Interior designer Anna Riopelle doesn't get many calls to decorate student dorms, and since her children are only five and eight, their university days are in the distant future. But like any compact living space, the key to dressing your child's home-away-from-home in residence is to buy multipurpose furnishings and banish clutter.
Take the bed, for instance. More than simply a place to lay your head at night, the bed is usually the only major piece of furniture in the room, so it has to double as a sofa when friends drop in for a visit.
"The bed is the hub of the room," says Riopelle, who suggests splurging on good-quality bedding, then adding colourful toss pillows, bolsters and a cosy throw from discount decor stores.
To create handy storage space, she recommends elevating the bed on risers. The room underneath can hold pullout bins or open baskets to store extra clothes, books or CDs.
"The key is to eliminate clutter," says Riopelle, who favours hanging a large bulletin board on the wall to display family photos, class schedules or small artwork. "People don't perform well if they're surrounded by clutter."
When space is at a premium, especially in tight dorm rooms, decorator Carol Gunn says it's necessary to use vertical wall space to maximize storage. Shelving units can be used not only as bookcases, but also to store bath towels, kitchen accessories, bulky sweatshirts and stereo equipment.
"You have to have dual-purpose because of the size of the room," says Gunn.
Here are more helpful tips for decorating small dorms:
1. Wise investments: Splurge on the larger furniture pieces -- the bed, desk and reading chair -- because they are going to get the most use and they "will move with you long-term," says Gunn.
2. Personality plus: Use colour, texture and whimsy to create a room that is personal, fun and inspiring. "People perform the best if they feel at home," says Riopelle.
3. Think double-duty: To get the most out of your limited space, Riopelle insists furnishings must have dual purposes, for example ottomans that provide both seating and hidden storage or a mini bar fridge that doubles as a night stand.
4. Lights, action: Whether it's a gooseneck desk lamp, undermount halogens or a tri-light floor lamp, good lighting is key for studying, reading and cramming for exams.
Canwest News Service
