For those of you who have been familiar with us for a while, you probably know that kids’ rooms are and have always been my absolute favorite to design. I mean, I love a good kitchen, and an entire house, and a bathroom, and a living room, and an outdoor space… but there’s something about those kids spaces and making them fun and colorful that I love the most. I’m working on a few fun ones for clients now and can’t wait to share. College dorms are a natural extension of all things kids rooms, and with my oldest returning to his second year, and my middle in her senior year a-la just a few short weeks, I thought it would be fun to put together The College Design Guide.

Whether they’re living in their first apartment or a classic dorm-style room, I’ve curated six different ideas for fun spaces. Sanctuaries are important to me, and I know that making them a home away from home is likely a top priority for most people as well. You can cherry-pick from whatever you want, or follow it to the letter, but here are six spaces: The College Design Guide! {PS. I know that this week has been insane with all things finds + design boards. I wanted this one to go up next week but as fate would have it, here we are. I figured the sooner the better for you to get your hands on all those goodies.} 

Pssst if you like this post, don’t miss these previous ones: 
• College essentials they’ll actually use
• College apartment ideas for guys
• Fun dorm ideas {maybe to pull a little inspiration from last year}
• Dorm room inspiration with Bed Bath and Beyond

So without further ado, we’re diving in! {Some of these contain affiliate links… thank you for understanding!} 

Art Enthusiast
It’s giving if Van Gogh preferred softer vibes and decided to go to college in the modern day. Or something. This space holds a little bit of everything from the sweet headboard to the roomy desk, with all the space for working on those creative endeavors. For the student who isn’t afraid of a bit of color in their lives… Hurray for eclectic vibes!
Sources: Headboard / Green Side Tables / Table Lamps / Butterfly Art / Striped Sheets / Purple Throw / Quilt Set / Rug / Bench / Plaid Pillows / Floral Pillow / Curtains / Floral Art / Fridge / Campbell’s / Tower / Desk / Chair / Vase / Bookends / Desk Lamp / Magic Art  

Chill Retreat 
Maybe you’re an introvert, or maybe your roommate steals all your food, and you need a moment to yourself. For this space, I chose soft colors, with a multitude of textures and neutrals. For the student or young adult seeking out the ultimate serene retreat: This one’s for you. 
Sources: Curtains / Peg Boards / Headboard / Lights + Photo Holder / Night Stand / Lamp / Pillow / Quilt / Rug / Door Storage / Backlit Mirror / Comforter / Sheets / Blanket / Laundry Hamper / Basket / Desk / Chair / Desk Lamp / Plant / Book Art / These Are The Good Old Days 

Classic Vintage
Leave It to Beaver meets Mad Men. Let’s keep it light on Mad Men, for the sake of the peace of mind of moms sending their kids to college everywhere. Nothing really beats the look of classic silhouettes paired with tried-and-true color combinations. This one screams Vintage Americana, and we’re here for it. Here’s to the Classic Vintage round-up that Don Draper would approve of. 
Sources: Microwave / Basket / Headboard / Camper Art / Memo Board / Night Stand / Lamp /Bedding / Pillow / Fridge / Fan / Curtains / Vintage Radio / Vintage Clock / Car Art / Desk / Chair / Green Lamps / Shoe Sign / Green Cabinet / Yellow Quilt / Plaid Rug 

Hopeless Romantic 
If “You have bewitched me body and soul, and I love, I love, I love you. And wish from this day forth never to be parted from you.” Were a room. These fairy-tale-worthy pieces are perfect for a timeless space. Brought to life with florals, soft feminine ruffles and pastels for the win. Maybe you’ll meet your own Mr Darcy. Better yet… maybe you’re Jane Austen, with the next great novel at your fingertips. 
Sources: Floral Quilt / Memo Board / Battery-Powered Sconces / Night Stands / Headboard / Bedding / Large Basket / Floral Rug / Pink Sheets / Ruffle Curtains / Large Flower Art / Small {green} Colorful {pink} Art {blue} / Desk / Chair / Desk Lamp / Clock / Mirror 

Global Passport
Feeling kinda cute, might travel to Italy later. This space is for the globe-trotter, passport not included. Your friends won’t be able to reach you on holiday because you’ll definitely be booking that Safari. Postcards from another country are the new text. 
Sources: Quilt / ATL Art / Light Up Globe / Basket / Bookends / Desk / Desk Lamp / Chair / Vintage Map / Headboard / Night Stand / Lamps / PIllow / Trunk / Rug / Striped Quilt / Sheets / Pegboard / Curtains 

Preppy Traditional 
That time Ralph Lauren and all things New Hampshire became our entire identity, and we weren’t mad about it. 
Sources: Headboard / Hydrangea Painting / Monogrammed PIllow / Floral Sheets / Plaid Comforter / Dog Pillow / Floral Curtains / Scalloped Side Tables / Knob / Scalloped Lamps / Floral Quilt / Woven Rug / White Trunk / Memo Board / Scalloped Desk Chair / Writing Desk / Flower Stool / Banker’s Lamp / Woven Tower / Floral Art Prints 

So, whether you’re wrapping up those finishing touches or just beginning to search for inspiration, we hope this helps give you some ideas, + you’ve enjoyed our not-so-little {my fingers really hurt} College Design Guide. Happy hunting, everyone!