"This is the first statement they're going to make, in the larger sense, of style in their lives," Genevieve Gorder said. "So it's important to think about, because you have so many restrictions when it comes to dorm life."
Gorder, of "Trading Spaces," took us through a mock-up room she designed, which can be put together on a small college budget.
The centerpiece is the bed.
"Do it in layers," she said. "Have a comforter, coverlet and throw, so you can gradually peel back those layers and have a clean place to sleep at the end of the day."
Place baskets under the bed and on top of closets or cabinets to create more storage. Cinderblock walls can be livened-up with splashy fabrics. As for the floor, a couple of inexpensive area rugs can make the room cozier.
"Play with color, play with size, play with pattern," Gorder said. "And by layering, you create dimension and get rid of all those past lives in the room before you."
Another space saver is a media center: a computer, dvd player and television, all in one.
Another neat gadget is a computer pen that can transfer class notes into a word document, which can then be shared with fellow classmates.
And don't forget the lighting. If possible, send your kids off to college with a lamp from home. Chances are the dorm room lighting will leave a lot to be desired.
MEDIA STATION
Dell XPS One (PRODUCT) RED
$1,299.00 - $1,539.00
DIGITAL PHOTO FRAME
Samsung Digital Photo Frame
$220 - $240
COMPUTER PEN
FLY Fusion Pentop Computer
$79.99 - $89.99
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