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.
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.
This colorful poster is a fun daily reminder that the world is your oyster!
Bring in a little color and pattern while displaying your favorite photos and notes on this fabric-covered memo board.
Why use regular thumbtacks when you can add color with these fun button ones? They're the perfect complement to the fabric memo board.
There's no excuse for your roommate not to give you a phone message with this oversize decal.
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.
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.
I would've felt better about studying if I had had a brightly painted desk like this one. I love the bamboo-style legs.
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.
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? :)