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Last-Minute Dorm Decorating Guide, Part I
See how to make your college dorm room go urban-modern or prep with 5 easy pieces
Houzz Contributor. I am an interior designer with a passion for modern clean spaces and timeless vintage decor which makes for a unique eye. I work in Los Angeles but offer e-design services nationally. Visit my website and my blog at http://www.veneerdesigns.com
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You have arrived on campus, and though you may not know what you want to major in, which house to pledge, or if you even like your roommate, you do know a few things: Books are expensive (!), the cafeteria has way too many options, and your dorm room is depressing.
Your budget is tight, but you do know what your style is, so let's look at some last-minute affordable finds to add brilliance to your college living quarters. By focusing on the same five basic pieces (blanket, decorative pillow, table lamp, wall decoration, rug) and working with your wardrobe as a style cue, we'll find just the right quick-ship online pieces for your decor.
Today I'll cover All-American Prep and Urban Modern styles:
Your budget is tight, but you do know what your style is, so let's look at some last-minute affordable finds to add brilliance to your college living quarters. By focusing on the same five basic pieces (blanket, decorative pillow, table lamp, wall decoration, rug) and working with your wardrobe as a style cue, we'll find just the right quick-ship online pieces for your decor.
Today I'll cover All-American Prep and Urban Modern styles:
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by Natalie Myers
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| All-American Prep. You like to wear J.Crew, Abercrombie & Fitch, Ralph Lauren, and Hollister. You have a clean cut and sporty style, but you can be relaxed and have fun.
See how to give your college dorm room the look, next. |
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by Pottery Barn
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| Get your hands on a monogrammed accent pillow for your bed to add a personal touch. The rich linen adds a nice texture, and the pillow covers are only $35. |
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The original Pendleton blanket is a celebration of America's national parks. Each blanket has a special woven label with the park name and image of an important natural feature. Cozy 100% wool is a reminder of the rugged outdoors, and the colorful stripes will brighten up any drab room. This blanket will become a family keepsake and great souvenir of your college years.
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Houndstooth is another classic pattern that looks stylish as a rug. At $140 for a 5'x8' wool rug, its a steal that will transition nicely to your first apartment.
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You appreciate the outdoors and the look of trophy heads, but you aren't about to actually hang one on your wall. These papier mache versions from West Elm are an artistic and responsible way to bring a touch of safari to your walls.
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You need a good desk lamp, and luckily these architectural task lamps are on sale for $69 each. The heads pivot and the design is a classic, but the bright candy-colored hues add a touch of lightheartedness to the tasks at hand.
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by Natalie Myers
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| Urban Modern. You like to wear Urban Outfitters, DKNY and French Connection. Even if you are on a remote campus, you appreciate city life and the culture it offers. Look for items with simplified graphics and forms, a little edge, and blacks and grays with pops of neon.
See more on these finds next. |
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The rich pleated design of this dark gray duvet reads high-fashion and mystery from DKNY for $99. Even on a student budget, you can enjoy a touch of luxury.
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This woolly gray pillow is as cute as a button — literally — with its bright pop of yellow. Structured and serious yet perky, just like you, and only $20.
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You can't go too dark and gray in your room. A simple plaid rug offers a burst of unexpected lime green along with the standard brown and blue. The handwoven rug is made from recycled plastic bottles to show your ecological awareness and hold up to muddy boots and spilled drinks.
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The "I Love Clouds" print is $25 and ties in the room's dark and light components. Shades of gray and bright yellow are a perfect duo that artfully illustrates your shifting moods from homesickness to elation, just like the weather.
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A curvy colored glass lamp from IKEA for $15 — say no more. It reminds me of the Kartlell Cindy lamp which retails for closer to $300. You can show an appreciation for good design without blowing your college dorm room decorating budget.
Come back later this week, when I'll have two more last-minute dorm style guides for you!
More: Create a Stellar Studio Apartment
Affordable Finds for College and Beyond
Come back later this week, when I'll have two more last-minute dorm style guides for you!
More: Create a Stellar Studio Apartment
Affordable Finds for College and Beyond
Comments
Hannah Malcolm Maybe it's just me, but I can't afford that stuff for my dorm room. It's all beautiful - and it looks nice, but that's not a practical budget for me or any college student I know.
8 months ago · Like
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tahiranaqvi Yeah which student do you know that wears brand name clothes and wants to (or has the time to) monogram a fricken pillow? This article is so unrealistic. Talk more about cheap finds at Ikea, flea markets, or even Craigslist. Why do designers feel you need expensive things to create a simple yet creative space? They really need to be more creative than that!
6 months ago · Like
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Ideabook updated on Aug. 25, 2011.
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