When I think of a dorm room I think of posters and white walls. Although we always try to make our rooms resemble the Pinterest masterpieces we find online, I’ve found that my friends and I usually stop decorating our rooms after some pictures and lights are hung. When I visited Patrick Vaughn’s room when he was nominated for having an awesome dorm room, I was amazed. I felt as though I had walked into a Pottery Barn catalog. There was something very homey about being in his room; perhaps it was the electric fireplace, the abundance of pillows, and the fluffy rug that did it for me, but it was also the decorations and commitment that went into carefully designing a room that makes jaws drop.
I interviewed Patrick to learn more about his motivation and inspiration to decorate his room the way he did, find out his dorm room essentials, and his tips on creating a room as detailed as his.
Her Campus: How would you describe your room; is there a specific theme you were going for?Patrick Vaughn: Nautical and America, mostly nautical though
HC: Where did you get the inspiration to design your room the way you did?PV: I grew up in Annapolis, Maryland and then I moved to Cape Cod. I grew up around the ocean and I would always watch the big sailboats come into the harbor. I’ve always loved how they had the big American flag swaying in the back. So I really loved the nautical theme and how America was always present so this kind of seemed like a natural fit.
HC: Does your room say anything about you?PV: Yeah, well I absolutely love the ocean. I hope that I’ll always have a house near the sea. So it’s nice to be able to come in here and look at things like this. I love Boston but I can’t walk down the street and see all the boats so it’s nice coming into my room; it’s a nice reminder for sure.
HC: What is your favorite store to buy stuff for your room?PV: Oh that’s any easy one: Amazon (especially with the convenience of Amazon Prime Student). It’s so simple to go on the website and find whatever your are looking for. Like I said, if you have the student prime you always get two-day free shipping and I really can’t argue with that.
HC: Is your room at home similar to your room at school?PV: Yes, I’d say its similar, but I have a lot more room at home so it’s upscaled. I have different furniture at home, too. I prefer to have a nice room for sure; it’s a great place to get away.
HC: Many people decide to keep their room basic or not do anything to it at all, why did you decide to go all out?PV: I love Brandeis and I love being here. But I think it’s good, no matter where you are, to be able to go to your room and get away from everything else, just for a while. It’s nice having something that’s mine, that is different from the rest; a place where I can close the door and pretend that I am somewhere else. I’ve always liked having my own personal space, too.
HC: What is a dorm room essential for you?PV: A comfortable bed; definitely a comfortable bed. I mean, if you can’t sleep there’s no way that you’ll be able to do anything well during the day. So I think the key is always having a comfortable bed. Plus, I love people sitting down on it.
HC: What is your favorite thing in your room?PV: Oh gosh, I’ll tell you one thing, I change my room every single year but I always keep this picture of my mom right on my desk. That’s the one thing that’s constant. Everything changes throughout here but that picture stays; it’s always right front and center on my desk.
HC: Do you have any tips for people who want to amp up their room style?PV: I think you can do a ton with your room as long as you have an idea of what you like to have in there; for example, whatever interests you. I chose this theme because I love the ocean and I love the whole Americana theme, so it makes me feel good being in here. I think you should just amp up your room in any way that makes you want to be in it. It’s a living space, so you should be able to live in there. I remember as a freshman I never really wanted to be in my room; it was just plain white and kind of sterile. I think you should make your room livable for yourself in whatever way that works for you.
Basics about Patrick Vaughn:
What’s your major? Politics and also planning on being a business major
Where are you from? Chatham, Cape Cod
What year are you? Junior, 2016
Patrick Vaughn’s room is the first room in Her Campus Brandeis’ Coolest Dorm Room series. Nominate a friend or peer whose room you think deserves a shout out and they could be featured in a Her Campus article!