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College Decorating on a Budget
February 3, 2012 2:24 am
Even though the typical college student is on a tight budget, there are still clever ways to add style to dorm rooms and off-campus apartments.
According to doityourself.com, industry designers say this year's color trends are funky, bright and lively, but minimalist-inspired earth tones are also popular. While painting walls may not be allowed, students can add color with liquid fabric starch, which can be removed easily and reused.
Students should also be encouraged to create custom wall art with their own photography. Interior Designer Libby Langdon (libbylangdon.com) suggests retouching the pictures to black and white and then adding a stylish frame in chrome or black. A gallery effect can be achieved by grouping several pictures together. John Franke, a design expert of the Comfort Council , recommends buying plexi-glass fitted to the size of your desk and then placing pictures and artwork underneath.
The one item students are likely to use most in their dorm rooms is the bed. Selecting the right comforter, therefore, is essential, and should reflect the student’s sense of style. Instead of choosing drab sheets that blend into the background, select vibrant colors. And don’t forget about the floor. Interior Designer Sarit Catz (saritcatz.com) recommends using a washable and durable floor paint to make bland floors more appealing.
Given the limited space in most college housing, choose items that can double as storage space and furniture, such as a trunk that can also be a side table. And, while milk crates never go out of style on the college scene, consider silver mesh cubes for an updated look.
Langdon also suggests making your room look more spacious with the right lighting and mirrors. Tall standing lamps are usually good at providing an entire room with ample light for reading, as opposed to harsh fluorescents. A strategically placed mirror – opposite something attractive, like a poster or window – can magically make a room appear larger.
Source: doityourself.com
According to doityourself.com, industry designers say this year's color trends are funky, bright and lively, but minimalist-inspired earth tones are also popular. While painting walls may not be allowed, students can add color with liquid fabric starch, which can be removed easily and reused.
Students should also be encouraged to create custom wall art with their own photography. Interior Designer Libby Langdon (libbylangdon.com) suggests retouching the pictures to black and white and then adding a stylish frame in chrome or black. A gallery effect can be achieved by grouping several pictures together. John Franke, a design expert of the Comfort Council , recommends buying plexi-glass fitted to the size of your desk and then placing pictures and artwork underneath.
The one item students are likely to use most in their dorm rooms is the bed. Selecting the right comforter, therefore, is essential, and should reflect the student’s sense of style. Instead of choosing drab sheets that blend into the background, select vibrant colors. And don’t forget about the floor. Interior Designer Sarit Catz (saritcatz.com) recommends using a washable and durable floor paint to make bland floors more appealing.
Given the limited space in most college housing, choose items that can double as storage space and furniture, such as a trunk that can also be a side table. And, while milk crates never go out of style on the college scene, consider silver mesh cubes for an updated look.
Langdon also suggests making your room look more spacious with the right lighting and mirrors. Tall standing lamps are usually good at providing an entire room with ample light for reading, as opposed to harsh fluorescents. A strategically placed mirror – opposite something attractive, like a poster or window – can magically make a room appear larger.
Source: doityourself.com
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Agents Only