Going to college is an important milestone in many people's lives. I say this because I am a student and the first person in my immediate family who will earn a Bachelor's degree. (Yay!)
When I first came to school, however, I was a little concerned about how I was going to afford to decorate. I had seen countless of my friends' drab living spaces and dreaded the idea of settling for a look simply because it's all I can afford. I decided that while I might have to compromise in price and shopping locations, I would simply not compromise in living unhappily for four years in a shabby apartment.
It's important to like where you live during your college experience for several reasons, but here are three:
1) School gets stressful: Papers are due, midterms creep up on you, bills stare you in the face and, Surpise! ...It's suddenly December, which means it's now time to think about buying presents. Your home should function as a resting place away from these stresses as well as ease your work load by engaging your aesthetic preferences that inherently calm you. In other words, your home is your escape.
2) Who doesn't like to impress? I've had so many compliments on my cozy apartment, (even though it's small) because I took time to make it look the way I wanted.
3) Beauty is something to be created. I've discovered that since humans have the need to create, everyone should try to make something beautiful with which to surround themselves. What better place to begin than in your own home?
All that to say, I got smart and found ways to use what I had and find what I didn't have for cheap. Here are some new rules to live by as you tackle your college living space:
First, one of the most important things I've learned so far is that you don't have to buy everything all at once. Working toward a nicer living space is a process and should be appreciated as such.
A second thing is to get thrifty. Some people cringe at the thought of shopping at a Goodwill, a yard sale, or some similar place, however, many of these places are loaded with "gems" that might just need some slight modifications. For example, you find a couch that is in great condition but is covered in a horrid, 80's-maroon shade of fabric. No worries! It can be covered and everything can be washed. I stumbled upon an entire dish set that looks both trendy and brand new.
A third rule is not to be afraid to ask for help. I am fortunate enough to have a mother who sews. If you have friends who enjoy crafts or relatives who like to help, call them up!
Lastly, watch design shows. Many of my ideas come from watching programs like HGTV or looking through magazines. Taking ideas from professionals doesn't detract from your abilities, because your personality will inevitably peek through in some way.
I'll be sharing some of the easy make-over jobs that I've picked up along the way. Just remember, don't get overwhelmed. Decorating is fun!
When I first came to school, however, I was a little concerned about how I was going to afford to decorate. I had seen countless of my friends' drab living spaces and dreaded the idea of settling for a look simply because it's all I can afford. I decided that while I might have to compromise in price and shopping locations, I would simply not compromise in living unhappily for four years in a shabby apartment.
It's important to like where you live during your college experience for several reasons, but here are three:
1) School gets stressful: Papers are due, midterms creep up on you, bills stare you in the face and, Surpise! ...It's suddenly December, which means it's now time to think about buying presents. Your home should function as a resting place away from these stresses as well as ease your work load by engaging your aesthetic preferences that inherently calm you. In other words, your home is your escape.
2) Who doesn't like to impress? I've had so many compliments on my cozy apartment, (even though it's small) because I took time to make it look the way I wanted.
3) Beauty is something to be created. I've discovered that since humans have the need to create, everyone should try to make something beautiful with which to surround themselves. What better place to begin than in your own home?
All that to say, I got smart and found ways to use what I had and find what I didn't have for cheap. Here are some new rules to live by as you tackle your college living space:
First, one of the most important things I've learned so far is that you don't have to buy everything all at once. Working toward a nicer living space is a process and should be appreciated as such.
A second thing is to get thrifty. Some people cringe at the thought of shopping at a Goodwill, a yard sale, or some similar place, however, many of these places are loaded with "gems" that might just need some slight modifications. For example, you find a couch that is in great condition but is covered in a horrid, 80's-maroon shade of fabric. No worries! It can be covered and everything can be washed. I stumbled upon an entire dish set that looks both trendy and brand new.
A third rule is not to be afraid to ask for help. I am fortunate enough to have a mother who sews. If you have friends who enjoy crafts or relatives who like to help, call them up!
Lastly, watch design shows. Many of my ideas come from watching programs like HGTV or looking through magazines. Taking ideas from professionals doesn't detract from your abilities, because your personality will inevitably peek through in some way.
I'll be sharing some of the easy make-over jobs that I've picked up along the way. Just remember, don't get overwhelmed. Decorating is fun!
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