3 Tips to Transform Your Dorm Room

Back to school is coming up.

Yep, already.

But for you, this is the start of a whole new adventure!

You're leaving the family nest to go study far from home.
This is a brand new chapter of your life. You'll meet new people, discover a new city, and most of all, move into a brand new space.

Student residences are often not the most stylish or up to date. They're practical spaces, but not very inviting once you notice the white walls, the faux-wood furniture and the industrial lighting.
If you want to personalize your future living space, easily and on a budget, here are 3 tips to follow:

1. Create a focal point

To personalize a space, nothing beats including a central element. Whether it's an object, a piece of furniture or a wall decoration, that focal point needs to be big, colourful, and steal the show. You want this element to be the very first thing people notice when they walk into your room!

Since a dorm room is often small, prioritize the walls to create the central element of your space.

Use an oversized frame, like an oversized canvas print, wall-to-wall shelving, or even wallpaper. The patterns and design options are endless, so you're sure to find something you love!

2. Choose a colour palette

The trick to making the flooring you don't love, or the fake wood on the bed frame, blend away is to work its colour into your palette. Yes, you read that right! For example, if your floor is green, add a few decor elements in shades of green, like a cushion or a picture frame. This creates a visual consistency that will make you forget all about the floor colour.

Stick to 3 to 5 colours max, or your space will start to feel overstimulating.

3. Define the different zones

Just because your dorm room is tiny doesn't mean it doesn't serve several purposes. In fact, within that one single room, you'll likely have your bedroom, your office and your kitchen all at once.

A great way to personalize a small space is to clearly define its different zones.

For example, use a wall decal above your bed, hang a curtain between your kitchen and your desk area, and install a chalkboard decal in your study corner. On top of separating that space from the rest of the room, it's practical! You can use it to write down your appointments and exam dates (we talk more about this here).

Even if the place you're about to call home is temporary, you'll enjoy it so much more once it truly feels like you. Have a great back to school!