College
Dorm Stylin' on the Cheap
When it comes to dorm decorating, it's all about color, creativity, personal style--and keeping your credit card in check!
"A dorm room needs to be a comfortable place to study, live, have fun, and sleep in," says Kate Rice, style expert for Mervyn's, a clothing and fashion company.
To create the perfect living space conducive to college life, Rice suggests buying a few key pieces that set the vibe for the room. That means finding the theme you want your room to have, she says. Purchase accessory items that accentuate your living space's personality, like colorful curtains and throw pillows. "They instantly add pizazz," she says. Then, you just need to throw in some practical items that will help you study in a clean, uncluttered room.
Ready for some suggestions?
Décor
- Not into the frills and flowers? No problem. Go modern with geometric-patterned bedding by Nautica--math professor approved! Then, look for a stainless steel lamp and chrome desk accessories to complete your thoroughly modern look.
- Perfect for the Austin Powers-lovin' freshman, your '60s-themed room starts with bedding. Add some hanging beads, a lava lamp, or spinning lights, and your psychedelic digs will be looking groovy, baby!
- There's no reason you can't let your personality shine through on the way to the shower. Choose big bath sheets in fun patterns, like smiley faces or frogs. They're so cute you can even display them rolled up in your shower caddy.
- Another creative way to personalize your dorm is to paint away! "You and your roommate can paint the room different colors," Rice explains. "Paint your side one color and theirs another."
- Decorating with personal pictures is also a great style solution. "Frames are very decorative, and they can help add a stylish touch," Rice says. And, you can easily make your own with inexpensive materials like cardboard and ribbon.
Study Stuff
- There will come a time when your roomie will have dibs on the computer and you'll be forced to work in bed. But, with a cushiony lap desk, there's no need to hunch over your books--it's complete with a just-wipe-it-clean, hard writing surface.
- If there's one thing you must hang on your dorm's walls, it's a combo dry erase/cork board. Jot down a reminder about mom's birthday, that upcoming chem test, or to your roomie about the party on the third floor. And, of course, pin up pics of all your favorite people and places.
DIY Dorms
With a little creativity, put together a do-it-yourself dorm and save even more!
Kate Rice's instructions for DIY dorm room curtains:
- Measure two pieces of fabric, the width and length of the window.
- Turn under an inch of fabric on all sides, leaving a loop-like opening at the top (for the rod).
- Pin the fabric by using a stapler or heavy electrical tape.
- Stick a window rod through the loops at the top of each fabric piece.
- Hang the rod at the top of the window, then let the two pieces of fabric split open to form your own beautifully constructed, personalized curtains!
Rice's instructions for DIY throw pillows:
- Get a large piece of cotton, or stuffing, and two pieces of material the exact same size and shape (triangle, circle, square, etc.) from the fabric store.
- Stuff, sew, and you're done! With pillows, Rice says, "you can throw them anywhere for extra comfort and they instantly add a splash of color."
Keepin' It Clean
- It may be tempting to pile your dirties on the floor, but an over-the-door or collapsible hamper is a way better solution. And, once you're done on laundry day, you can hide it away!
- You'll even impress your mom when you tell her how prepared you are for Laundry 101. Arm yourself with a basket, hangers, lint remover, and mesh bag to keep your clothes clean. And as for your own cleanliness, pick up a take-to-the-shower caddy and fill it with your soap and shampoo products (just don't forget the flip-flops!).
Saving Space
- Maximizing space is a must in the small confines of a dorm room--that includes under your bed. Stow away your shoes, bulky sweaters, last semester's books, anything at all, in an underbed box.
- A definite dorm staple is plastic stackable storage that comes in all shapes and sizes. Just pile them high with your fashion accessories, computer disks, stationery, dorm snacks--whatever. And, they need not be eyesores--use your imagination and decorate them up with photos, cool magazine clip-outs, and more.
With these creative ideas, you're sure to turn your drab dorm cell into funky, cool, and comfy living quarters--without spending your summer savings!
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