College interior designer shares essential advice for designing a dorm room, highlighting 5 key tips that every university student should follow
Julian Thomas, an NYC-based DIY expert and small-space design savant, has shared his top 5 must-know elements for creating a dorm room that feels like home without breaking the bank or damaging the room.
- Design Around Your Living Habits
Thomas emphasizes the importance of designing a dorm room layout that matches how you live. This means arranging the space to suit your and your roommate's needs, rather than just aiming for a "Pinterest-perfect" look. For instance, creating distinct visual zones for sleeping, studying, and relaxing can help maintain harmony between roommates.
- Use Renter-Friendly Upgrades
Thomas recommends using stick-on items and Command hooks for décor and organization. These allow personalization without violating housing rules or risking your deposit. For example, Command's picture hanging strips are an easy way to mount photos, posters, and art without damaging the walls.
- Maximize Vertical and Small-Space Storage
Maximizing vertical and small-space storage is crucial in a dorm room. Open bookshelves, like Ikea's KALLAX, can section off areas while still letting light through and providing additional storage. Broom grippers can be used to mount cleaning supplies, freeing up floor space. Storage ottomans or poufs function as seating, footrests, or impromptu tables and are one of those unnecessary necessities.
- Incorporate Personality and Style
Incorporating personality and style within the limitations of a dorm room is possible with inexpensive, creative solutions. Small rugs can be used to anchor each zone and create separation without overwhelming the space. Splurging on textiles like rugs, pillows, linens, and curtains is important for making a dorm room feel like an actual home, as they absorb sound, add warmth, and bring in personality without taking up space.
- Plan Intentionally Before Buying or Arranging
Planning intentionally before buying or arranging is key to making the most of limited square footage. For instance, Julian recommends a coffee table designed by Drew Barrymore, which serves as a soft anchor for shared meals or late-night chats, has built-in storage, and has a removable wooden top that can double as a seat.
Other tips include using DIY privacy solutions, such as standing bookshelves, tension rods with draped curtains, or tall plants, to create the illusion of privacy in dorm rooms. Utility carts are versatile and can serve as a makeshift dorm room kitchenette, a bathroom catch-all, or a mobile art station. Corkboards, photo ledges, or removable wall art let each roommate bring their personality without overwhelming the space. Cord clips, like those from Command, can be used to hang string lights in areas that might not receive as much light with a partition wall in use. Washable rug options from brands like Ruggable or Cozey are recommended for dorm rooms.
By following these tips, you can create a functional and personalized small space that feels like home without damaging the room or breaking the budget.
- To transform your dorm room into a welcoming home environment, consider incorporating interior-design elements that reflect your unique lifestyle and personality, such as strategically placing small rugs for a personal touch and utilizing vertical storage solutions like bookshelves for efficient organization.
- When fluidly bringing together the functional and decorative aspects of your dorm room, opt for renter-friendly upgrades like stick-on items and Command hooks for enhancing the interior design of your space, allowing you to add stylish homemaking touches without violating housing rules or incurring damage deposits.
