Lora wrote with a great question. She said, I’m getting ready to send my girl to college, and I’ve really enjoyed your helpful lists. I am putting things together and was wondering if you could tell me things you’re glad you did last year for your son’s first apartment? And anything you regret? I’d love to know what you think takes spaces to the ‘next level’? My daughter is really into design and loves your work. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, as this is really about us working together on a project that creates a home away from home and helps her feel secure and loved…

First of all, I love this so much. I’m seeing some judgment lately about designing dorm rooms, and while I understand, it’s also kind of my thing, always will be, and therefore, I will be unapologetically extra {on a practical level} about it. If people can freak out about pumpkins in July, I can certainly share my design ideas for a home away from home. I’ve found that one of the ways I deal with transitions is diving headfirst into projects, utilizing my talents to bring value, and help with whatever the situation. If that’s how I cope… I can think of worse things. My daughter is the same as yours, Lora, and while my oldest says he doesn’t care… I think that deep down, it felt nice to create a home away from home for him last year. So, I’ve made a quick list to help you with some ways to make that space feel extra special. Or maybe just extra… because we’re embracing it. 

First, just in case anyone’s curious, here are a few of the posts I’ve shared so far about college.
• The college design guide: where I shared all the fun ideas for dorm rooms 
• College essentials they’ll actually use
• First Aid Kit! -I’ll be refilling this one before he goes this year. 
• 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

This is a mix of ideas you can take on together, along with those extra touches that bring a little fun to the space. So, without further ado, smart design solutions for college spaces! 

1. Smart Design Solutions for College Spaces: Furniture Covers 
If this is their first apartment and it’s furnished, that is oh so nice. But trust me when I say you’ll want some furniture covers. This won’t apply to every space, but we hope it’s helpful to some. They don’t have to be nice, because they will be trashed at the end of the year if they are boys, or if they’re sharing with roommates. That’s just how it goes. I just purchased these again for their apartment because they worked perfectly last year. Helpful Hint: I had the widths wrong last year, and still managed to get them to fit. 

2. Smart Design Solutions for College Spaces: Large Art With Light Frames 
College dorms can be strict, so we used a combo of these nails with light hanging pieces like poster frames or magnetic ones. It helps avoid those fees later, while having a big impact with minimal effort! A word on hanging art: Go low! It’s a common miss. Think eye-level for a 5’4″ person or about 57 – 60 inches off the floor {where applicable} 

Our oldest is at UTC, so I wanted some art that added a nod to their space. This art is actually a photograph of Chattanooga’s Market Square circa 1907. I adore an excellent classic vintage image and thought it was a great nod to their new city. It’s also an amazing reminder of how quickly things change in a little over a century. Again, check out more in this Etsy store owner’s space as well because they have some amazing images. 

3. Smart Design Solutions for College Spaces: Curtains + Rugs
Think Cozy. These spaces are meant to be bare and minimal, so it’s worth taking the curtains to the top and making the rug as large as possible. I know some people even opt to add carpet to their dorms, and THEN the rug, so that it makes it feel extra homey. Just think in terms of comfort, don’t forget to give that door clearance, and you can’t go wrong.

Regarding throw pillows: People always say you won’t need those throw pillows. We may have gone a little overboard with those, but I don’t think they went unused last year, especially when he had friends visiting out of town, or friends in their dorm. If they just don’t have the space, we get it. But if they can stash them somewhere when not in use, we say throw pillows make everything cozier. 

4. Smart Design Solutions for College Spaces: Things that Work Hard + Non-Negotiables
I took a ton last year just to see what might work. Then I added more in a care package. Must-haves for us in that department are storage pieces for under the bed, storage pieces {ours broke when moving + I purchased another one here} for at the bottom of the closet, a hamper for laundry + hooks for over doors. Also, no bulky hangers. OH. And whilst on the topic, if you’re wondering about the best-ever mattress cover, it’s here. He was complaining about his home mattress after moving back in for the summer, so I knew it was a job well done. 

5. Smart Design Solutions for College Spaces: Let it Reflect Them. 
You may be reading this saying DUH. I think this might be easier for some kids than others. For instance, girls. In general, zero qualms expressing themselves. I really wanted the art added to his space to have meaning for him. His favorite course in his senior year was an astronomy class, so when I found this vintage poster of the moon, he loved it. He also requested a painting of a vintage plane, another one of his favorite pastimes. While one was handmade and one was sourced, these are examples of making it personal with something they love. Scour Etsy and eBay for those one-of-a-kind finds that make it affordably fun. I think that with love, the space always naturally reflects them. It’s just fun to think in terms of things they’re passionate about. 

6. Smart Design Solutions for College Spaces: A Space of Their Own
I actually include this in all my kiddos’ spaces in some capacity, clients too. I think that providing a space to hang up ideas, photos, memorabilia etc. is always a good idea. It gives them a sense of nostalgia, and they can change it out all the time. Here’s a great round-up, here. 

7. Smart Design Solutions for College Spaces: Handmade Items for a Special Touch
If you have time, and it’s your thing, it’s a great project to take on together. One of the requests he had for his space was this terrarium lamp last year for his room. I conducted some research, gathered some supplies, and we worked on a small, handmade project together. I think anything that they show interest in is always a nice bet. And you have the sweet memories to go with it. 

8. Smart Design Solutions for College Spaces: Personalized College Decor 
This can also apply to the handmade side of things, but bringing anything fun and extra into the space with your unique flair is always a great idea. I made this tray for their coffee table last year, with a quick ten-dollar Facebook marketplace find, and some paint I had on hand. It served as a handy piece all year, and definitely added some fun to that coffee table. 

9. Smart Design Solutions for College Spaces: Anything Vintage 
This falls under the easy design category, but isn’t anything vintage with the school’s logo on it, super fun? I found this old pennant from their water moccasin mascot days, and framed it in a simple frame for a fun piece of art on his wall. Easy to win, and can work in any space when altered. 

10. Smart Design Solutions for College Spaces: Lighting
While my guy isn’t big on those ambience lights around the space, {I had the colorful Christmas lights freshman year and thought I was SO cool} think wisely about lamps used. Not shown is the fabulous floor lamp we used, along with a table lamp in the main living space. I also made sure he had multiple options in his space at night too between a few desk lighting options, and his night stand lamp I shared above. All that extra consideration just makes it feel more homey.

Smart Design Solutions for College Spaces: Things I Regret
I have learned that I tend to overcompensate when going through change. I lean in hard and find what I can do, work on, and make it my thing to cope. So maybe my kiddo didn’t necessarily need that Q-tip organizer I panic-bought the week before he left, and it was confirmed when he moved out, and I promptly removed it, untouched, to place in a box when it was time to go home. It helps to consider the things that aren’t necessary. 

I think at the end of the day, it comes down to what’s important to them. Is it a warm bed with lots of layers? A cozy rug under foot? Are they looking for smart storage? These are just a few things we found that helped, and we hope it helps you! 

Happy move-in day and congratulations to your grad!