When decorating your own space for the first time, it’s easy to fall into the Wal-Mart plastic bins, purple/green color scheme, and the haphazard bags of [insert your favorite snack here] cluttering the desk. If this describes your room, don’t miss our weekly installation of Behind the Door,where we unveil the best-decorated rooms on campus.
At first glance, sophomores, Molly Sinsheimer and Sophie Don could not be more opposite. Sophie, who hails from right outside of Philadelphia, enjoys hiking and history. While Molly, who is from Westchester, New York, dreams of working for a nonprofit theatre company. Although they may seem different on the outside, the two are a match made in dorm room heaven. The Odd-Couple were paired last year (randomly!) as roommates and decided to continue to live together this year. Their room is a beautiful mix of Sophie’s trips to South America and Molly’s obsession with prints, colors, and lights. HC was lucky enough to catch up with these two splendid ladies and ask them about what went into making their room so unique.
HC: What were your inspirations for decorating this room?
SD: For me, I loved our room last year but it didn’t feel like home. So this year, I wanted it to be super, super comfortable. I really wanted to be able to spend time in it. The main thing that I wanted was to not use the light that came with this room. And having the futon makes it more of a home and less of a dorm.
MS: I also think it was really important to take away the blank space. So we were big on having art and an interesting tapestry. Specifically, Sophie brought cool maps and I brought records.
HC: If you could change anything about this room what would it be? Why?
MS: The window seat. We could do more. It’s a nice spot to relax. We haven’t done enough yet.
SD: I agree.
HC: What was the biggest issue you faced in setting up this room?
MS: Things sticking to the walls. It’s really humid in here. Sophie’s maps fall every night. I also wanted a backboard, but that wouldn’t allow room for a futon. So we changed things around, and had to make scarifies.
SD: This lamp won’t stay straight! Also the lofted beds are a blessing and a curse—I can throw things under the bed, but it’s a hassle to get on to.
HC: Where is your tapestry from?
SD: My grandma sent us a really beautiful tablecloth and then our other ones are collected from our summers and pasts.
MS: The tapestry makes the room so much homier.
HC: Do you have any advice for other students looking to improve their rooms?
MS: Bring personal touches because you are living here for a year. Make your room into a place you want to be.
SD: Keep it semi-clean. It really helps with making it feel like home.
Think your room is a work of interior decorating genius? Email rstern@skidmore.eduto nominate your or a friend’s space!