The start of a new semester isn’t always something we’re thrilled about–especially when we’re thinking about all of the exams and papers that await us. Luckily, stress will stand no chance against us collegiettes this semester. One surefire way to make your school days a little more managaeable is to create a living space that makes you feel as fabulous as you are! Good news is, if you look hard enough, you can create a room that’s Good Housekeeping worthy on a thirft store budget. Follow these tips and your inner Martha Stewart house wife is sure to reveal itself in its truest, fullest form:
1. Let Your Desk Work Hard, Play Hard. (Just like you)
Your desk is totally meant to be a CEO office by day, and Hollywood dressing room by night. Make the most of this area by decorating with small frames and keep your styling tools in-check with a style-station organizer. Additionally, get a desk radio that’s big on power, but small in size. This leaves room for other essentials (like your coffee maker, duh).
Decorative Clothespins: Michael’s, $3.99 per package of 12
Polder Style-Station: BJ’s Whoelsale Club, $19.99
iHome Color-Changing Bluetooth Speaker: Best Buy, $59.99
Mirror: Bed Bath & Beyond, $19.99
Desk Lamp: PB Teen, $39.00
Frames: Amazon, $12.99 (Love Frame) & $14.99 (Pearl Frame)
Keurig: Walmart, $79.99 (Has lasted me 3 years with FREQUENT use)
Mug: HomeGoods, $4.99
2. Allow Natural Light to Illuminate Your Room With Sheer, Light-Colored Curtains
No girl wants to do her makeup for the day in the unflattering flourescent lights “graciously” provided to us by Residence Life. Let the sun shine into your space with curtains made of tulle, lace, or any sheer fabric. Now you can contour and highlight to your pretty little heart’s desire…
White Curtains: IKEA, $8.99 per package of two
White and Black Tassel Curtains: TARGET, $12.00 per package of two
3. Use an Ottoman for Guest Seating
(Also doubles as the perfect table for you and friends to binge on Chipotle…not that we ever do that or anything.)
Damask Ottoman: HomeGoods, $39.99 (On Sale)
Greek Letter Pillowcase: PB Teen $19.99
Gorilla Plush Toy: National Zoo Gift Shop, $12.99
Good Housekeeping Magazine: Barnes & Noble, $8.99
Mini-Notebook/Journal: Kate Spade, $12.00
4. Bring Color Into Your Space With an Open-Door Closet Layout
Considering that we spend like 97% of of our paychecks on clothes, why not use them to decorate our space? If you have double-door closets, keep one door open and one door closed. On the open door, hang a hook rack for towels and hats. On the closed door, use a few command strips to pin up a colorful poster. Get your hangers in COLOR for an additional pop and keep patterened, sparkly dresses in the front for immediate eye-catching power. Everyone already envies your closet, so why not show it off? (This is the closest you’ll ever get to being Carrie Bradshaw–at least for those of us who haven’t found our Mr. Big yet)
12-Hook Over The Door Hanger: Walmart, $12.99
Hanging Shoe Cubby: Bed, Bath, and Beyond, $14.99
Velvet Hangers: Target, $19.99, per package of 34
Times Square Poster, Amazon, $4.99
5. Accentuate Your Love of Food With See-Through Organization
From mason jar candles, to mason jar drinks, glass mason jars are all the rage right now for all things that are, well, everything. Not only do they provide compact storage space for all of our yummy treats, but they keep our favorite chips, pretzels, and cereals from going totally stale. (And let’s be real, we already get enough of that with boys…) Happy snacking, ladies!
All Jars: TJ MAXX, Price Range from $6.99-$22.99
6. Kick Clutter to the Curb With Fabric Bins & Shelving
One thing we all become amazing at in college is fitting our entire life’s daily necessities into a space half the size of what we’re used to in the comfort of home. Keep all of your cleaning supplies, extra beauty tools, medical items, and paper goods organized in one contained bookcase. Put bins with everyday needs (ex: brushes, toothpaste, contact solution) on the bottom shelves, and bins with items to be used weekly or biweekly (ex: dryer sheets, swiffer pads) on the top shelf. Doesn’t this seem more appealing than shoving as much stuff as you possibly can at the top of your tiny closet? (Yes, freshman year, we’re talking about you.)
White Standing Bookcase: Walmart, $44.00
Patterened Chair: BJ’s Wholesale Club, $59.99
Fabric Bins: Walmart: $22.00, per package of 2
Teardrop Standing Lamp: Target, $50.00
Yellow Wall Clock: Walmart: $9.99
Teal Square Poster: Robert Barry Art, Gift Of Artist
7. Standing Mirrors & Vertical Storage Bring Dimension to a Room (And to Our Figures)
It’s happened to the best of us…we’re late to the pre-game, our girlfriends are calling us, and meanwhile, we’re in our room in the midst of changing out of outfit attempt #739,120. Keep all clothing-related items in one area, and never struggle to find that one pair of leggings again.
Black Easel-Style Mirror: Target, $39.99
Laundry Bin: BJ’s Wholesale Club, $15.99
Fabric Bin: Walmart, $22.00, per package of 2
8. Make a Bedroom Look Bigger With a Patterned Rug & Solid Bedding
Ahh…our bed. It’s the place we wish for the most at the end of a night after too many shots; the place we lay in as we tell ourselves “Okay, just one more episode” as the clock steadily approaches 2 am on a Wednesday night. It deserves to be the center of attention, so use it as your best asset to bring a room together! Throw a couple pillows on top, slip a cute rug underneath it, and wah-lah! You have the perfect cozy, stylish space for those nights you decide to stay in. (Just a note: investing in high-end bedding is okay–it’s supposed to last you a VERY long time)
Rufflicious Comforter: PB Teen, $175, including 1 Pillow Sham
Patterned Rug: BJ’s Wholesale Club, $39.99
Monogrammed Pillow Case: PB Teen, $22.00, per package of two
Black Pom-Pom Monogram Pillow: PB Teen, $24.50
Horizontal New York Poster: Bed Bath & Beyond, $39.99
Jumbo Teddy Bear: Vermont Teddy Bear Company, Price Unknown (Received as Gift)
10. Use Wall Decor to Show Off Who You Really Are
One of the most important things to remember is that it’s YOUR SPACE! You have every right to be selfish when it comes to your walls and demonstrate what makes you happy. College is about finding who you truly are–let your walls be a canvas for your mind to explore the endless adventures that lie ahead…
SDT Greek Paddle & Letters: Homemade, Given as Gifts
Paris Canvas Hanging Squares: Walmart, $62.53, for all 8 pieces
10. Always Include a Piece of Daily Inspiration
Every girl gets inspired in different ways from different things. For some, that might mean an enlarged photo of Bradley Cooper on the ceiling. For others, a cute peel & stick quote on the wall works like a charm. We all know what works for us–embrace your inspriation by placing those speical items close to the door. It helps to keep them fresh in our mind as we walk out of the door for the day. Come on girls, we got this!
Lilly Pulitzer Quote Canvas: Homemade, Given as Gift
Kitten Yoga Calendar: CVS, $5.99