DIY Interior Design - Remaking Your Dorm Room

Moving into a temporary space like a dorm room or apartment doesn’t mean that you have to leave your personality behind. It also doesn’t mean that you have to decorate with hand-me downs from Dear Aunt Sally. You can still remake the space with inexpensive finds from Walmart, Target, or even the neighborhood garage sale.

Most temporary places, including dorm rooms, don’t allow you to paint your walls. But, this doesn’t mean that you have to give up all hope of ever seeing color again. Find colors in paintings, photographs, posters, etc., that complement the colors in your space. This way, while it won’t completely mask your walls, the additions won’t stand out like a sore thumb either.

Also, think about using posters instead of small pictures. The effect will be more dramatic. You could blow up your favorite picture or print at your local copy center, and this will make an even better statement.

Next, you should think about skipping the sofa unless it’s a sofa sleeper, which can be used for multiple purposes. A settee or even the classic bean bag chair will give you a comfy place to sit without taking up that much space. Plus, you could carry the theme that you started on your walls and find a seating place color that complements your wall colors.

You may not be able to get a ceiling lamp, but you should get a tall lamp that will effectively light up the room. Something fun and funky can be found at Target that will give you enough light and assist you with reading or studying.

Area rugs are perfect ways to cover up unattractive and cold floors. Plus, you can buy them in small sizes for smaller rooms. At places like Home Depot or even Walmart, you can find ones that are inexpensive and match your color scheme.

Space is going to be an issue in a small apartment or dorm room. So, look for space savers like bags for your shoes and space-saver hangers. The more stuff that you can keep off the floor, the less clutter that you will have to deal with. Plus, plastic crates and cardboard boxes are so passé.

Finally, get a quality comforter that enhances your design. You’ll be using this for a long time. So, in this case, you may want to spend some extra money on one that is comfy and eye-catching.