I’ve always been fascinated by people’s rooms- a little unusual, I know, but I love the way a person’s decor and personal belongings serve as nonverbal insights into their personality. As someone who classifies herself as somewhat creative, I find it intriguing to draw out connections between the elements of individuals’ rooms and the character traits who make them who they are. Personally, I express myself through the spaces I inhabit, somehow weaving my interests and passions into the places I choose to call mine.Â
When I came to Krea, however, I started viewing our dorm rooms as not only reflections of diverse personalities, but as albums of the memories we cherish. This became clear to me while sticking pictures of my loved ones onto my wall, when I realized that what we often crave the most, when away from home, are reminders of home itself. I have photobooth strips and handmade bouquets on my desk, acting like silent cheerleaders when moving away from home starts feeling a bit too real. The plushies my parents gifted me use my bed more often than I do, and a dozen origami cranes are suspended above them to remind me of my passion. Most of all, my wall now holds a heart-shaped collage of my favourite people (and pets) whom I wish I saw everyday. This is the way I chose to bring comfort into an unfamiliar environment.Â
On the other hand, I have also witnessed multiple others personalise their spaces in their own unique way. While I used pictures and crafts, a friend of mine used mood lighting to highlight polaroids of her friends. Some people utilize colours and shades to create a particular “vibe” for their room; one that may not appeal to others, but definitely speaks to their own sense of identity. Tastes in decor don’t only serve an aesthetic purpose, they represent love, passion and personal preference. And in a world full of AI and plagiarism, I think that this individuality is something worth taking a moment to notice.Â
What I have come to realize is that there is no “good” or “bad” way of making your room feel like home. Even a seemingly minimal, undecorated corner may hold significance to what an individual chooses to remember- or even forget. Perhaps, then, the true beauty of a dorm room does not lie in its appearance or artistry, but rather the stories it reveals and conceals. In enjoying our own spaces, we might also learn to appreciate those of others’, and understand the stories that produced them.Â
We often hear the phrase “we are a product of our surroundings”, but what we take for granted is that our surroundings are also a product of our own tastes. Even the smallest details such as the hues we favour or the pictures we choose can contribute to others’, and our own, understanding of ourselves. Amidst our fast-paced daily lives, even a miniscule moment spent in decorating our wall can go a long way in facilitating self expression.Â
Maybe this is why personalising our spaces feels so instinctively comforting. In doing so, we literally leave a fragment of ourselves on the surfaces around us. In a new environment, possibly far away from home, having small reminders of the people and objects that we hold dear can help ground us in our current reality. Personal belongings can evoke certain memories, while a room that reflects our tastes may provide much-needed reassurance. This is what I call the psychology of comfort; and though we cannot control what provides this comfort, we can embrace it and make it a part of our lives.
Having a space of our own is therefore crucial, giving us somewhere to retreat to when the world feels dauntingly unfamiliar. It can become a sanctuary and a private haven, allowing us to breathe and simply be who we are.Â
So, whether you’re searching for room decor inspo on Pinterest or have already given your dorm a makeover, this is your reminder to be proud of what you do with your space- because it is still unequivocally and unapologetically yours.