Decorating Small Spaces: Interior Design for Student Housing

Make the Most of Your Space

As a new or returning college student, you'll face many challenges as you pack away the suntan lotion and prepare to head back to school this fall, not the least of which will be turning your student residence—all 75 square feet of it—into a stylish, multifunctional oasis. Whether you're decorating a dorm room or making your first foray into apartment living, you can use these tips to help maximize the beauty and function of your new home.

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Create the Illusion of More Space

Here are a few classic interior decorating strategies that will add visual square footage to any small room:

• Keep wall colors light and neutral – While your first impulse may be to go crazy with vibrant colors, keeping wall colors light will create an open, airy atmosphere in your small space. Reserve darker colors and busy patterns for bedding and other accents.
• Hang curtains at ceiling height – This will draw the eye upward and create the illusion of higher ceilings.
• Use curtains instead of closet doors – Replacing hard doors with flowing fabrics will soften the visual boundaries of a small room. Using curtains will also give you the opportunity to bring color and texture into your dorm or apartment.
• Hang mirrors – Not only will more mirrors help you keep the peace with your roommate(s), they'll brighten your surroundings with reflected light and visually double your square footage.
• Keep furniture compact – Nothing makes a small space feel claustrophobic more quickly than overloading it with imposing furniture. Look for pieces with sleek, clean lines and minimal profiles.

Hang Things Up

Avoid cluttering your bed, desk and floor by going vertical with your design elements:

• String lights or hang lamps – You can avoid both harsh ceiling light and space-hogging floor lamps by stringing lights along your walls or hanging a lamp or two from the ceiling. Soft, soothing light is not only relaxing—it will make your small room appear larger.
• Use a clothesline to pin up photos and other mementos – This will reduce the number of frames cluttering your desk and dresser and allow you to rotate items frequently. Stylish alternatives include fabric-covered or magnetic boards.
• Put up hooks – Hooks help keep coats, car keys, jewelry and other accessories organized and out of the way.

Invest in Smart Storage

In addition to incorporating classic storage-optimizing techniques like installing closet organizers and using under-the-bed storage bins, consider the following options for keeping your small space clutter-free:

• Go digital – Transfer all your CDs and DVDs to your iPod or laptop, and consider using a digital picture frame to display multiple photos.
• Turn storage into a design element – Use a combination of open shelving and trendy storage boxes to tuck away all your odds and ends without taking up valuable closet space. Using one shape and style of box can create a particularly striking look.
• Use dual-purpose objects – Benches or small ottomans with interior storage space are particularly efficient—as are small tables or carts on casters that can serve as nightstands, desks or places to serve take-out as needed.

Make Student Housing a Home

Attending college classes can be hectic. Your living space should be relaxing. With a little creativity, your dorm room or apartment can express your personal style and function as both a workspace and living space. If you're ready for this interior design challenge, you can make your space homey and beautiful.

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