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Guest Picks: If I Could Have a Dorm Room Do-Over
One interior decorator reimagines the drab dorm room into a stylish, fun space to study and sleep
Because it's almost back-to-school time, I started thinking about my own college digs. My dorm room was ugly — as in, burgundy and hunter green ugly. Of course, those were the days before design sites for inspiration. I thought it would be fun to shop around for what I might use if I were to get a dorm room do-over. Here's a roundup of 20 cool and colorful products that would make any dorm room a little more fun. — Emily from Emily A. Clarke
by Garnet Hill
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These wire baskets are great for storage. I would fill them with towels, linens or magazines. They could even make a stylish trash can beside the desk.
by Garnet Hill
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You can't paint your dorm walls, so I would opt for a big, colorful pattern on the floor with one of these modern chevron rugs.
by Garnet Hill
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Striped sheets add a graphic punch to your bed, even if you keep the rest of your bedding simple.
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These storage cubes are perfect for hiding clutter or storing books and papers. They come in a variety of colors and fit perfectly on a cubby-style bookcase.
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This colorful poster is a fun daily reminder that the world is your oyster!
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Bring in a little color and pattern while displaying your favorite photos and notes on this fabric-covered memo board.
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Why use regular thumbtacks when you can add color with these fun button ones? They're the perfect complement to the fabric memo board.
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There's no excuse for your roommate not to give you a phone message with this oversize decal.
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If you're lucky enough to not have to share a community bathroom, use one of these cute chevron shower curtains. The bows make them extra fun.
by BeddingStyle
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Even your bath mats can bring bright colors into a drab space. I would mix these up in lots of shades.
by Shades of Light
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Since dorm rooms are usually tight, this clamp lamp is perfect for providing task light while not taking up valuable desk space. Plus, the metal finish adds a nice industrial feel.
by Shop Ten 25
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These colorful birds will add a fun, modern punch to any drab dorm wall.
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Forget ugly dorm furniture! I would use this graphic headboard decal to give my bed style without taking up one single square inch of valuable space.
by Grandin Road
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Typography art adds a bold feel to any wall. I would use these colorful letters to create my initials or maybe a reminder to S-T-U-D-Y.
by Anthropologie
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I love this simple pillow. Even if you don't have room for lots of accessories, this adds just the right amount of color to a twin bed or accent chair.
by Anthropologie
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This little pencil cup is a great desktop accessory, and it could double as a vase.
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I would've felt better about studying if I had had a brightly painted desk like this one. I love the bamboo-style legs.
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This large pouf ottoman is graphic and comfy. I would use it as an extra seat, foot stool or even a little coffee table with a tray.
by Belle Chaise
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Cute (and comfortable) desk chairs are hard to come by. I like how a bright, modern fabric gives this standard office chair a fresh look.
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If you hate to hear the sound of your alarm in the morning, hopefully this cute orange clock will make it a little easier to rise and shine.
More: Create a Chic First Apartment on a Dorm Room Budget
More: Create a Chic First Apartment on a Dorm Room Budget
Ideabook published on Aug. 6, 2012.
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And, I'm definitely about decorating on a bargain in real life. I share a lot of these ideas on my blog, if you want to check it out: www.emilyaclark.com But, it's nice to dream every now and then--isn't it? :)