So you’ve seen how to create the GRAPHIC HEADBOARD and the CLOUD-LIKE LIGHT. Now it’s time to breakdown the rest of the dame’s dorm room re-do!
Remember, this is what it looked like BEFORE.
And here’s the final AFTER photo.
First, I positioned the bed at the highest possible point. This provided TONS of storage space underneath (which is crucial) that I very easily hid with a bedskirt I made from burlap. I hung the skirt with velcro. I also placed a flokati rug by the bed to add some fun texture that would feel soft underfoot.
Because space is so limited in a dorm room, it’s a great idea to decorate with both form and function in mind. By covering some cork in fabric, I was able to hang beautiful jewelry above the desk/vanity area. It not only looks great, but it is super functional. No tangled necklaces to deal with here! Given more time I would have framed this piece out with some wood. The mirror you see was found at a local flea market for $10!!! By spray painting it a high gloss white I freshened it up and it fits right in.
When decorating a dorm room, you can think of your design two ways.
1. This is temporary, so I am not going to spend much money -OR-
2. I will spend a little more money on things that can “graduate with me” and look at them as investments.
I like to do a little of both. This lamp below is from Pier 1. . . and it was $125. Yeah, I bought this because it was just perfect for the room, but you could totally find a flea market lamp and create something similar for next to nothing. That’s what I would have done given more time. But that lamp is beautiful, isn’t it?!!
Another piece I consider an investment was the desk/vanity chair. It was a craigslist find for $60. And I could see it having a place in any home I ever own. It’s lines are LOVELY!
A few well placed and gorgeous accessories are all you need when decorating such a small space. Take this flower filled pillow (also from Pier 1) for example. This guy was $30 but could also be very easily D-I-Yed, don’t you think!
As far as bedding, I recommend getting a down comforter that you can keep for years to come. And choose a king size instead of a twin (since they are often the same price) because you won’t always be sleeping in a tiny twin!
So, let’s tally up all this lusciousness!
HEADBOARD- $15
FLUFFY LIGHT- $17
FLEA MARKET MIRROR- $10
DESK/VANITY CHAIR- $60
NECKLACE DISPLAY- FREE FOR ME, but about $20 to buy
FLOKATI RUG- $20 (from Wal-Mart)
BEDSKIRT- $3
FLOOR CUSHIONS- $18
PILLOWS- $40
BEDDING- $30
TOTAL WITHOUT $125 LAMP= $233
Not bad to create your home away from home! Especially if you have to start completely from scratch!
Wow! That is a great looking dorm room!! What a great home away from home.
What an awesome transformation Kara! It doesn’t even look like the same room. I can’t believe that rug is from Walmart. Luvs it.
Rachel
xoxo
Kara,
Where did you find a piece of cork that big? Where do you get your fabric? And by the way…I never see anything like that chair on Craigslist, you have Craigslist tips? Sorry so many questions but I love it!
Thanks you lovely ladies!!!
Paige, you can buy tiles of cork and stick them on a thin piece of wood, do the same thing with the rolls of cork sold, or you can go buy a cork board that is already framed.
Most of my fabric comes from local stores. This piece actually came from Wal-Mart if you can believe it (though I don’t think they sell fabric anymore).
I don’t really have any tips for Craigslist. You can find great stuff in the bigger cities, but in the smaller cities sometimes you just have to get lucky sometimes! 🙂 Hope that helps!
OK, so how do you attach the fabric to the cork? Do you use a spray adhesive or do it like an upolstery piece with staples on the back? Love that idea. I love the function of cork, but don’t always like the look of it. 🙂
You can use the spray adhesive, but upholstering it works best in my opinion. Hope that helps!
Wowwww!!!! What a great job…. I would have killed for a dorm room like that! Proves that a bit of creativty and smart shopping goes a long way. Love the colors 🙂
Thanks. 🙂 BTW, I go to church with you, just so you don’t think I am some crazy person that came across your blog. I found it from Ashley’s.
This is fantastic, great job! The necklace display is my favorite.
but where are the floor cushions from??
Hi! I just recently discovered your website and I am in LOVE with this room! Where did you get the floor pillows though?
Hey Lizzie!
I don’t know if this is going to help much, because I bought them a while ago. Those pillows actually came from Wal Mart, I know, you would have thought! I am glad you like this space, it is pretty fun!
Thanks Kara! I don’t think they still have them at Walmart but I’m sure I can find them somewhere!
Hey Kara,
Do you think you could try to D.I.Y. the flower pillow and share it with us? I love the idea but I don’t have much money to spend on it. Thanks!
-Steph
Hey Stephanie! That’s a great idea. I will try to work it in soon! Have a great day!
Incredible! I really like it. Looking forward for more innovations!