a little bit. Before you go out and buy more stuff than your room can hold, check out this list of the top things you shouldn’t do when designing your dorm room.

  1. Buy dark colors. Even if you’re a goth chic, you should avoid the temptation to use dark colors. It’ll just make your room look smaller than it already is and make you feel depressed all the time.
  2. Look for heavy curtains. The last thing you want to do when decorating a small space is block out natural light. Instead, opt for sheers.
  3. Pick up conflicting patterns. If the space is small, it’s really best to keep the design as simple as possible. You can go for simple patterns (not too busy), but don’t choose more than one or two for the entire room.
  4. Plan to bring everything you own. Again, I know it’s tempting, but you have to keep reminding yourself that there isn’t enough space for everything. You need to be strict with yourself and plan to take on the things you’ll need most.
  5. Overdo it with furniture. Your dorm will already have most of the furniture you need. You might want to bring a small bean bag chair or desk (if there isn’t one already) and a mini fridge, but that’s about it.
  6. Bring too many appliances. If you’re a coffee fiend, you’ll need a coffee maker. You don’t, however, need a rice maker, blender and bread maker. Keep it simple because you won’t have space to store this stuff. If you like to make vegetable smoothies in the morning, consider bringing an immersion blender. They take up less space.

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5 Ways to Brighten Up a Small Space

Posted on February 4, 2012
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Whether you’re decorating a dorm room or a small bedroom, if you use bright colors and natural light, you can really make the place seem larger and more pleasant to sit in. Instead of sitting around feeling bad about having a small spot to work with, think about it this way: Small spaces can be a challenge, but they are much more economical. They cost less to light and heat, and they cost less to decorate. In this case, less really is more. You don’t have to be an accountant to realize that this is a good thing for your wallet.

So, let’s brighten up those small spaces! A gloomy, dreary area is drab and uninviting; make it cozy and welcoming by trying one or more of these techniques.

Walled Up
The walls are a good place to start. Remember that dark colors convey a feeling of being closed in; light colors convey a sense of being airy and open. Paint over those dark wall colors or that wooden paneling. And you aren’t limited to beige or white. Any soft, pastel shade will work well.

Right Rays
Use sunlight to brighten dimly lit areas. If your space lacks natural light, have a skylight or window installed. If there is a window, give it a good cleaning and instead of heavy curtains or drapes, use sheers. Switch out a solid door for one featuring glass panels (which can be frosted to provide privacy).

Bright Light
If there’s no natural light, the next best thing is artificial lighting. Replace low-watt bulbs with brighter ones, or a one-bulb fixture with a multi-bulb chandelier or ceiling fan. Bring in a desktop/floor lamp or some candles for a soft glow.

Take Away
You might not think furniture is a culprit, but it can be. Overcrowding can make spaces feel dark and unwelcoming. Remove excess furniture, opening up negative space, and use only pieces that are necessary and to scale.

 

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5 tips for Designing for Small Spaces

Posted on January 28, 2012
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When you design for a small space, the most important thing you can remember is that it is not the same as designing for a large space. This might seem like an obvious statement (okay, it kind of is), but so many people follow the same rules as if they were designing an oversized room. Not only is everything scaled down, but some adjustments have to be made. Here are few tips to get you going:

  1. Since you won’t have a lot of space, it will be up to you to create additional space within the room. This is why you want to choose items that are movable and can be folded and put away when not in use. You can also look for furniture that is able to offer you additional storage space, like an ottoman that opens up so that you can hide your magazines inside.
  2. You want to use bold colors in order to make the room look bigger. While you should definitely add some artwork to your walls, don’t overdo it as this will make the room look smaller. Also, opt for things that are light as they will make the room feel more comfortable.
  3. Get rid of anything you never use. This includes furniture. If you don’t use certain types of furniture, then get rid of them to make room for those things that you do use.
  4. Think about ways you can use things differently. Whenever you’re redecorating you can usually adjust some old furniture and decor to fit better within your small rooms. This isn’t only a great way to reuse things within your home, but it’s also good for your budget too.
  5. Sometimes you may feel like you simply need to have more room in your home. You can create this effect by dividing one room up into several different areas. For instance, you can place the back of your sofa to the table so as to create both an eating and a living area.

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How to Choose Colors for a Small Room

Posted on January 19, 2012
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Most dorms won’t technically allow you to paint the walls, but there are a few exceptions. One major exception is if you’re willing to paint them back to white when it’s time to leave. You’ll have to check with school policy or your resident assistant before undertaking this project. If it’s strictly against the rules to paint your walls, you can get in a lot of hot water by just being seen coming in with the paint cans.

This post is for those of you who have approval to paint your space. Maybe you have a cool RA or maybe you just live in a dorm-like space off campus.

The color you choose for such a small space is immensely important. The absolute worst thing you can do is paint the room a dark color. When I say “a dark color” I don’t just mean black, grey and dark brown. Deep royal blues, purples and greens are also off limits. With such a small space, your room will end up feeling more like a cave than a dorm, if you paint it too dark. As you sit there studying and dreaming of the immense software engineer salary you’ll one day enjoy, you want your space to bright and optimistic as you are.

On the other hand, there are some colors that will open your space up and make it nice and cheery. Yellows will make your room appear sunny and larger, and this is especially so if your room has a lot of natural light.  The sunlight will reflect off of the yellow, and it will create the illusion of a room that is much larger than it actually is.

If you’re just not a yellow kind of person, my next choice would be a light sky blue or a light rose color. Although, any color that’s light enough will be fine. The type of paint also makes a difference in the appearance of your room. Choose a semi-gloss as opposed to an eggshell paint, so the light subtly reflects off of your walls. A full gloss would be too shiny for most people.

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Got a Small Space? Cozy Up the Place

Posted on January 15, 2012
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Dorm rooms vary throughout the country, but one thing remains the same: they’re small. Well, for the most part. Some students are lucky and have small bedrooms that open up to a common area shared between them and about three other rooms. This can really give you the feeling of sharing an apartment instead of being at summer camp. But, either way, you’re left to decorate your own room. There are definitely some tips and tricks you can employ to make your room seem larger than it really is (for example, decorate with bright colors, allow some natural light to shine through and keep your wall décor to a minimum). But since this is a room you’re going to be spending a lot of time in, you want to give it a cozy feel. Some people find this a little challenging to do without breaking the rules of designing for a small space (they think of rich colors and dark shades as being cozy).

So, here are a few tips for cozying up the place (without making it seem small):

  1. Use an opaque window treatment to soften up the room. It’ll still give you plenty of natural light and it’ll add a bit of a feminine, homey touch to the room.
  2. Consider bedding in plaid or paisley, but get one that uses bright or pastel colors. Plaid and paisley are typically used in cozy cottages, so they can help bring that vibe to your room. The bright or pastel color might be somewhat unexpected, but it’ll help keep your room from becoming too dark.
  3. Get a plush area rug to cover much of the floor. Just be sure to get a light color. Regardless of whether you have a rug in the room or not, adding on that is plush and light in color will definitely soften up the room and make it more cozy.

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How to Make a Small Dorm Room Appear Bigger

Posted on January 9, 2012
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Sitting in a small, cramped room can be downright depressing. But, think about it this way: small is a relative term. Sure, you might want to fill it up with furniture and stuff, but if you keep your belongings to an absolute minimum, you might be able to create the feeling that you’re sitting in a larger room than you are. That’s one trick to fooling yourself into thinking your dorm isn’t the smallest room you’ve ever inhabited. Here are a few more:

  1. Don’t fill the walls with stuff. I would definitely encourage you to hang a few pictures, but don’t go crazy with the collages. The more stuff you have on the walls, the smaller your room will feel. Also, try not to hang things that will stick out too far from the wall. A well-placed wall tattoo might be the only wall décor you need (aside from #2).
  2. Do hang a good-sized mirror. Not only will a mirror help ensure you’re looking fab at all times, but it’ll also help create the illusion of a larger space.
  3. Brighten things up a bit. Since you can’t paint, you only have two options. Add lighting via lamps and get curtains that allow natural light to shine into the room. This will make things seem bigger, but more importantly, much less dreary.
  4. Decorate with light or bright colors. Whatever you do, avoid using black, brown or grey for your main colors. They’re ok as small accents, but in large quantities, they’ll just make your space feel small. Instead, choose pastels or bright colors, such as hot pink or bright yellow.
  5. Measure your room and plan to fill the space accordingly. Don’t just go out and buy furniture willy-nilly. You could end up with a piece that dwarfs everything in your room – including you. It might be cute in the store, but measure your space to make sure it’ll still be cute in your room.

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Tattoo Your Walls for a Temporary Statement

Posted on December 31, 2011
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One of the biggest challenges with designing your dorm room is that you can’t really change too many things about it. You only have control over half of the room, unless you agree on a design with your roommate, you can’t paint the walls, and you have very limited space. Sure, you can create a really cool-looking bed with a funky bedding set or pull the space together with accent lighting and area rugs, but what about the walls? Do you really have to create those lame collages that everyone else does? Is that really your only option? Of course not!

There’s one thing you can do that most other students won’t even think of. Shh, it’ll be our little secret. You can buy wall tattoos to jazz up your space. Wall tattoos allow you to create a design on your walls without painting. When you’re ready to move out of the dorm, you can just peel that tattoo off the wall and move on. It’s as simple as that, but you’d really be surprised at how much of a difference it can make. Even if you friends decide to start copying your idea, it’ll look different as long as they choose different tattoos.

Here are a few concepts to get the thought process going for your own space:

The design above is just a simple way to create an accent, and it even coordinates well with the bedding. This shows that you can make a statement without being too overwhelming or flashy.

This design shows off a love for music, while creating some interest above the headboard. Announce to everyone that “Music is Your Life” with a cool-looking wall tattoo like this one.

Who ever said you had to be so serious all the time? Create a fun a whimsical design with a funky wall tattoo. One thing is for certain — it’ll be conversation piece. You could even have fun with this ant tattoo and make it go from your side of the room to your roommate’s.

Just like when they’re on your skin, tattoos don’t always have to be black and white. Look for ones with a pop of color to add even more visual interest to your wall. This is especially great for a dorm because the walls are typically boring white.

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Accent Lighting Tips

Posted on December 25, 2011
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When you’re designing a tiny room, such as a dorm, there are only a few things that can make a difference. You can add an area rug; you can design fancy bedding; you can change the drapes; or you can add accent lighting. Today, we’re going to talk more about accent lighting. In a dorm room, you might need different lights to set different moods. Let’s take a look at a few different options:

Desk lighting: If you’re planning to do late night cram sessions at your desk, you should really invest in a good desk lamp. If you don’t, you run the risk of keeping your roommate awake with a light blaring in her face. You might be bestest friends, but that doesn’t mean a few sleepless nights won’t tear a gaping hole through your friendship. All you have to do is get a lamp that you can direct away from her bed. A traditional desk lamp will do the trick.

Bright lighting: When you spend most of your time in one small room, it’s a good idea to have a brighter option than what the standard overhead lamp gives you. Consider getting a floor standing halogen lamp to help brighten some of the gloomier days. Floor standing halogens are really bright, but their light bounces off the ceiling instead of in your eyes, so they are a good option for adding light without having it be overbearing.

Mood lighting: There may be times when you aren’t studying, but your roommate is sleeping and you want to stay awake for a little longer. Mood lighting could work in this situation, much like a nightlight would. And there are those other times when your roommate is spending the night elsewhere and you have your honey coming over to spend the night. Certainly, a halogen lamp wouldn’t do in this instance. Consider getting a dimmer light or candles to illuminate these situations.

All this lighting may seem like overkill, but when you spend so much time in one room, you begin to realize that the room itself needs to change to fit different situations. Get some good accent lighting to be prepared for anything. Choosing the right lamp is somewhat of common sense. You don’t need to learn how to become a fashion designer to choose the right piece for your space. Just be sure to get the right size, lighting intensity, and a color to coordinate with the rest of the room.

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Bedding Makes a Big Difference in a Small Room

Posted on December 18, 2011
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When you’re decorating a small room, like a dorm, the bedding you choose will make a huge difference – so choose wisely. In larger rooms, you can invest in a statement piece that will draw attention and pull the room together, but in a dorm, you don’t necessarily have that luxury. In a dorm room, the bed is often the only statement piece you can have, and that’s ok, as long as you recognize that fact and work with it.

Colors – Choose a color that you won’t mind looking at everyday for four years. If possible, choose a soothing color, like pale blue or lavender. A nice yellow can really brighten up the room, too. When decorating a small room, I tend to avoid patters that are too busy, but I also avoid solid colors. Patterns that are too busy can be overwhelming in a small space and solid colors can be boring. Try something in-between.

Sheets – This may seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Use sheets that coordinate with your comforter. Anything that clashes creates a visual disconnect in your environment which can have somewhat of a chaotic effect on your emotional state. Opt for solid colored or striped sheets, if your comforter has a pattern, or patterned sheets, if your comforter is solid.

Pillows – Your pillowcases will likely match your sheets; that’s fine. But, since the bed is the focal point of the room, you may want to consider getting some throw pillows to coordinate with the rest of your bedding. Using throw pillows can make the room seem more cozy and stylish at the same time. Experiment with a few different shapes and sizes of throw pillows for a fun look.

Since there aren’t too many things you can change in small room, you should really focus most of your design time on figuring out the bedding. If you’re the kind of person who really likes a change of scenery from time to time, consider getting a reversible comforter or a duvet (so you can change the color frequently). It is especially important to design a small space, so you don’t end up feeling like you’re in prison. Even if you’re learning how to become a parole officer, that’s not a good feeling. Spice up your life with a little design.

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Designing a Room for Two

Posted on December 9, 2011
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Dorms are usually cramped places that don’t come with a lot of options for customization. You can’t paint the walls and there isn’t much you can do about the flooring. Also, you usually have a roommate to deal with, so you end up only decorating half of the room. But, if you’re like me, you can’t stand to sit in a boring dreary room for more than five minutes. You’re going to be spending at least some time here studying and hanging out, so why not make the best of it. Make it an inspirational space for you and your roommate to call home for the year. There are a lot of things you can do, from area rugs to curtains and wall art, but you both need to be on the same page, or the room will look disconnected. Here are some tips for getting your roommate on board with the redesign:

  1. Talk it out. Who knows, you might be preaching to the choir. Nobody likes the look of a plain dorm room, so maybe she already has some ideas for changing it up.
  2. Get on the same page. You might have some avant garde ideas, but you’ll probably have to save them for your first apartment. It’s important that you both understand that you have to find a common ground in order for this to work. Your favorite color may be pink, but that doesn’t mean your roomie will buy in to a monochromatic theme for the entire room. If your ideas start clashing, it’s time to start thinking about a more neutral theme.
  3. If she’s the type who really doesn’t care about the room design at all, just get her ok on a few pieces that will tie the whole room together, like an area rug and curtains. With competing wall art and lamps, the room may still seem a little disconnected, but at least it’ll be better than an obvious line down the middle of the room. A little design cohesion may also help bring a sense of togetherness, which can help with your relationship. Just let her know you’ll pay for those items and you’ll pick out neutral colors. You kind of have to, if you want this to work.

You really don’t have to be an interior designer to create a space that looks pulled together. But, if you and your roomie have conflicting ideas, it might help to think of yourself as one for the moment. If this were your job, you’d have to find a common design for the two differing tastes. Take your emotions out of the equation and look at this as a fun challenge. You’ll be glad you did!

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