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Behind the Door: Sofie Belkin-Sessler

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Becky Stern Student Contributor, Skidmore College
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Kelsey Thorn Student Contributor, Skidmore College
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Skidmore chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
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.
 
Sofie Belkin-Sessler is a gypsy. Having moved back and forth from New York City and the Berkshires, Sofie has spent most of her life without one distinct place to call home. Sofie spent her high school years at a boarding school in Northampton, MA where her love for choreographing and rap music flourished. This sophomore plans on majoring in Anthropology with either a minor in dance or creative writing. Her room is a fusion of her vagabond lifestyle, mixed with old furniture and new posters. HC was fortunate enough to sit down on her and her collection of stuffed animals:

HC: What was the biggest issue you faced in setting up this room?
SBS: At first I felt like the room was way too small for all of my stuff. I had brought an extra set of drawers that are really pretty but I was afraid it would be too much. I also have this beautiful Chinese lantern and it took me forever to figure out a way to assemble it near the ceiling!

HC: Where is your favorite place to buy things for your room? Why?
SBS: My favorite place to buy things for my room is Ikea and the Army Navy store on Cape Cod. Ikea is so clean cut and modern which is something I love (plus great prices!) and I love the old musty-ness of the army navy store for things like posters.

HC: How do you think going to boarding school has helped (or hurt) you with setting up your room?
SBS: I spent three years at boarding school which means I had three very different rooms. The first one was averaged sized but my second room was tiny so I really had to learn how to make the best of the space I had. Because of boarding school I was also able to just pick out the necessities when it came to packing for college.

HC: What’s your favorite part about your room? Why?
SBS: My favorite part of my room is my bed and the walls right near it. I wanted my room to have a simple and relaxing feel, almost zen, and I think that my bed really creates that sense of calm. And I love the surrounding walls because I put some of my mom’s abstract painting up, they add a really nice touch!

HC: Do you have an advice for other students?
SBS: Surround yourself in things that make you feel good. I hate clutter personally, i know some people feel differently, but I just like to keep my room clean it makes me happy which is really important when it comes to your room. It’s your space so I think it’s really important to take time to make it yours.
 
Think your room is a work of interior decorating genius? Email rstern@skidmore.edu to nominate your or a friend’s space!

 
As the Senior Designer, Kelsey is responsible for the conceptualization and design of solutions that support and strengthen Her Campus on all levels. While managing junior designers, Kelsey manages and oversees the creative needs of Her Campus’s 260+ chapters nationwide and abroad. Passionate about campaign ideation and finding innovative design solutions for brands, Kelsey works closely with the client services team to develop integrated marketing and native advertising campaigns for Her Campus clients such as Macy’s, UGG, Merck, Amtrak, Intel, TRESemmé and more. A 2012 college graduate, Kelsey passionately pursued English Literature, Creative Writing and Studio Art at Skidmore College. Born in and native to Massachusetts, Kelsey supplements creative jewelry design and metal smithing with a passion for fitness and Boston Bruins hockey. Follow her on Twitter: @kelsey_thornFollow her on Instagram: @kelsey_thorn