Living In a White Box: Dull Dorm Disorder

This time of year brings an exciting energy to our future CEOs, activists, and doctors as they start a new journey in life: college. Unfortunately, among all the excitement there’s a problem many know of but don’t speak much about: Dull Dorm Disorder.

Dorm Decorating Tips Ideas DIY Projects Tutorials Walls Textiles Study Space Living In a White Box Dull Dorm Disorder The DIY Homegirl

Students who are susceptible to Dull Dorm Disorder may have all the necessities for their big move but have neglected to express their selves in their first home away from home. Living in an uninteresting dorm can leave the student feeling lethargic, bored, and mopey.

Your dorm should be an expression of you as you embark on this new chapter, plus give you a comforting place to study and recharge. If you’re affected by Dull Dorm Disorder, there is help. Here are my favorite ways to turn your dorm into a personalized, cozy home.

WALLS: Orange Is the New Black is quite the phenomenon, but prison cell decor? Not so much. Wall hangings are a great way to hide those dreary walls. Check out this tutorial by Design*Sponge to create your own block-printed wall hanging.

Another way to prettify your dorm is with good ol’ fashioned paper. Tamar at Nest Decorating & Designs created this sweet look by taping decorative paper onto a closet door, but you could also do this to your walls.

Washi tape is like ramen noodles: cheap yet effective. Transform your door with washi tape like Mari from Crab + Fish did…

… or use washi tape on the wall like Brit + Co. did to create a design that packs a punch.

TEXTILES: A personalized space isn’t complete with just good-looking walls. You also need accessories that are practical yet visually pleasing. If you’ve got a dorm that has cold, concrete floors or fugly carpeting, cover it up with an easy DIY rug. Head over to Apartment Therapy to learn how to make a large rug by stitching together a few cheapie rugs.

Ensuring your bed is comfy is also a top priority. Creating pillow covers is one of the cheapest ways to add color and pattern to a room. Check out my easy envelope pillow cover tutorial, which also includes steps for making bed pillow covers.

STUDY SPACE: Personalizing your study space is also important in the fight against Dull Dorm Disorder. One way to do this is by revamping a lamp with paint, like this gold polka dot lamp at Land of Nod.

Yes, you love lamp, but school supplies need love too. HGTV shows you how to make your own desktop accessories by repurposing containers.

What study space would be complete without a bulletin board? All the greats had them and you should too. Evelyn Henson shows you how to make a customizable bulletin board that’s both functional and stylish.

For more budget-friendly decorating tips & ideas for your dorm or apartment, check out my other installments of Living In a White Box like Dollar Store Decor and White Wall Syndrome.

If you’ve lived the dorm life & have more tips on decorating, feel free to share them by commenting!

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