Dorm Decor Essentials

For those who are looking to make your dorm living space much cozier and homey, here's my guide to how I (finally) made it happen!

1.) Pick a color scheme that speaks to you

When it comes to redesigning your living space, this is the first step. Personally I went with blush, gold, and neutral tones like black, white or grey.

2.) Pinterest is your new best friend

After I made the decision to completely reconfigure my dorm for this year, I headed straight to Pinterest for ideas! Here is MY personal page so you can see the kind of vibe that I gravitate towards on a daily basis. 

3.) Know the things that you'll need to invest in

For me, I made a list of items that I probably wouldn't be able to find on clearance at my local HomeGoods. This included things like a standing lamp, acrylic beauty organizer, and my larger bulb string lights. 

4.) Find new and inspiring prints on Etsy

I knew I wanted some type of art on my larger wall, and I fell in love with prints from Etsy! My personal favorite is the Michelle Obama quote that my two best friends also have copies of in their dorms. 

5.) Incorporate your personal life in small ways

When it came to the debate on if I should hang my personal photos, I struggled to find a way that didn't seem inherently aggressive or out of my general vibe for the space. Eventually I settled on this grid of all black and white square photo prints that has become a focal point in my room. By making your photos the same size and color, it tones down the feeling of having so many pictures while keeping the cohesiveness that we're striving for overall.

6.) Add what brings you joy

For some people, it's a television or gaming system. Personally I chose to bring a bluetooth speaker that sits on my windowsill that my roommate and I use while we get ready for events, or are just sitting around working on random assignments. I also have my makeup arsenal on my desk, which made that space a spot where I knew I could do what I love and express my creativity instead of only using it for studying. 

Overall, take the time to create a space that makes you happy and really fits your wants/needs. It is a great feeling when you come back to your room and know that a little "Zen Den" as my roommate loves to call it, is waiting for you beyond the door. If I can do it, so can you!