How can I make a small dorm room look s**y, fashionable and bigger?

Question

I have a small college dorm room. It has enough room for a desk, a bed, and then a tiny little living space. I really want my room to be fashionable and s**y, but not trashy. I want it to just look like a tiny room, not a DORM ROOM. Any advice? I'm going for sort of a Victorian-meets-Indian look.

Answer 1

I don't know if you can alter furniture or paint the walls, so I'll talk about other things.

First, small rooms look bigger if there is less clutter. Make sure you have spaces for everything you have in the room. Store things in drawers, the closet, and under the bed. This will give you a clean look. If there's extra stuff, decide whether or not you really need to have it with you.

Second, use fabrics. The Indian-Victorian styles have some great options. Hang an Indian scarf as a valance on the window, or drooping down over the head of your bed. Have a great bedspread and throw.

Another way to make a room s**y is to use lighting. Avoid the typical dorm standing lamp. Shop thrift shops and international shops for unique table/desk lamps. Cover the overhead light with paper, cellophane, or fabric.

For the walls, choose one large picture that matches with your theme or that inspires your design. Or choose a series of two or three artworks.

Good luck! And remember: to keep it classy, keep it simple!