Decked out Dorm Room

This time of year a lot of kids are off to college for their first year in a new & exciting place! And while it's exciting for both the parents and the student, it's also nerve-racking, stressful, and even a little sad for everyone. You're sending your kid off to somewhere totally new, maybe far away from home, with a bunch of strangers and you just really hope they are complacent and happy--and your kid is really hoping this too! The best way to start off on the right foot? Create a comfortable living environment!

Help your child get settled in their new dorm or apartment and create an area where they will feel at home.

Below are some of our favorite Dorm Room essentials to use to design the perfect space for your child (or for yourself if you're the one going off to college).

(product details after the image)

Dorm Products List:

1. Navy Curtains - Urban Outfitters - Dorm windows typically aren't pretty so use these curtains to bring in color and provide extra privacy.   2. White Desk Shelf - Container Store - This shelf collapses so it's easy to move.   3. Table Lamps -  West Elm - With the harsh lighting of the dorm these accent lamps will create a much warmer atmosphere.   4. Cozy Bedding - Urban Outfitters - nice bedding is the quickest way to brighten your plain room and bring in your own style. Since you probably will only have this for a couple of years, don't spend too much! But don't cheap out completely...you'll already have trouble sleeping if sharing a room with a new roommate.   5. White Desk Chair - Overstock - Desk chairs don't have to be ugly or expensive. This white number is sleek and will modernize any space.   6. White Desk - Urban Outfitters -  a lot of dorm rooms now provide a desk, but if they don't you'll want to invest in at least a small table. There will definitely be nights you don't feel like going to the library and the desk will come in handy!   7. Mini Fridge - Home Depot - A necessity for all dorm rooms! You'll occasionally want your own groceries to help prevent that Freshman 15.   8. Tall Bookcase - Overstock -  If you can fit it, definitely consider purchasing a bookcase. You will be acquiring a lot more books and it will add an upscale accent.   9. Record Player - Urban Outfitters - Want to be the coolest new friend on campus? Get a record player.   10. Dishware Set - Urban Outfitters - Just like a mini fridge, dishware is a dorm necessity. An affordable set should get you all the way through College too.   11. Framed Pictures/Art - Urban Outfitters - Decorate the walls! Create a photo collage or buy a bunch of cool, inexpensive prints--it will make your place feel a lot more home-y.   12. Blanket - West Elm - A super soft throw will help get you through those long nights of studying.   13. Mongrammed Towels - PB Teen - if your dorm has a community bathroom, monogrammed towels are essential...then you'll know if someone steals your soft, fluffy towel.   14. Wall Shelf - Urban Outfitters - the more shelving & storage the better. And this one is perfect for a cool plant!   15. Accent Mirror - Urban Outfitters - Mirrors always make the room feel bigger & are great for putting by the door to look at on your way out to class!   16. Seating Poufs - West Elm -  you probably won't be spending too much time in your dorm, but you'll still want some extra seating for when your new friends come visit.   17. Floor Lamp - Urban Outfitters - Just like the table lamps, this will make your dorm environment much more pleasant & calming.   18. Sheepskin Rug - Pottery Barn - Something soft to put your feet on every morning, to make you want to get out of bed for class.   19. Blue Accent Chair - West Elm - If you can fit it, you'll appreciate this pop of color and a comfy place to sit when you need to read all those new books!

We hope this long list of items inspires you to create a dorm room where you or your child feel at home and relaxed!

Sometimes you don't know where to begin with moving in and creating a home away from home...so if you need help we would love to offer our professional advice! Feel free to reach out to us.

Click here to see more Blog Posts by Paula Ables Interiors.

Winning Window Treatments

Whether your windows look dated and old, your hardwood floors are fading due to sun exposure, or you just need a little more privacy...we have a solution for your needs. There are hundreds of reasons to cover windows in your house, and even more ways to do so!

Today we are going to show you some of our favorite treatments that are not only functional, but also decorative and adorning.

1.  Roller Shades/Roman Shades

If you are looking for something to provide a little color and privacy when needed without blocking your view, these are great options to consider.

  

Roller shades are simple and can often disappear behind a valance or in a drapery pocket.

Roman Shades are considered a little more decorative, yet just as functional as the roller shade.

For example, in the image above (on the right) we remodeled a client's bathroom and used the Roman shade to add color and personality as well as privacy.  This particular shade is a top down/bottom up shade providing the client privacy and openness in any form they wish.

Roller Shades and Roman Shades are both offered in a variety of material from slightly see-through to black-out depending on your personal needs.

  

 2.Window Film

Window films are a great alternative to shades and drapes.  If you are wanting a less fussy look, this is the way to go.  Window films are available with UV protection, frosted, colors and patterns. The options are endless.

 

Though films are not that easy to install properly yourself, they are still an economical option to consider when covering your windows. Just as you wouldn't tint the windows on your car yourself, the house is the same thing.  Hire a company like Sunsational Solutions to get a bid and start the path towards a more comfortable room.

Great uses for films are: to provide privacy in an office space, for a conference room or glass office, but also to adorn a plain and boring environment.

They are also great for small windows next to your shower, because they allow light to come in but shield from outsiders.

3.  Wooden Blinds/Wooden Shutters

Next are a couple of classics--blinds and shutters. Though they have fallen out of favor in the last 5 years, wooden blinds and shutters are still a clean and simple option for your window coverings.

   

Wooden blinds are great for little nooks, and shorter windows. If your whole house is covered in wooden blinds it can start to look really dark and heavy, but using them sporadically can provide cozy accents.  (using a light color such as white rather than the stained wood tones will help prevent the feeling dark and heavy feel.)

Shutters function very similarly to blinds in that they easily block out light, but can be "too much" if used all over.  Stick with lighter painted colors and use in areas you need more privacy.  Avoid installing shutters in public spaces with views when possible.

4.  Drapery

Drapery adds color, accentuates your style and gives the room a little personality when needed.

No matter the use or function, drapes always make a statement.  The question is, what is the statement you are wanting to make about yourself and your room?

Are you wanting fun and airy? Luxurious? Privacy?  Blackout?  There is so much more to installing the perfect drape then a quick run to Bed Bath and Beyond.  Make sure to measure the space & know how you want the drapes to function (regular rod or traversing?) (how does the material hang?) (how easy is it to clean? and on and on).

No matter which window treatment you like the best, getting that perfect finish to the room can sometimes require a little extra help.

If you are interested in updating your windows, we can help you find the right treatment! Feel free to reach out to us.

*For more product details, click on the photos.

Click here to see more blog posts by Paula Ables Interiors.