Dorm decor

Q: What are the easiest things students can do to personalize their space?
A: If you can’t paint, hang fabric. It’s a nice way to add color and style to the room. The hard part is adhering it to the wall without ruining the fabric or the wall.

Q: How can you optimize space in a small room?
A: I’ve known a lot of people who live in studios. In that situation the best thing to do is to have furniture, like your bed, serve a dual purpose. That can be done with pillows. Push your bed against the wall and put pillows up against the back. Then cover the bed with a nice sheet or comforter. Also, a problem in studios is always a dining table. In this case, a big coffee table can be a substitute. Use big pillows as seats, and it works nicely.

Q: What are some cheap artwork ideas for students who want to move beyond posters?
A: One of my favorite things to suggest, if you have any creative flair, is to buy a big canvas and paint something. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece; it can just be circles or lines. If it turns out to be fabulous, it’s a great memory, too.

Q: What are the main ways to achieve the look of more space in a tiny room?
A: There are two main things: color and storage. Lighter colors will make the room seem larger. The second thing is to figure out good storage solutions, like baskets or boxes you pick out yourself. The more things you have sitting out, the more the room will look cluttered.