Cramped spaces, blocky furniture, pasty walls - these characteristics of most dorm rooms can threaten to cramp the style of anyone trying to create a homey and inviting living environment. Luckily, all it takes is a bit of creativity and cash to transform any setup from bland and awkward to stylish and functional.
Elizabeth Reynolds and Kristin Yeskel, who both recently graduated from the GW fine arts program with majors in interior design, know the ins and outs of making the most of any living space. According to the designers, even those who are not artistic have many simple options for improving the organization and appearance of their room.
"People always end up sitting on their beds, so having small pillows and colorful throw blankets can help make your bed a nice place to read or relax," Reynolds said. Coordinating bedspreads, comfy chairs and angled clip lights are other pieces Reynolds recommended for making a room look pulled together.
"Personalize your bedding in your favorite colors - jazz it up," Yeskel said.
Since space can often be an issue when friends come to visit, Reynolds believes that every college student should have an air mattress for quick, inexpensive bedding that stores compactly. Bunking beds, putting your dresser in the closet and using bed lifts to store unneeded items under your bed can all open up space for a futon or table and more central living space.
"Clutter is a huge problem in dorm rooms, so weed out stuff as you go. Less is more in a dorm situation," Yeskel said. "The Container Store can be your best friend." Reynolds suggested storing anything you don't use on your desk or other surfaces in the closet, and stacking and layering things like shelves, hanger rods, and shoe holders to maximize space.
For those looking to get creative with furniture and decorations, Reynolds recommended looking for funky furniture at flea markets and local sales, such as Eastern Market, near the Capitol and right off the Metro on the blue and orange lines. Ikea and Target also have a lot of interesting and inexpensive dorm room essentials like bulletin boards, lamps and picture frames that help personalize a room.
Elizabeth Reynolds and Kristin Yeskel, who both recently graduated from the GW fine arts program with majors in interior design, know the ins and outs of making the most of any living space. According to the designers, even those who are not artistic have many simple options for improving the organization and appearance of their room.
"People always end up sitting on their beds, so having small pillows and colorful throw blankets can help make your bed a nice place to read or relax," Reynolds said. Coordinating bedspreads, comfy chairs and angled clip lights are other pieces Reynolds recommended for making a room look pulled together.
"Personalize your bedding in your favorite colors - jazz it up," Yeskel said.
Since space can often be an issue when friends come to visit, Reynolds believes that every college student should have an air mattress for quick, inexpensive bedding that stores compactly. Bunking beds, putting your dresser in the closet and using bed lifts to store unneeded items under your bed can all open up space for a futon or table and more central living space.
"Clutter is a huge problem in dorm rooms, so weed out stuff as you go. Less is more in a dorm situation," Yeskel said. "The Container Store can be your best friend." Reynolds suggested storing anything you don't use on your desk or other surfaces in the closet, and stacking and layering things like shelves, hanger rods, and shoe holders to maximize space.
For those looking to get creative with furniture and decorations, Reynolds recommended looking for funky furniture at flea markets and local sales, such as Eastern Market, near the Capitol and right off the Metro on the blue and orange lines. Ikea and Target also have a lot of interesting and inexpensive dorm room essentials like bulletin boards, lamps and picture frames that help personalize a room.
