Online Prowess

The main problem for college students who value their personal space & have a passion for design is budget. How can you fill your space with things you love that represent you when you're only there for a short amount of time? And you have to move constantly (especially if you live in a dorm), so it can't be too heavy & permanent?

Well, you're at least thinking wisely. Yes, you aren't going to be in this space long and you will have to move the items. So, you shouldn't sink oodles of money into decoration. Basically, you need to buy things that look expensive, but are in fact not expensive. Your best bet is online clearance.

Firstly, shopping for deals takes a good amount of time, planning & patience. Don't buy the first things you fall in love with, even if you think they might be a good price.

1. Make a list of the things that you NEED to buy.

This is a sort of multi-faceted step, because this means you must make a list of things you already have. I suggest taking everyday things that are out of sight & necessary from your parents' home. These are things like plastic cutlery & dishes & older pots & pans. All the kitchen stuff your parents can spare---take them. They don't need to be pretty, just functional. You will end up throwing them out after college, because you never know where you'll be going then. This will drastically increase your budget for big-ticket items that define your space more, like furniture! Furniture is particularly fun to shop for, too.

Also, try to inherit things from your upperclassmen friends or siblings. Of course, make sure they are smaller items that you still like (that will fit with your color scheme or design plan). These items can be end tables, picture frames, ottomans, cushions, shower caddies & storage boxes.

Then, and only then can you make that list. Here's my list--granted I have an apartment now so it's not like I'm moving from a dorm to an apartment, but these are items I actually need. Like cannot live without. I used the Notes app on my phone to keep track. (Note: my phone is on airplane mode because I am in England visiting my parents. Don't want to get charged astronomical bills, ya know. Living that budget life.)

2. Beware of hidden costs/requests.

Shipping is the big one. Also, don't forget tax. Online shopping seems so easy because you don't have to worry about it fitting in your car or even having a car/paying for gas. However, sometimes it might make more sense to do that. 

Also, if you are online shopping to look at reviews for items you intend on buying in the store, make 100% sure that item is sold & stocked in the store nearest you. Call the store up to be absolutely certain. Heck, have them set it aside for you and scurry on down there! Do all you need to do get that item. You want it, you need it, secure it.

3. Start cheap.

The first thing you need to do when you get to the website of a store you fancy is GO TO THE SALE SECTION. I cannot stress this enough. 

Mentally, it is a lot easier to realize that you need to increase your budget becuase you are not satisfied with the cheaper things. You don't want to see your dream $1000 chair before you start looking through the mis-matched & sort of sad clearance section of the store (I'm talking about you, IKEA clearance. You can have such GREAT finds like my $4 lampshade, but bury them in the pile of missing pieces & broken dishes.) Go to the clearance first and really use your imagination.

If you honestly can't find anything you love online or offline in the bargains, then you can check the full-priced items. But make sure this is something you not only really need & love right now, but that you could take with you after college or sell for a good price. 

4. Don't be afraid of ebay.

I'm aware of the stigma against ebay, but it is very easy to overcome and well worth it. Make sure you have these settings on:

• BUY IT NOW
• SORT PRICE: LOW TO HIGH
• NEW 
• US ONLY (or your respective country of residence)

Ebay is a glorious land of dupes & even nice items that are just priced very well because of
online retailers who works solely through ebay. It is a great place to buy snazzy cases & covers for your phones, tablets, laptops and e-readers. I also use it for nail polishes and books and things you don't need to physically inspect before buying. I would actually recommend smaller furniture items, but probably not something fragile.

I bought this camera strap from ebay for $11 over 4 years ago.

It was in The Amazing Spider Man and I'm pretty sure I saw Urban Outfitters selling the same one for about $30 or $40. Like what??

5. Exhaust yourself through all the options.

You don't want to buy, online or in-store, without knowing that you've found the best deal. I like to search for the item (like a desk) on all my favorite websites & calculate the total cost (with shipping) and then PIN that item with the link to the website on my "to buy" pinterest board.  This way, I can look at my board after researching for hours and see which desk is the best looking & cheapest. You can also just bookmark the items, but I am a visual person. Here are a few of the best websites!

• Ikea
• Target
• Overstock.com
• ebay (duh)
• Walmart
• Amazon.com

xx Madhu

P.S. Sorry this post wasn't as wordy---I had to rewrite it because it didn't save for some ghastly reason. I felt kind of rushed. In any case, I'll probably add to it as things come to me because I know that this can help a lot of people!

DIY

Don't be scared of making things yourself. Obviously, they're a huge money saver. Also, not all DIY project involve a lot of work---I can't even sew and I've done a lot of DIY! If you've got string, a glue gun, tape and a thrift store, there's a lot you can do.



PENNANTS

Just click the link because Karen Kavett makes amazing pennants. Everything I know, I learned from her. She has even uploaded a template for us! Isn't she amazing?



There is this "typography" art ALL OVER etsy. But really, it is so simple to do yourself.

Materials:
-old encyclopedia/dictionary
-glue
-frame
-black paint/dark paint
-stencils (for words or figures)
-brush
-OR stickers for letters

1. Carefully rip out pages from the book of choice. To be really "meta" and "cool" you can rip out pages that have to do with what you decide to paint on top of them. (If you want to paint/sketch a coffee mug, rip out the coffee page! If you want to write a quote from Harry Potter, rip out the page with "magic" on it!)
2. You can attach a piece of printer paper/cardboard to the back so your "canvas" is just thicker and sturdier, but it's really not necessary since you will frame it.
3. Now, choose what you want to do. If you just want to put a quote, I would suggest buying stickers for letters. Preferably in black to keep things bold. Or, you could paint the quote on in your own handwriting for a personal touch.
4. If you want to do a picture, make sure it is bold enough to be seen from far away. Don't just paint a small heart unless you want people to put their noses on your art.
5. Stick in the frame (preferably black, again) after it's done drying.

Voila! Personal, cool art. See how easy it can be?

The collage itself is a bit shit, but look at that board! It's a corkboard we have had for A LONG time. It had holes all over it and just never looked good. So, I got a loose bedsheet and put on I think 3 layers. I stapled the bedsheet to the board and there we have it. An UPHOLSTERED board! It was so easy and looks pretty seamless. This is the easiest way to spruce up something you already have & use. I love corkboard, but I don't like the look of cork in anything but my wedges. 

This one is a no-brainer. BUT it's a conversation starter! Who are these people? I don't know! I went to an antique store and bought these old postcards/pictures for 3/$1. I'm pretty sure the closest antique store to you will have them too. Sometimes they are more expensive, but I don't think they are worth any more money. Basically, dig for old postcards that just seem interesting to you. I chose these mainly because they made me want to know what was going on or because they were just aesthetically appealing. I just put them in a cheap frame from wal-mart, but you could put them on a photo mobile! I have one and I love looking at it move at night. 

I have a bit of a button collection. It has actually grown since I took this picture, but not very much. I didn't know how to showcase my interesting collection, though. (The whole thing started with Hitler mustache Ronald McDonald. I found him on the floor of the hallways in my high school. Nobody was around, I laughed out loud and stuck it on my backpack. The rest is history.) At first I had all my buttons on a string, but that was getting heavy and awkward. I bought this hat at a $1 and realized I probably won't wear it. BUT covering it in pins worked! I just stuck a thumbtack in the wall, hung it up, and I'm able to add pins as I get them. I like it. When I have space for my dress form in my room (IF I have space...) I will probably put the hat on my dress form. You could show your stamp collection/pin collection/button collection/sticker collection in a similar way. Get something that is a cool decorative object and stick your stamps/stickers on it! (Like a random animal figurine) It will be a piece of art in your room.

Well, that's my DIY post. It was very low key because I really can't do much. I have a million sewing machines but never learned how to sew. I can knit a bit but nothing too fancy. My main tools are tape, thumbtacks and staples. You can't go wrong with those basics.

Until next time,

Happy Living!

-Madhu

Wall Collages

Every college student has one---you know what I'm talking about. The one place where most people decide to get crafty, the empty wall. My university actually supplied corkboards in each dorm, which was great because it confined the crazy.

Don't get me wrong, I love wall collages. They say a lot about the resident's personality, friends, hometown, priorities and hobbies. They're really interesting to look at and a great conversation piece. Most of them are, sadly, just waaay too crowded or overwhelming. Examples? I think yes!



So, most people put these things up for inspiration/motivation. I'm all for that. In fact, that's why I had collages. I have mixed feelings about this one. I really like that everything has been carefully arranged and spaced so that it looks neat. I don't like the size. Yeah, teenagers should be allowed to personalize their rooms and all, but I'm here to tell you guys what is visually appealing. When you look at this, do you think, "wow that's beautiful" or do you think, "wow he covered the whole wall...". If this person had just divided the collage and put some of the stuff up elsewhere in the room, it would be less visually distracting and more visually enticing.



This is from Karen Kavett's blog. She is a flawless human being. I think the main reason her collage works is because it has dimensions. Yes, it has a lot going on, but does it look TOO busy? No! Because she scaled the collage down and because she stuck to a black&white&green/blue color palette, things aren't too hectic. The fairy lights make sense in the space because they act like a frame and draw attention to the beautiful pennants! Of course, she is a professional visual designer so she knows her stuff. However, if you're bold and have an "eye", you can layer posters and random knick-knacks too. Overall, this is what you want to strive for. Something diverse, but controlled. Not something that draws attention away from the rest of the room, either. Looking at this makes me WANT to see the rest of her room.

See you all soon-ish?
-Madhu

Dorm Shopping

Alright, so it's mid-August. Most of you have probably already started shopping, but I remember that shopping was the last thing I did. That's because I spent most of my time planning! I find planning fun, but if you don't, here's a reason to: YOU WILL SAVE LOTS OF $$$

SAVING MONEY 101

1. make a list - Lists are and always will be your friend. Take a look around your bedroom now, make a list of the stuff you know you'll take with you. Then, make a list of the stuff you use now that you'll probably need to buy. There are tons of websites that help with this. My favorite is Collegepackinglist.com because you can sync it with Facebook! Yay! Also be sure to go online and find out what is provided in your dorms. Most colleges include this information and if not, you can always ask someone who has gone there or just search it online. I'm going to assume your college provides a bed&mattress, some clothing storage, desk and community bathroom (private bathrooms are a toootally different issue)

1. upcycle/use what you have - Chances are you've lived in your house for ages. You don't even know what's in it! Show your parents your list and ask them if they have some of the stuff on your "buy" list.

1. buy cheap - If we're being realistic, you're not going to Nordstrom and such for college stuff. Anyway, it isn't smart to buy high-end things for your room. Your stuff will be wrecked by your friends, the dust, wear and tear and just daily use. Buying cheap stuff is okay because you only need it for 9 months. If you live in the dorm your next year, you can buy all new things. You'll certainly want them.  Cheap stores like Target, TJ Maxx, Marshall's and Walmart are you friends.

1. never use the phrase "just in case" - If you think "Oh, I'll get this just in case I need it" then leave it. You don't have space for stuff like that and if you do indeed need it later, you can buy it when you're in college. No big deal! Online shopping is so easy when it's safely delivered to your dorm's front desk.

1. be creative -  do you get sick of decor easily? If you like to change your room around a lot, buy stuff that is convertible. Instead of buying a really bright, loud printed comforter, but a cheap, but warm one like this one from TJ Maxx. Then, you can buy these amazing things called DUVET COVERS from the same place for $30 or less. Hey, it's better than buying & storing multiple comforters. Or, you can take your favorite blankets from home and layer up/switch them out. TIP: don't skimp on your bedding. Bring all the pillows, bedsheets, blankets and mattress pads you need. beds are important in college. especially since they're also your couches/entertainment centers

Now, you're ready to go shopping.

Here are some things I found online of the top things you should and should NOT buy (unless you already have them):

**My dorm also included a microwave and minifridge. If yours doesn't, BUY THEM. Totally crucial.

(1) Tupperware is useless. You'll keep leftovers in the boxes they came in and food you buy in their packages. (2) They look ugly and you really don't need them if you have multiple pillows. Also they're so heavy. (3) These are so difficult to lug down to the laundry room! Just get a bag&hamper that can fit under your bed. (4) TVs take up A LOT of space you probably don't have and are such a burden. Everything's online now anyway! (5) In my experience, nobody sits on these chairs. They just become an extended closet space, which looks really bad. And they're pretty difficult to sit in. (6) Unless you iron all the time at home & love it, you won't have time to iron. Skip the ironing board.

(1) Corkboards might be provided like they were for me, but I like decorating the wall so they were still useful! Just make sure they stay up with strong command strips. These individual ones make your room look more homey. (2) Storage ottomans are cheesy but extra seating + somewhere to put bedding? Not cheesy! (3) Floor mirrors are absolutely necessary. You want to see how you look, don't you? (4) Floor lamps are great because the overhead lighting always sucks. This one has shelves so it can double as a bedside "table" PERFECT! (5) Decorative pillows make you happy. It's a fact. Also, they add comfort and you need that when you watch Netflix on your laptop with your friends. (6) Buy a printer. Don't be the annoying roommate who uses the other person's printer. This one is so inexpensive and you don't need the expensive ink, just get the job done. Simple and you don't have to go to the library late at night to print your papers. (7) Table lamps are definitely necessary because you don't want to keep your roommate up all night with the overhead light. This one has a charger for your iPod + pencil holder. Bonus! (8) BED RISERS are the best $4 you'll ever spend. They make it possible to put your storage boxes, laundry basket, clothes for next season and suitcases under your bed. Just get them.

Of course, I could go on and on. But this is the basic stuff you need to know. And it's almost all from Target, now didn't that work out well?

Happy Shopping and Moving In!

-Madhu

My Dormitory

So, this is the before picture. This is how the room looked when I entered and dumped all my things. It was a pretty good size, I have to say. I was quite lucky. The floors were hardwood, not laminate. Next to the door (where I'm taking the picture from) were in-built shelves. Proper, full sized shelves. And those doors are the closets (not too large, but not bad at all). So, I didn't exactly have any storage problems. I bought all white bedding because I didn't want to get sick of it. (The only thing I got sick of was the bedding getting dirty, though.)

This is after. Granted, I did change the room one or two more times, but just changing the position of the desk or the bed. So, I'll start with the shelves. I wasn't too concerned with making my shelf (the one on the right) look good because I had ugly textbooks, but I was determined to not just throw all my crap there. I only put books out in the open. I boxed up all my camera equipment in these really cute floral boxes I got from Spain a few years ago. A set of matching boxes is always a good idea for college as long as you have a shelf or space under your bed/on the floor.

I did a photo collage above my bed and I didn't plan it. At all. I just started sticking photos up there and they turned into a sort of mosaic. For the space above my desk, I have loose corkboard that I bought from Target where I put my more memorable knick-knacks up (postcards/ticket stubs/pins/drawings). I'll have an individual post on how to decorate walls because I think I could've done much better (even though we weren't allowed to poke ANY holes or leave any marks on ours). I also had a full-length mirror.

My desk is nothing great, just a lamp and a framed graphic T-shirt (I'll talk about this later too). Then, I have a photo mobile hanging in front of the window. The piece de resistance, however, is the lamp. I love this lamp for college because when I take it apart, it folds into four pieces. I bought a cheap, maybe $5, lamp from Target with a crappy shade. I got this nice, floral shade in the Ikea Clearance/As-Is section for about $3. I did a little frankenstein-ing and VOILA! The lamp!

I wish I had better pictures, but I didn't really take anymore good ones. This is all I've got. I will definitely talk more about dorm decorating and I highly encourage questions! 

If you have any "pre-college" questions, those would be great too!

Hope you all are enjoying your summer vacations :)

-Madhu