Tag Archives: dorm decorating

How To: Decorate Your Dorm

Posted on by
3

The college dorm is notorious for being small, dark, and all around dull. On the bright side, this is your motivation to make it your own! If you want to liven up your dorm, but don’t know how, check out these four steps.

 (Teen Vogue)

1. Have a vision. Gather some thoughts on what you are going for in terms of color schemes or types of décor. If find of photos of something that inspires you, keep it. It will come in handy later.

2. Pinpoint a budget. How much are you looking to spend? Do you plan on buying items you will use throughout your entire stay at college or just this year?

3. Get creative with ideas. Many schools prohibit you from making any semi-permanent changes to walls such as putting nails in or painting. Find alternatives such as wall decals that are easily removable and Command Hooks that can hold anything from a hat to a picture frame. Decorative paper can have many uses from livening up a bulletin board to wall art.

4. Scope out some stores. Search high and low for the perfect room accessories. Dormify is a great website that specializes in dorm décor. Check out discount stores like Marshall’s and HomeGoods, you’d be surprised by what you can find there. Visit local flea markets or bazaars for one -of- a -kind pieces such as jewelry boxes or picture frames. Etsy is a great website where you can find one of kind pieces.

(Dormify)

For specific decor items that will freshen up your dorm room, check out this article here!

dormfurniture.org

Maya Devereaux is a sophomore at Boston University. Follow her @MayaD93. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter)


5 Dorm Must-Haves That Will Keep You and Your Dorm Organized

Posted on by
3

If you’ve been faced with the scary feeling of having to find important notes from two months ago under heaps of clothing, random handouts, and books, don’t worry –you’re not alone. Check out these products that will help you stay organized during the upcoming semester leading to a stress free school year.

 

Dormify – $14.99

1.  10 Pocket Handbag Organizer – Let’s face it; your bedposts can only hold so many purses taking up empty space. This pocket organizer can hold up to 10 bags without taking up too much room in your closet. It is perfect for holding all of your purses, from slouchy clutches to oversized totes

 

the Container Store – on sale for $24.99!

2. Acrylic Makeup Organizer – Are you tired of scrambling for your black eyeliner in a drawer full of makeup in the morning?  Simply grab it from this convenient system that is sectioned off specifically to fit your favorite brushes, lip glosses, eye palettes and perfume.

 

Pottery Barn Teen – on sale for $79!

3. Rolling Storage Cart – If you have to toss your plastic drawers at the end of each school year because they have fallen apart, invest in this cute and easy to move cart. Made of an iron frame, this cart is sturdier than your average plastic drawer set. The adorable dotted canvas drawers can hold anything from your DVDs to socks.

Urban Outfitters – $16

4. Cutlery Tray – This tray is meant to hold cutlery, which you may have some of anyway, but it works just as well for storing writing utensils. Keep your desktop clear by placing your pens, pencils and highlighters inside your desk drawer. It has the perfect amount of space to store all of your tools plus more.

 

MoMA – $36

5.  Multi-Shelf File Organizer – Where should you store important handouts and flyers you are going to need in the coming days? A bulletin board is one good option, but this desk shelf system is another. This shelf organizer will allow you to hold more than a stack of papers. You can adjust the shelf height depending on how much space you need per shelf. Ideal to sit horizontally or vertically, this modern piece is great for holding important documents such as mail, project outlines and notes.

 

Now that you’ve checked out these dorm room organizational must-haves, check out these 10 fashion must-haves for classy co-eds!

 

Flickr.com

Maya Devereaux is a Lifestyle Writer at College Lifestyles. She loves getting gifts for friends and painting!


An Inside Look At The Hottest New Trends With Dormify’s Stephanie Hayman

Posted on by
Reply

Are you thinking about decorating or revamping your college living space? I highly recommend www.dormify.com where you can find the hottest new trends in bedding, wall decorations, and even survival kits! I was lucky enough to chat with Stephanie Hayman, the buyer for Dormify. Check out my interview to get the inside scoop on the site.

 

Allison Cohen: You are the buyer for Dormify, a company that focuses on prepping your dorm room for college. Can you tell us a little about it?

 

Stephanie Hayman: Dormify is a new, online only brand that sells highly designed dorm and apartment furnishings. We carry décor from our own brand as well as products we’ve curated from other brands. Our goal is to provide stylish college students with an arsenal of chic, sophisticated options to style their spaces with while at school, where individuality is so important.

 

AC: What do you consider the most important thing to have in a dorm room?

 

SH: I think that bedding and the accessories on your bed are typically a focal point of a dorm room and take up most of the space. I think that the most important thing to focus on while decorating your dorm room is the bed.

 

AC: What are your two favorite products on the Dormify website?

 

SH: We just launched a line of poufs, which I’m really excited about! They are 20″ x 20″ x 13″ in size. They’re a vibrant, cushioned cube, perfect to use as an extra seat, ottoman, and coffee table. They are comfortable and modern, and one of the hottest trends in interior design this year. They come in three different patterns.  The vibrant colors and patterns are fabulous and especially for the fact that they are a multi-purpose product to have in your dorm room.

 

Photo courtesy of dormify.com.

I am also really excited about the Teal Ikat Bedding designed by Dormify. It is a perfect way to bring fashion trends to your home décor. Tribal patterns are so popular right now!

 

Photo courtesy of dormify.com.

 

AC: What is your most memorable college moment?

 

SH: Decorating my dorm room with my mom.

 

AC: Did you ever have a pesky roommate in college? Do you have any advice on dealing with this type of situation?

 

SH: Freshman year of college I decided to be different and have a random roommate. Our room was fairly small and she didn’t like anybody sitting on her bed. There was very limited seating, and I liked to host parties for watching the OC and some of those shows. I had to turn my bed into a day bed, with tons of pillows, to create extra seating in my room for my friends. A pouf would have really come in handy!

 

AC: Is there any advice you have for our readers on how to reach your goals in life?

 

SH: I think that it all stems from a happy, comfortable, and organized living space. It’s where you begin and end every day in college, and it’s definitely a key to your success and happiness. When you’re in college, you’re young and have so many opportunities at your fingertips. You should take advantage of all of those opportunities, and you should work hard and play hard.

 

 

Check out the Brocade Home Exclusive- Moroccan Butternut Duvet for a funky way to spice up your living space. Dormify has an exclusive with Brocade Home and is the only place that you can find the twin sizes of the styles that you see on the Dormify site. They work directly with the designer to make that partnership happen, and the Brocade Home designer is a fan of Dormify. Dormify’ “Funs out Suns out” fun in the sun kit, and their snap frame desk multi picture frame are also great products. These were just a few of my favorites! Also, I absolutely love the fact that Dormify offers a college checklist! It is so helpful. They even highlight the items available for purchase on their website. Make sure to check out the wall decals and survival kits. They make great graduation gifts!

 

You can follow Dormify on twitter @dormify, check them out on facebook at facebook.com/dormify, and pin with them on pinterest- pinterest.com/dormify!

 


Allison Cohen is a Sorority and Lifestyle Writer. She is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, a lover of hiking, running, and traveling, and is obsessed with her weenie dog, Maverick.


College Lifestyles Interviews HGTV Design Star Contestant Kellie Clements

Posted on by
1

It’s the time of the year where we pack our belongings and move to our new home.  More than likely, our new home is a bit smaller than home sweet home.  Whether a dorm or apartment, HGTV Design Star Contestant Kellie Clements, took time out of her incredibly busy schedule and gave us some tips on turning the groans of small space living into the excitement of ‘Home Sweet Home!’

Design Star Contestant and College Lifestyles Favorite Kellie Clements

Trust us, you will find yourself heading to the nearest IKEA and fabric store from Kellie’s simple suggestions for turning your small space into functional living!   While shopping for on-line for decor products, be sure to vote for Kellie as the fan favorite on the Design Star site AND set your DVR for the Design Star finale (between Meg and Karl THIS Monday at 9est/8cst!)!

Personally, I could have chatted with Kellie all day!  Her inviting personality turned what was originally a simple interview on decorating tips, to her giving us incredible insight on her career path, suggestions for students interested in a design career, and suggestions on auditioning for future Design Star shows!

CL:  In decorating, what color combinations can make a dorm/apartment space appear larger?

KC:  I suggest a very neutral palate with a ‘pop‘ of color.    For example, my first semester living in the dorm (Kellie is a University of Central Arkansas alum), my roommate and I used a black and white palate.  We visited a local carpet store and purchased candy apple red carpet to lay on our flooring.  This was very simple, affordable, and gave our dorm a great look!  In addition, it was very easy for us to remove once semester was over.

Personally, my favorite neutral color combination is black and white.  I love the fact this palate can match any sorority color combination.  While my roommate and I chose the red accent with carpeting, you can chose any color or sorority color combo.

In addition, I understand many times in apartments and dorms, one is not allowed to paint.  Take advantage not only of the carpet, but look to hang fabrics from the wall as well as fabric window treatments.

If you are lucky and allowed to paint in an apartment, be sure to keep the wall and ceiling the same color.

CL:  In decorating, what color combinations should one avoid (or can make a space look smaller)?

KC:  Avoid very dark colors.  While black and white is a great neutral palate, avoid painting or hanging a very dark (or black) fabric on walls or as window treatments.

CL:  What are your suggestions on functional storage for dorm and apartment living?

KC:  When limited on floor space, I encourage folks to compartmentalize and think ‘up!’

When compartmentalizing, look to buy items which serve 2 purposes.  For example, look for storage in the form of ottomans OR seating with storage options.  The same storage ottoman can be used for seating and as a step stool.

When ‘thinking up,’ raise your bed off the floor by 12 inches.  Many stores (IKEA) have shelves to fit under bedding.  Use these shelves to store you shoes and books.

Dilling Underbed Storage Box. IKEA. $14.99.

CL:  What are your suggestions on preventing wall damage from hanging pictures/shelves?

KC:  Hooks are now available which make only a pin hole size marking when removed.  In addition, invest in ‘stick’ hooks.  However, be sure to check weight limits on all hooks before hanging items.

CL:  Any other suggestions you have for our readers on dorm and apartment decorating?

KC:  My philosophy is to make your space fit your needs.  In a smaller space, look for furniture to serve several purposes.  For example, when purchasing sofa tables, look for one with a bottom shelf to store books and magazines.  If you are having guest over, use the same sofa table as additional table seating OR as a serving table (remove the books/magazines an add a chair or use for food placement).

CL:  Let’s talk about your career.  We (at College Lifestyles) are so excited for your success on Design Star!  What are your suggestions for students wishing to enter a contest like Design Star?

KC:  There is no reason NOT to audition for Design Star.  My biggest suggestion is to be your authentic self during the entire audition process.  Be very comfortable with yourself as a person.  (Season 7 Audition Information – click here!)

CL:  What was your favorite experience on being a part of Design Star?

KC:  Actually, I have two!

The first is the relationships are priceless.  I was able to meet some of the most incredible designers in the industry.  The designers (contestants) are the only folks who understand what we all went through (the challenges and audition process); and that is priceless.

The second was the love of the challenge.  I was excited for the challenges and truly enjoyed the work!

CL:  What suggestions do you have for students who are interested in a interior design career?

KC:  When in school, discuss with your advisors the aspects of design which peak your interest.  Discuss with your advisors how to prep for the field – for example, question if you would need to move to a more city dwelling or certain area of the country to practice a specific design field.  Don’t be afraid to ask your advisor about salaries for certain design fields.

In addition to prep discussion, explore the oppurtunity of internships AND shadowing a designer.  Always be willing to take an internship, even if it is not the ‘best’ internship or something you do not want to do, get the experience, and you will learn what you are really good at.

When exploring your career/job opportunities, be very true to yourself as a designer and start to identify what is your ‘expertise.’  You will be much more successful as a designer if you are both true to what you love and doing what you love.

CL:  What is your motto AND ultimate message to students and aspiring designers?

KC:  There is no reason not to pursue what you want to do!  You have nothing to lose as a student.  Really decide what it is you love to do and you will be successful!  Personally, I encourage and love success stories in this field!

With Kellie’s talent, warm personality, attitude, and willingness to share her story, we encourage all our readers to vote for Kellie as the fan favorite for the HGTV Design Star (click here!) and watch the HGTV Design Star finale this Monday at 9pmEST/8pmCST.

Learn more about Kellie here!

Looking to audition for Season 7 of Design Star, click here!  (Auditions will take place in New York, Las Vegas, Austin, Charlotte, Boston, Miami, and New York!)

Tune into the Season Finale of Design Star this Monday on HGTV at 9pmest/8pmCST.


5 Fun ways to CLassify your Room!

Posted on by
2

If you’ve ever lived in an apartment or dorm, you probably know what it feels like to have little to no freedom of expression.  Here are 5 fun, simple, and inexpensive ways to take your room from drab to fab (and even stick to the dorm decorating rules!)

1)      Wall decals – These are super awesome because they’re easy to apply, easy to remove, and can be moved around, too!  Wall decals, such as this one from target ($18) will peel right off the wall without leaving any sticky residue (perfect for dorm rooms!)

2)      Original Paintings – Since you can’t paint the walls in your dorm room, why not express yourself on a canvas?  If you don’t already have art supplies, don’t fret!  They’re not as expensive as you may think and you can get everything in one stop if you know where to go!  Craft stores such as Michael’s and Hobby Lobby are generally your best bet, but you can sometimes find canvases and paints at stores such as WalMart (just be sure to call ahead!)  Also, craft stores will often have great package deals on art supplies, so it’s a good idea to check your local ads before you hit the stores.

An original painting by yours truly!

3)      Fun Bedding – A comforter with fun prints or bold colors is a fantastic way to add some flair to your dorm room (especially if you don’t want to mess with your walls).  I recommend the “Bed in a Bag” options because they come with a sheet set and a comforter, are color-coordinated, and are a great value.  This one from WalMart even comes with a reversible comforter! ($39 total)

My dorm bedding from freshman year :)

4)      Curtains – A 2-for-1 deal: curtains add a splash of color to your room AND they’re great for keeping the light out of your room on those (lucky) days when you don’t have 8am classes!  Quick tip for curtains – Buy a rod that is advertised as a “spring tension rod” (such as this one from Amazon.com, $8) because they require hardly any installation.  Just lengthen the rod until it fits in your window space, tighten, and you’re good to go!

Curtains – Target ($20)

5)      Posters – Whether you’re a movie junkie or a history buff, there’s sure to be some posters that express what you love!  I like to check out music/movie stores such as FYE for posters, because they always have a variety of poster “genres” and they’re very reasonably priced.  Target and WalMart are great places to look for posters during the back-to-school season as well!

Poster - Target - $12

Alli is a Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics junior at Michigan State University.  When she isn’t spending time with friends and family or on the sidelines of an MSU football game, she can always be found playing with her dogs!


Last Year’s Problems, This Year’s Solutions: Updating Your Dorm Room the CL Way!

Posted on by
1

Is the light on your roommate’s side of the room keeping you up? Running out of places to post reminders? Take the fall semester’s annoyances and irritation and find a solution! If you have a few gift cards left over from the holiday season or money saved up from your winter break job – hit the shops! On a budget? Fear not, College Lifestyles has you covered. From necklaces to photographs, don’t let 2010’s bothers ruin this year’s fun.

Curtains. Photo: Beatriz AG/Flickr

Problem: The glare from my roommate’s computer screen keeps me up late at night.

While your roommate might be a night owl, that doesn’t mean you have to be one too! A quick, easy, and economic method to solve this problem is to pick up a curtain from your local Target or Bed Bath & Beyond. With the variety of prints and colors, not only will you be gaining some privacy and shuteye – but some style too.

Problem: My desk gets overwhelmed with post-its by the end of the week!

Something needs to be done when you’re finding notes from last week, but can’t seem to spot those concert tickets for tonight. After all, you just put them down! One way to stay on top of the clutter is to find yourself a corkboard. Not a shabby, cognac colored plaque, instead check out Etsy.com and add some pizzazz to your post-its.

Hanging Jewelry Organizer. Photo: Coleen D. Wybranski/Flickr

Problem: Getting ready takes hours…because all of my jewelry is tangled!

If there’s one thing I’m guilty of it’s waving the white flag and surrendering when it comes to a knotted mess of necklaces. After Friday nights soured with sweat and, I’ll admit, cries of frustration, I only wish I had known about this sooner! A hanging closet jewelry organizer takes up the space of a hanger, while offering zippered sections for individual pieces. Depending on the size, these time-savers range from only $10 to $30!

Problem: I have so many pictures, yet so little wall space.

With each year at college, the amounts of photo you are tagged in on Facebook starts to increase and next thing you know, there are hundreds of memorable moments. Rather than turn your bedroom into a walking museum, invest in a digital photo frame. Depending on the resolution and frame size, you can easily find one for $30! The built-in memory card allows for frequent updating [whether you’re adding or deleting photos], while the auto rotation lets you admire numerous photos through out the day.

Have another solution to these dorm-life problems? Let the CL Team know by dropping us a comment ! What about a problem you’re having in your single/double/triple? As a student that spent her freshman year in an open triple, ask away.

Kaitlyn Monteiro is a junior at Syracuse University studying English & Textual Studies and Psychology.  With a Starbucks in hand, you can find her at the local Barnes & Noble updating her Tumblr, buying the latest Glamour, and checking the Pittsburgh Steeler’s score!


Turning Your College Room from Sloppy to Sophisticated!

Posted on by
Reply

A room in a dorm or an apartment can sometimes feel juvenile or just plain plain!  Don’t fret! There are simple things that can turn your room from drab to fab!

This is a great example of a homemade headboard that I found on apartment therapy.com!

Making your room feel sophisticated will help you to feel like you are going places in this world.  Not to mention everyone will be asking you to decorate their rooms because yours is just too darn good!  Here are four easy steps to step up your room!

1. Headboard.  A headboard on a bed can do a world of difference in your space.  The headboard will not only add height to your bed but interest to the wall.  If you don’t have a headboard or cant afford one, just make your own!  You can use a thin piece of plywood or

This lamp was a steal at TJ Maxx for only $30 and it add so much to my bed side table!

even foam core boards.  Simply cover the board with batting to add depth and then use fabric to finish off the look.  Stretch the batting and the fabric tight and use a staple gun or even hot glue to secure to the back of the board.  The back will be up against the wall so you don’t have to worry about what your staple or glue job will look like!

2. Lamp.  A good lamp will take your room to the next level.  Try finding a lamp from somewhere like Marshalls or TJ Maxx, they have great lamps at even better prices.  A sophisticated lamp will give you more light in your room and brighten up your space.  Also a few great things compared to a lot of little things will make your room feel more put together and sophisticated.

These are my custom-shelving units that I made from crown molding, but any simple shelving set will do the trick!

3. Shelving.  Good shelving on walls can be used for storage, but can also be used to display your memories.  A good design tip is to keep things in groups of threes.  This is a great place to put up a vase of flowers or display pictures.  Adding interest to your wall in a three-dimensional aspect will make your room feel like it’s a million bucks.

These cute curtains make take the shabby dorm room furniture from shabby to chic and make then look brand spanking new!

4. Curtains.  Curtains will make your space feel larger and more put together.   Usually college dorms or apartment have very drab window shade or vertical blinds, and who wants to look at that!  Don’t forget that curtains are not just for windows anymore!  You can use curtains instead of closet doors.  Some of the furniture provided with the rooms can be bulky and plain, using a curtain can add interest and will almost make the furniture disappear! If you cannot find pre-made curtains that you love try making your own, check out my article on no sew curtains for instructions!

Follow these simple tricks of the trade and your room is sure to be fabulous in no time!  These things will make you feel sophisticated and mature even in a frumpy dorm or apartment.   These are simple things that you can do in a night or weekend, so take a study break and spruce up your space!

Kendall Meyer is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM).  She is an Interior Design major at James Madison University and a member of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority.  She loves turning any room into a home for everyone and everything!

Check out my post for more dorm decorating tips that you are going to love!


Making Your Small Space Feel Bigger!

Posted on by
1

When you are living at college, weather it be a dorm room or an apartment, usually your space is smaller than desired.  You are going to be living, breathing and working in this space, you are not going to want to make it feel like a dungeon.  Remember that you are probably going to be sharing this space with a roommate, so think about all of the things that you are bringing to college with YOU and then DOUBLE it, will you really have all that space?  There are a few things that you can do to make your space actually seen bigger than it is.  This really does not mean that you are going to be able to bring more stuff, but it will hopefully make you more comfortable when you are living there!

7 Tricks for making a small space feel larger:

This light is perfect because you can control which bulbs to turn on letting you decided how much light to bring into the room!

Lighting – Make sure that your room is well lit.  A dark space will make is seem closed in and actually make the space appear smaller than it is.  Think about using a lamp that has multiple bulbs like the one picture from target so that you control the amount of light that you want, less during the day and more at nighttime.

This is an example of an extremely cluttered room, try and limit the about of stuff that you have out and keep your room clan at all times!

Clutter – A space that is cluttered with to many accessories and messy dishes and clothing will begin to feel like you are getting caved in on.  Keeping your space neat and tidy will always make you feel like you have more room to breath in.  Make sure everything has its place and it get put back when you are done using it.  Clothes left around the room will not only stress you out about the laundry you need to do but make you fell like you are living in a dungeon.

Curtains – Adding curtains to a window will break up your walls giving you the feel that you are not boxed into your room.  Many closet doors are unsightly and bland.  Taking down the doors and replacing them with fun curtains is a great way to again break up the solid colors of your room and add fun color or even a patter to your space!

We put up this curtain in my little sisters new apartment, it really does a great job breaking up the white walls and openin up the space!

Furniture- Large items of furniture will make your space fell full even without all off of your other belongings in it.  Try and stick with smaller or even multi use items, like a desk that can also be used as a vanity, or storing your dresser in your closet to get more space.  Light colored furniture will also help your space to feel more open.  If you re stuck with what you got, like in your dorm room, try covering your dresser with removable fabric (try using sticky back Velcro to attach) or toping of your desk with a fun colored painted hutch.

This is a perfect example of shelving that is used for storage and displaying accessories!

Wall space – Make sure and use your wall space!  Shelving units on your walls can be used for great storage as wall as display of some of your most prized positions. Try and keep your furniture up against and wall and not floating in the middle of the room, this will hopefully give you an open space to make you feel like you there is room to relax in.

Here is an example of a room that is using light colors on the wall and on the bed to make the space feel larger.

Color- Dark colors will close in your space.  It is ok to have some darker accent colors, but if you can paint try and pick a lighter color.  Bright colors can also tend to overwhelm you, stick to a more muted shade of your favorite bright colors and leave the bright ones to the accessories.

Mirrors- This may be obvious that mirrors will seem enlarge your space, but it is something that people often forget.  If you leave your closet doors up, think about putting mirror tiles on them or full length mirrors, they will serve a double purpose of making you space seem larger and making sure you always look classy! Even accent mirrors on your walls will help to brighten up your space by reflecting light from windows are giving the space an open feel.

These are some sweet accent mirrors that are great for reflecting light into your space!

Follow these tricks are you are sure to make your cave seen even slightly larger, which trust me will help.  This is the pace that you have to relax, do your work, hang out with friends, and much more.  Make it so you are comfortable in your space and love being there!

Kendall Meyer is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM).  She is an Interior Design major at James Madison University and a member of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority.  She loves helping everyone, especially her sisters decorate their room for the school year!

Check out my post from last week about what not to forget when packing for college!


CL Co-Ed’s Back-to-School Money Management “Know How” Part 2: DORM/APARTMENT

Posted on by
1

When I first started college, I had some serious issues with money management.  A little money here, another tiny expense there…it all added up to a mass amount of money wasted on things I really didn’t need!  So when I was flat broke, with a very limited budget to work with as far as decorating my dorm or apartment went, I narrowed down a list of what I wanted and needed the most, and found ways to pay for it all without breaking the bank – especially since parking passes, textbooks, and other unforeseen expenses were just around the corner!  Here are some of my most thought-out tips for co-eds that will save you money and bring out creativity that you may not have known you had!

*  If you can’t buy it, make it! *

Sometimes the feeling that I have so little money or am not getting enough hours at work, etc. starts to build immense pressure on me, and creates this frustration that I take shopping with me.  Then when I’m looking at what I want to purchase the most, I feel depressed because I know it simply isn’t an option for me.  So I’ve learned to improvise!

~One time I really needed a headboard for my twin bed, so my friend and I went to a thrift store and purchased a plank of wood for $1, went to the fabric store and purchased fabrics in the textures and colors I wanted for $10, and then made the headboard ourselves, which ended up looking like I purchased it from a Target catalog.  I ended up feeling better than I would have if I had purchased it because I had the opportunity to be so creative – and cheap!~

* Thrift stores are your friend *

When people think of thrift stores, they often just consider shopping for clothes, but thrift stores carry some of the most **golden** treasures of decorations and creative possibilities that I have found – at prices that definitively cannot be beat!  I have saved hundreds of dollars by shopping for decorations and housewares at thrift stores, and will continue to simply because it’s fun to find unique items you can’t find anywhere else!  Lana has a great article on consignment store shopping that is well worth checking out for all co-eds as well!

* Craigslist is your friend! *

Disclaimer: Smart co-eds must always be careful to watch out for scams and make sure that who you are dealing with is safe.  With that said, Craigslist is one of the best places to make the most out of your money!  You can see, in your own neighborhood, where you can purchase very low-cost furniture, free furniture or other miscellaneous items (who doesn’t love free stuff?), and decor or furniture that is being passed down from students who no longer need it!  It’s nice to know that the community can interact with each other this way (as long as the deal is legit and safe), and that you can save yourself a lot of money along the way!

There will always be times where you have to make a big purchase or you want to go ahead and splurge, but from one shop-a-holic to the next, my advice is to make sure you’re aware of all your options when it comes to money management and dorm or apartment needs and decorations, and save that hard-earned extra money for bigger bills.  In the end, it’s all more than worth it!

Kelsey Book is a  writer and a dreamer who thinks faith, family, and musicals make her world go ’round!   She has learned from past money mistakes, and now lives on a smart, working budget so she won’t be paying off college loans until she’s fifty years old.


Dorm Checklist – What Not to Forget!

Posted on by
3

Dorm Checklist, 1st time collee student, student life

#img#

It is that time again … back to school shopping season is upon us! It is time to get all those things that you are going to need for college!  The basics are easy, comforters, office supplies, refrigerator, but what about all those things that you never think of?  I have been compiling a list from the experts, previous dorm livers, on what are the most essential things that everyone forgot to bring with them to college.  Some of these things may seem like something that you would never forget, but you would be surprised at how scattered you can be when preparing for this great move!


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

No Sew Magic! Curtains and Pillows for the Classy Co-ed

Posted on by
4

Curtains and pillows are a great way to spice up any room!  But most of us do not have a sewing machine in our dorm rooms.  So here are some tips on making no sew curtains and pillows.

Stitch Witchery can be found at almost any fabric store!

1. Two panels that cover the full window when closed. 2. One panel that can cover the window. 3. Panels that are not ment to close!

1. Crafty Curtains.  Chose the fabric that you want and while you are at the fabric store ask some “stitch witchery.” This is a no-sew iron activated adhesive.  You can use this to make sideand bottom hems, as well as a rod pocket for the curtain to hang on the rod.  You can even attach a fun beaded or fringed trim to the bottom!

  • Tips:
    • You should account for about an extra ½ inch of fabric for each hem that you want to make.
    • Think about whether you just want to make Hanging panels, something that will cover your whole window, or something that will cover and give volume.
    • Measure how much fabric you are going to need for the rod to fit through the rod pocket that you make.
    • ALWAYS ALWAYS measure twice and cut once!

Fun colored example of a tie pillow!

2. Perfect Pillow.  This pillow is sometimes called a tie pillow.   All you need isyour favorite fabric and a pillow form in the desired size.  Simply cut strips into each side of the fabric and tie the pieces together!  You can make a blanket in the fashion if you wanted!

  • Tips
    • Make sure that you account for enough fabric to make the ties secure
    • You might want to double knot the ties to secure them.  You are probably are going to need about 3 1/2 inches of extra fabric on each side to make the ties.
    • Always over estimate, you can always cut down the ties after if you feel like they are to long.
    • Pillow forms can be expensive, think about covering an old pillow or trying to find a pillow that you can cover at a discount retailer like TJMaxx or Marshalls.

3. Beautiful Bolster.  A bluster pillow if the cylindrical pillow that you see sometimes. This call also is called a “tootsie-roll” pillow.  You can combine the stitch witchery and no sew techniques on this one.  If you would rather not us the stitch witchery then make sure that you allow for extra fabric to cover the pillow completely.

  • Colorful example of a "tootse roll" bolster!

  • Tips:
    • Find a fun ribbon to go with your fabric.
    • Find the length of your bolster and account for the extra fabric

      The end of a bolster that has been tied with a nice white ribbion!

      to account for your ties.

    • Gather your fabric and tie tight with the ribbons.
    • If you are using the stitch witchery follow these easy steps:

1. turn fabric inside out
2. wrap fabric around pillow
3. pin only the fabric and the stitch witchery together
4. pull out the pillow
5. iron
6. turn the fabric right side out again
7. insert pillow
8. tie bows!

Even if you don’t have a sewing machine you can make these awesome homey touched to your dorm or apartment in no time.  People will soon be asking you to make them pillows and curtains.  Do you have any other tips on no-sew projects?  Let us know your experiences!

Kendall Meyer is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM).  She is an Interior Design major at James Madison University and a member of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority.  She loves sewing, loves quick fun projects even more!

Check out my post from last weeks, Dorm Decorating for Any Classy Co-ed, for some more tips on adding color to your space without using paint!


Dorm Decorating for any Classy Co-ed

Posted on by
4

The Dorm is Where the Heart Is.

Moving into your dorm can be exciting and nerve racking all at the same time.  Not knowing your surroundings and the people that you are living with is hard for everyone.  For you and your roommate, whether it be your best friend, Facebook find, or random pairing, decorating your new space can be a great way to get to know each other better.  Here are some tips for making your dorm your home.  Not only will you feel more comfortable in your space, but everyone will want to hang out in your awesome room!

1. Decide Early. Talk to your roommate early about what colors you both like for your room. The earlier that you decide, the more time you will have to look for things.  You can compare more prices and wait for sales when you are not trying to throw everything together at the last minute.

2. Don’t Settle. Make sure you and your roommate decide on something that you both like.  You will be living there for the rest of the year and you don’t want something that is going to make you unhappy.  Talk about what your favorite colors are, and if you both have different tastes compromise: there is always going to be something that suites both of your needs! Go online to some site like Pottery Barn for inspiration if you have no clue what you want!

3. Matching is out. Try to find coordinating bedspreads rather than the same ones, that way both of your personalities come through.  There are great sets that you can look at in stores like Target or JC Penny’s.  If you find something that you really like and it is out of your price range try to look for it at a discount retailer like Marshalls or TJ Maxx; they usually have not only great bedding sections but awesome accessories that you can use too.  Solid bedspreads can be fun also and you can always spruce it up with pillows!

Here are some super fun pillows all from Target!

4. Pillow Fun. Pillows are a great way to add color to your room.  If you do go for a solid bedspread, which can be very chic, add some flair with a bunch of multicolored pillows. If you go to one of the discount retailers or Target there are great pillow sections that you can chose from.  If you are feeling adventurous then you can make your own.  Try finding some fun remnants and pillow forms from the fabric store.  If you can get the right width, only three simple seams and voila.

Here is an example of the fireproofing spray for curtains.

5. Cute Curtains. Curtains will bring a fun accent to any space.  Make sure that you check with your university, but usually they will allow curtains that have been fire proofed.  You can buy fireproofing spray from a store like Target; it can get pricy (around $15), so see if you can split the cost with your whole hall, there is defiantly enough in the bottle to go around.  Check back next week for my post on how to make curtains and pillows without having to sew!

Here is a pic of my loft from my freshman dorm. I was able to keep my desk, dresser, and all of my "beauty supplies" under it!

6. Space Counts. Dorm rooms are most likely going to be a lot smaller space than you are used to living in, and you are probably going to have a roommate to share it with.  Think about lofting your bed so that there will be more floor space.  It will make the room feel a lot bigger, especially if you both loft.  If you don’t want to loft then use bed risers or cinder blocks so that you can store things under your bed.  If you get it high enough, you can even fit your refrigerator under your bed.

Here is an example of a cool purse display wall and colorful shoe holder!

7. Accessories. Accessories are important to making your space homey.  The key is not to over accessorize.  Making the space to cluttered with tchotchkes will just make your room feel smaller and overwhelming.  Pick a few nice things that are practical.  A fun lamp is always a good option, giving you light and décor!  You could use a purse or shoe rack to hang your collections- they will not only save space but also add color to your walls and make for good conversation starters. A fun rug will spice up your space and keep your feet warm on those cold winter mornings!

Here is a simple and fun way to store your makeup brushes. You can also add in things like mascara, eyeliner, and other makeups!

8. Think Practical. You can use small glass containers to keep your makeup brushes, hair accessories, and things like Q-tips or cotton balls in.  Glass containers will give you space to keep all the things that you need, make great accessories for your room, and let you see what’s in them.  Think about using a hutch on your desk that you can keep things like your printer and binders in.  This will give you optimum space on your desk for spreading out and getting your work done.

Let's Review: 1. Fun pillows to add color to a solid bedspread. 2. Cute curtains to add colors to your walls and brighten up your space. 3. Loft or Bunked beds to give you more space in your room. 4. Storage containers to keep your space clean and uncluttered. 5. Cute rugs to add pattern to your floors!

This is your space, so make it reflect your personality. Don’t pick muted colors if you are a high energy person, and don’t pick bright colors if you are calmer.  Either of these will make you uneasy in your room.  Choose something that is also going to make your space relaxing: cool colors like blues and light greens are good.  Your room is somewhere you want to come back to after a long day of classes, so make it unique to fit your needs.  You can always rearrange the layout of your room throughout they year if you want a new view!

Tips:

  • Check with your university, most school have twin extra long beds.  Make sure you are looking at twin extra long bed spreads and sheets, it really does make a difference!
  • Usually you cannot put up brackets for the curtains, but you can use a tension rod to put in the window to hang your drapes from.
  • Make sure that if you get a lamp for your room it meets up to your university’s standards, some do not allow halogen lamps!

Kendall Meyer is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM).  She is an Interior Design major at James Madison University and a member of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority.  She can’t wait to get back to school to see all of the new dorm room ideas and designs!

Check out my post from two weeks ago, No Paint, No Problem, for some more tips on adding color to your space without using paint!


5 Tips to Make your Dorm/Apartment Happy and Homey!

Posted on by
4

Maybe you’re only in your dorm for a few hours a day or are only leasing your apartment for one year.  Nevertheless, you want the time you spend in your place to be yours: a place that is happy, comfortable, and totally YOU.  Here are 5 fast tips to decorate your dorm or accessorize your apartment perfectly:

1.  Say Cheese!

Pictures are great decorations.  They are inexpensive and can be easily changed
(with the help of a few good frames or boards).
Check out these from memory boards from Kay’sKrafts at www.etsy.com:

blooms-on-grey-memory-board$25.99

melissa-averinos-sugar-snap-memory-board$29.99

2.       Pillow-Fight

It might sound crazy, but pillows definitely help to make your space happy (and perfect for naps).  Whether you throw them in a corner, pile them on your bed, or display a few on a couch, pillows can convey style and personality.  Check out these pillows from target.com:

xhilaration-ribbon-pillow-pink

Xhilaration® Ribbon Pillow – Pink

$14.99

home-samantha-scroll-decorative-pillow-black

Home Samantha Scroll Decorative Pillow – Black (16×16″)

$16.99

3.       Posters

I love decorating my room with posters, and allposters.com is my favorite shopping spot!  You can even enter your e-mail address to get coupons and sale alerts.  Take a glance at these great deals:

tropical-poster$7.98

breakfast-poster

$7.99

4.       Rugs

A rug or carpet makes an unbelievable difference (especially in those dorm rooms!).  It’s hard enough to crawl out from underneath the warm covers to go to that 8 a.m. class – you don’t want to step on to the cold floor too!  Your local carpet store may have some remnants or carpet scraps at greatly reduced prices.  I found a scrap piece of carpet this way, and it fits in my dorm room perfectly.  Here is another great find (among many others) online at target.com:

paisley-target-rug

Paisley Rug – Cherry (4’11″x6’10″)

$129.99

5.       Curtains

Classy and comforting.  Although your window(s) may be small, a cute curtain can spice up your room and add some character to those panes.  Here is a nice sheer curtain that won’t block too much light from target.com:

target-sheer-curtain

Xhilaration Ombre Window Sheers

$14.99

For a more dramatic look, check out this one, also from target.com:

purple-target-curtain

Xhilaration Glazed Window Sheer – Purple (46×84″)

$14.99

Going pink?  Here’s the curtain for you from target.com:

pink-target-curtain

Sheer Flocked Dot Window Panel – Pink (42×84″)

$19.99

Follow these 5 tips, and in no time, you’ll be able to call your new place home.  :)

Lora Werkmeister is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM) and a Food and Nutrition major at Youngstown State University.  She likes bargain hunting and is slightly addicted to peanut butter.