Designing Dorm Rooms: From Oomph to Minimalism

Are you heading off to college soon and wondering how to make your dorm room feel like home? Look no further for inspiration than this engaging story from 1989 about a student’s dorm room transformation.

The tale begins with a beautiful girl from Philadelphia critiquing a student’s dorm room at Sarah Lawrence, noting that it lacked the “oomph” of the previous year’s setup. The previous year’s room was filled with luxurious items like a full bar, refrigerator, TV, and even a stolen Hermès scarf pinned to the wall. The room exuded elegance and style, with a tufted velvet chair and a Ziegler carpet adding to the ambiance.

Fast forward to the present day, and the student’s daughter is heading off to boarding school. Worried about her daughter’s morale in a stark dorm room, the student sends a care package filled with items to combat the linoleum-and-fluorescent-light blues. The key to transforming a dull dorm room? A colorful rug that will never be vacuumed.

Drawing inspiration from historical figures and pop culture, the student reflects on the importance of style in a dorm room. From Russian princes sending laundry to Paris to a mother sewing curtains for a crush at Princeton, it’s clear that personal touches can make a big impact.

As an experienced interior designer, the student knows the importance of balancing style and practicality in a dorm room. Opting for cheap, cheerful, and modern decor can create a welcoming space without attracting unwanted attention. And when it comes time to move out, remember that less is more – the minimalist look may be the way to go.

So, whether you’re a college student looking to spruce up your dorm room or a parent sending off a child to school, take inspiration from this story of dorm room transformations past. With a little creativity and a colorful rug, you can turn a drab space into a cozy retreat that feels like home.