Monthly Archives: October 2016
Bedroom Design: Tips for Decorating a College Dorm
Post by Tracy Kaler.
Living in a tiny room for four years or even two years of college isn’t all that fun unless you have a decorating strategy. Yes, you’ll mostly sleep and study in that room, and probably spend the majority of your time participating in activities on campus and in the library and classroom. But, wouldn’t you like to look forward to returning to your dorm room every night? Here are some practical yet essential tips for decorating a college dorm, and making it your home away from home.
First off, start with a comfy bed.
A great mattress will give you a great night’s sleep. Try adding a topper if you prefer that cocoon effect, and buy the best sheets and pillows that your budget allows. (Ask mom for help in this department.)
Get organized with storage.
You might have a single closet and it probably won’t be of the walk-in variety, so additional storage can keep away the clutter and make your tiny space more livable. Use freestanding units, or individual hanging shelves, as well as storage bins under your bed. Opt for a hamper for dirty clothing, an over-the-door shoe rack, and decorative boxes so every item has a place, including any miscellaneous stuff on your desk.
Accessorize, even a little bit.
Add a mirror, and perhaps an easy-to-maintain indoor plant that doesn’t require too much sunlight. Speaking of light, add lamps, both table and floor, and your new home will take on a warm glow.
Dress up a plain bed with a few bold accent pillows, and a cozy, decorative throw that you can use if your room gets chilly. Consider covering the floor with an area rug, and adding strippable wall covering that can easily be removed when you move out. Even an accent wall can spruce up the dullest interior. And don’t forget the artwork. Posters are an affordable alternative to framed prints.
Make it yours.
Now that you’ve cleared away the clutter and accessorized, make your dorm room say something about you. Add your initials to your wall above your bed, bring in photos of your friends and family, pets, or even you alone. Be sure to have copies of your go-to magazines and favorite novels, and a small stereo to play your tunes. This compact apartment will give you a welcome respite, and a place to relax and retreat when you’re tired of hitting the books.
Bedroom Design: Autumn Inspired
Post by Tracy Kaler.
Who doesn’t love fall? The temperatures aren’t too warm or too cool, and nature might even be its prettiest during September and October. Fall colors can make us feel warm and fuzzy inside –– so much that we want to drink a Pumpkin Spice Latte or eat a slice of warm apple pie. From deep corals to rusty reds and mocha browns, the hues that we associate with autumn can inspire the palette for any room. Here are five bedrooms that feel like fall.
Warm grays, beiges, golds, and a hint of orange in a master bedroom seating area give us a glimpse of fall. The cozy spot looks perfect to curl up with a good book or watch the leaves fall outside those big windows.
For some reason, the color eggplant alludes to the fall season. The rich color works well on the tufted headboard, and orange with purple is an unexpected combination. The accent pillows balance the two colors.
Scottsdale might not get the same fall as the Northeastern US, but it does get seasons. Regardless of the amount of leaf-peeping available in this Arizona town, this bedroom sure feels like autumn.
Vivid masculine colors come together nicely in this modern Australia bedroom. The simple design allows the architecture to shine. The paper pendant fixtures add some fun to the space.
This Carmel Valley retreat boasts a Mediterranean flavor with its exposed wood beams, Venetian plaster walls, and the balcony and its metal railing. The subtle red and yellow scheme makes the bedroom feel homey and inviting.
Don’t you love fall?