I haven’t lived in a dorm room, but I have lived on location while filming a movie and on a tour bus while on the road, so I know the importance of making the place you spend time in feel warm and personal.
Hals’ email hit a chord with me — plus it was so funny it made me LOL. I especially loved that she included lots of pictures. I gave her my best advice, but I think it would be awesome if you would jump in and add your own thoughts in the comments!
xo
Jules
Hi Jules,
I NEED YOUR HELP!! I attend Nipissing University in North Bay, Canada. I love the school because it’s small and has amazing trails around campus. We even have our own waterfall!
But I have to admit, I sometimes feel like Bella Swan living in Forks. It’s grey, cold and damp. (Still waiting for a cute vampire to show up!) I have attached pictures of my dorm room and I just want some tips on how to make it feel warmer and more like home.
I love boho, plants, fluffy blankets, etc. Your collaboration with Joss and Main was my favourite! I love those kinds of looks but never know how to achieve it. I am super passionate about art; I’ve started to collect one piece every time I travel somewhere new.
Obviously being a student I’m on a tight budget, but I’m in this room constantly studying and reading, and I’m so tired of feeling like I live in a prison cell. Personally, I think the white brick gives off the perfect jail cell vibe. One of the photos includes my beautiful view (the grey skies match the grey buildings… how cute). Also I included a picture of my DIY lamp, where I put all my old tickets, of course it’s a picture of my favourite ones, MOVE LIVE TOUR and a Leafs vs Capitals hockey game where I saw your boy Brooks.
Your Biggest Fan,
Hals xoxo
PS: I love DIYs! I always do the ones you put on your website. I love the lip scrub made out of coffee grounds and the bath bombs were super fun to make! Anyways, hopefully you can help a girl out! Thanks for everything, Jules!
Hals,
Honestly, you hardly need any help! Your dorm looks pretty great to me — that DIY lamp is amazing and such a cool idea! But, I can definitely see how you’d like to warm up your space and make it your own. The first step is recognizing the styles and textures you like, which you’ve done really well.
Here are my suggestions on how you can make your dorm room less prison-like and more of a cozy study haven!
1. The Perfect Ambiance
Let’s start with that white brick wall that you’re not so much into. Have you considered peel-and-stick wallpaper? It’s an inexpensive and cool way to warm up a wall or two, and since you love a good DIY it could be right up your alley! I’d steer away from anything too loud or busy, because that will detract from the calm vibe you’re going for. I like a nature-inspired texture, and from what I know about you it sounds like you would, too. (My very favorite, though, is the nod to your Bella vibes… swans!)
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Swansy Wallpaper | Reclaimed Wood Wallpaper
| Celestial Wallpaper
2. See the Light
The florescent lighting seems pretty harsh and cold. How about bringing in a different light source, like a floor or table lamp? Something with a dimmer might do wonders. Funny you should mention Joss & Main, because they’re having a huge lighting sale! Here are a few great lamps I love that won’t take up too much space in your dorm or break the bank.
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Jillian Floor Lamp | Andie Table Lamp
| Jolene Floor Lamp
3. Get Cozy
You mentioned plants in your email, and I think they make any space feel more like home. You can even pop over to someplace like Whole Foods and grab some pre-potted succulents and you’ll see an immediate warmth in your room! Plus they’re so easy to keep alive, which makes them the best kind of plants!
I’m all about the fluffy blankets and boho vibes, too. These pieces are artsy, cozy and cool. In other words, they’re just like you! And if you haven’t gotten enough of the swan vibe — which, by the way, I think is such a fun and quirky theme — you must grab this pillow.
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Faux Fur Throw | Hanging Twigs + Air Plants | Swan Pillow Cover
You have to promise to send pics after you’ve worked on your room upgrade. I can’t wait to see what you do with everything. I know it will be amazing!