HAVE FUN, ADD STYLE
These simple tips will expand your storage and help you feel at home when you study
For most college and university students, it’s time to start thinking about the 2020-2021 school year. Whether you are choosing to study from home, rent an apartment or live on campus in residence, there is no denying that the function of a classic dormitory-style bedroom is a proven design that helps students be organized and provides a quiet place for study and sleep.
Here’s how to combine classic dorm-room features — durable furniture and small space solutions — with some of my easy ways to incorporate style to create a combo study spot/sleep pad that’s sure to inspire a successful school year no matter where you live this year.
DURABLE, FUNCTIONAL FURNISHINGS
Dorm-style furniture is often utilitarian in design and gets top marks for durability with its typically solid wood construction. If furnishing an off-campus room from scratch, be sure to include these hard-working dorm-room stalwarts: a desk with drawers; a tall bookcase (if you have more floor space, go long and low to make the room feel larger); an ergonomic chair because you’re going to be sitting there — a lot; and if space is in short supply, look for a bed with bookshelves built into the headboard.
These utilitarian pieces will last for years but, admittedly, they might not take your breath away with their beauty. No worries. You can have fun with the bedding, pillows, desk lamps and other practical accessories that will add style to the space.
Plus, you can switch things up each new school year with the latest trends in smaller accessories. For bonus marks, try tackling small decorating projects that personalize your space, like painting or wallpapering the inside of a bookshelf (as long as it’s not the university’s). Make it yours.
THE DREAM CLOSET
The benefit of most dorm-room closets is that they are spacious and incorporate many storage needs: rods for hanging, shelves for folded items, mirrors for primping, and hooks for hoodies, robes and jackets. But we always need more storage, right?
So, whether you’re in residence, an apartment or home, consider adding a shelf above the existing top shelf in the closet (go for a temporary shelf if in residence) and a multi-level shoe rack that can triple the closet floor space. Over-door hanging organizers both inside and out keep your dailies (bathrobe, shower supplies, hats, knapsacks, and more) in clear view and off the floor. By doubling or tripling your storage capacity, you should be able to forgo a bulky dresser in the room.
My advice is to also make the closet as attractive as the rest of the room. In residence, that might be limited to choosing coloured hangers to co-ordinate with clothing colours: whites, dark and coloured. You could try an easypeel wallpaper on the door to help add pattern and colour to inspire creativity in your study space.
At home or in your own apartment, you can paint the inside of the closet in a fashionable colour (pull a colour from your bedding or accessories to tie the room together) — something that will brighten your day every time you open the closet.
UNDER THE BED
If you’re in the market for a new bed, opt for one that sits high off the floor to allow space for hiding the clutter of bins, luggage and off-season sports equipment. Some beds even have hydraulic lift mattresses that make it easy to access storage
space under the mattress.
If you’ve got a standard bed frame, consider getting bed-riser blocks that sit under each bed’s leg and lift the bed off the floor, allowing more room for storage. If considering a new bed, keep in mind that a twin bed is 72-inches long and an XL is 78-inches long; you’ll probably want the longer version and remember to purchase the appropriate sized sheets for the bed’s size.
If your bed has a raised base and there is a lot of space underneath, then buy matching storage containers so storage does not appear messy or cluttered. A bed with drawers built into the base is also a great idea to create additional storage.
Do you have a decor dilemma or want to give feedback? You can contact Karl on Instagram at Karl Lohnes. Karl has worked as a home decor expert and product designer for 25 years.