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Back to College: Five Ways to Design Small Spaces

Dorm room
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With September rolling around, college students around the country are moving their furniture into tiny dorm rooms or apartments. Decorating a small, often lackluster, space on a budget doesn’t have to be a drag, and you don’t have to sacrifice individual style.

We have some simple tips for decorating small spaces from professional designers Cortney and Bob Novogratz, who have recently teamed up with Walmart to create a new line of affordable décor.

  1. Punch it up with paint. One of the easiest ways to create a design element is with paint, which can transform the look of a room in just one day. In a tight space, paint the wall behind your headboard with a bright color. Stay away from dark colors on more than one wall, as they can make the room feel smaller. Even high-end paint is affordable if it’s just for one wall. If paint is too permanent, try a removable wall decal.
  1. Make a statement with your bedding. People often shy away from patterns in small spaces. However, certain patterns like stripes are perfect for petite rooms because they create an illusion of height or length. Bold and preppy colors like pink and lime will also be a big trend for fall 2014.
  1. Clear the clutter. In small spaces especially, less is better. People tend to collect clutter or furniture that’s too big for the space. Make sure you choose furniture that doesn’t take over the whole room. Keeping things tidy and off the floor can also create the illusion of having more space.
  1. Reflect on a bigger space. Mirrors and unique wall décor are a great way to attract attention and maximize space. Hang a mirror horizontally on your longest wall, whether it’s above a dresser, dining table or couch. Try a designer look and secure frameless mirrors to the sides and top of a side table or to the front your kitchen cabinets. Visit flea markets to find mirrors with unique shapes or wall art that’s vintage and cool – as long as it reflects your personality, it’s perfect.
  1. Use everyday items as décor pieces. If you don’t have a large linen closet to hide your bath towels, don’t worry. Buy a few over-the-door or removable wall hooks and display your brightest towels.

With those suggestions in mind, click through the gallery to see some great pieces that will add a certain je ne sais quoi to any dorm room.