We’re at the point in the winter season where snow is getting annoying and the cold is getting really cutting. No matter where you are on campus, looking out your window to see bare trees and grey skies is not making your winter blues any better. Here’s how to make your dorm room less blah during these tiring last months of winter.
1. Paintings and wall art
If you don’t have a tapestry or some kind of artwork hanging on your walls, then what are you doing? All the Trinity dorms are painted a bland cream and when outside is as boring as inside, your mood will not improve. If you go the tapestry route, aim for blues and greens — these are relaxing colors that will keep you calm. Personally, I love a colorful room. I have pantings hanging along the wall by my bed and around my desk; it’s a nice touch to a boring space.
2. Plants
Real or fake, flowers or cacti, plants add life to a dorm room. If a fish is too big of an investment for you, plants are a great way to go. I have a false (no watering!) topiary sitting on my window sill. If you want a live plant but don’t want to water it that often, a bonsai tree is the way to go!
3. Clean it!
Keep your room clean! Mop up, vacuum, dust, do whatever your mother would want you to. While a dorm may look clean if all the clothes and wine glasses are put away, tons of germs and dust are haning around you and you’re breathing it in. The dorm won’t necessarily look insanely different, but you’ll feel 100 times better.
4. Lighting
I cannot stress this enough — if you have overhead, flourescent lighting, you will feel like you’re in a classroom, not your home. That kind of lighting is never flattering and quite frankly can hurt your eyes (or at least mine.) Get lamps and twinkle lights; they’re less harsh and look so much prettier.
5. Rugs and Curtains
If you don’t have them already, rugs and curtains are a great way to soften up a room. A rug wil make it cozier — there is nothing better than waking up on a cold morning and stepping onto a soft rug. Curtains (not shades) will make the room look more homey.