Olioboard Inspiration – ‘Easy Dorm Room Organization’

Entry #2686, July 26, 2013

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Last time you enjoyed – ‘Summer Backyard Wedding Inspiration ‘ from Natalie Hawkes and this week we start getting ready for college back to school! Madeline Jones is a member of the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room and I asked her to help you and your college students get ready for dorm room life. Her board and ideas give easy dorm room organization ideas for a great school year.

If you’re interested in being featured see details here: How to be featured on Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration‘ series.

Graduation is a time for celebration, remembering the old and bringing in the new. Getting ready for freshman year in college is the next step.  Transitioning to a new life includes planning for staying in unusually small quarters. Living in a 10 by 10 foot dorm room with a stranger can be a challenge. Necessities like textbooks, a book bag and a planner are the obvious things that are required. However, since space is at a premium, consideration must be given to consolidating while still having character and charm. A dorm room needs to be a study hall and still be a place in which to relax and enjoy.

Select a color palette you love:

First, select a color palette. These colors can be found in the bedding, towels, lamps and a small area rug.  If possible, contact the potential roommate in advance to share in the purchasing of shared items such as poufs, a telephone, area rug, and refrigerator.  This will save money and prevent doubling up on items.

Choosing smart storage solutions

By using smart storage ideas like a trunk for keeping clothes, or under the bed bins for storing bath towels, and hanging shelves for shoes, space can be maximized. Folding chairs and poufs allow for moveable seating for when friends visit. Foldable ironing boards and refrigerators that tuck away under the desk or in the closet preserve valuable real estate. Containers and hanging shelving provide ample and tidy storage.  A shower caddy is convenient, and laundry bags instead of baskets save space. Also, consider comfort by creating a space that reduces stress and looks cool at the same time. Who doesn’t want a cool dorm room?

Personalize your dorm room

If the dorm room is comfy and looks fun it will allow for relaxation and entertaining. There are lamps that act as iPod or cell phone chargers, do double duty and look cool at the same time.  Add some fun touches like interesting posters or clothesline photo frames. Corkboard can be used to hang pictures of family and friends back home and a white board can be mounted on the outside of the dorm door for messages.

Colorful, small speakers can be used to play music but headphones are a must, especially when studying is taking place while others are asleep.  Some companies make removable wallpaper and decals, which are super unique and won’t damage the walls.  A set of twinkle lights or neon telephone and lava lamp offer interesting ambiance and a little light at the same time.  Have fun with the space and make it your own.  After all, it is the new home sweet home, at least for a few years.