Cheaply made fake wood furniture, rusty appliances and tacky blue carpet are just some, to name a few, of the lovely things that you get as a part of your sky-high room and board bills from Towson University. Although painting walls are not allowed and re-furnishing a dorm or apartment is hard to do on a college budget, it IS possible to avoid the lackluster look of these dull dwellings in a fun, inexpensive way.
In turning that drab dorm into a happy home, keep these tips in mind…
Make It Eclectic:
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Mixing new and old along with different styles of pieces is seen in the decorations of popular stores like Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie. Go to these places for inspiration… not just to buy a top! Mixing vintage and modern makes a statement and saves money- allowing you to shop in your own basement and even grandma’s house!
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Make It Home-Made:
Making your own decorations is not only thrifty, but also rewarding! By turning a few simple materials into something fabulous, you can say “I made that” when your friends compliments you on your decor. Here’s an idea: tissue paper flowers, like the ones seen here, can be used to make garlands and other decorations and are super easy to make.
Make some of your very own with these instructions!
Add Color and Texture:
Pillows are a great way to get a lot of bang for your buck. By layering different colors and textures
 your dorm or apartment will feel more like home. If you’re really daring, add fun patterns like florals or polka dots! You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have some plush new editions to your room. Places like TJ Maxx, Marshalls Pier 1 and HomeGoods have a plethora of options in fun colors and styles. There is even a Marshalls conveniently located just minutes away from campus!
Make It Personal:
There is nothing that makes someone feel better than being surrounded by pictures of their closest friends and family. Photographs are a great way to add color and character to a space with very little effort. Instead of scattering a few pictures on various walls, group the photos in a large arrangement to make more of an artwork. All you need are photos (which everyone has) and some inexpensive frames. Theses frames can be similar or all different to give more of an artsy vibe.
Don’t have or can’t use nails to hang things? Not a problem! Commando strips are very inexpensive and work wonders!
Find Another Purpose:
Believe it or not, your textbooks don’t have to be just another boring waste of paper. Stack your most interesting textbooks in alternating layers to add height and substance to a coffee table or counter. These books will not only provide color, they will also serve as a conversation piece. Guests that come over can learn a little more about you and your interests!
                                           Here’s a real life college example of the ideas mentioned.
No one knows better than I do how poor college students can be! It’s so refreshing to know that there is hope for those cold concrete walls and puke-colored carpets without emptying the piggy bank. Just remember to experiment with new ideas and HAVE FUN!