Making Dorm Rooms a Little Greener

Last year I posted some information about how to make a drab dorm room into something better. Today there is an article in the Washington Post about how dorm room decor is becoming big business - and incidentally, becoming more green.

They do note that decorating many dorm rooms each year is more about consumption than it is about recycling, reusing or reducing - but if we all do a little better in our shopping decisions - we can help the planet in the long run. So let's see how we can shop greener for your new dorm room...

- Linens -

A new move to a dorm room requires new bedding? Not quite. If you happen to have an extra-long twin at home, consider taking your linens from home. Second best idea is to buy revived vintage linens and hand-made pillows. There are more than a few places on Etsy for you to shop for bedding and pillows. And one of the best reasons to shop Etsy is that you know your dorm room will never look like any other room. Pillows and sheets can also be sent to your child mid-year :: just around the time when they should be getting some extra rest in anticipation of mid-terms. There's a nice subtle hint. Anyway - check out:
Joom
Use it Again
Cat Nap Cottage

If your bed has a plain metal or wood headboard, make it cozier by covering it with a simple fabric slipcover.

- Small spaces + active young adults = the need for clean fragrance. But not any fragrance - try soy candles which are clean burning and low soot. Or if burning things in the room is restricted, turn to natural spray air fresheners.

Check here:
Wendy Lous Natural Bath
Let Your Light Shine
Angel Bella Body

Now then onto lighting. Forgo the cheaply made and boring desk lamp from Walmart and opt for something more fun and funky. Buying smart now means at the end of our undergrad program, we won't want to trash these beautiful light sources - but cherish them forever. Some of my favorites are:

Nightlights at Gamiworks
or Beetnik
and Yours Truly.

Now finally the walls. Most freshman dorms I've seen are small and well... ugly. I mentioned several ideas last year for covering the walls. But I'm always inspired to find new wall adornments. Here are a few:

Magnetic Chalk Boards
Memo Board
Skinny Magnet Board
Thumbtacks

And here are yet a few more things to inspire you as you deck out your new dorm.

Sew Your Own Dorm Stuff
Keeping Chests for extra storage.
Bedroom Design Kit for laying out your dorm room before you get there!

Enjoy!

Lise

Update:

Soy Candles Sources from Etsy include:

Jen San Candles

Unscented Soy Candles

My personal favorite Soy Candles because it looks like it's in a recycled tin can! :-) 

Thanks to Ashley Sue for reminding me to add these!

Style Points: Making your Home Ready for Resale

I have been in no less than 15 houses on my quest to find my next home. While this journey has been fascinating, I bet many of these homeowners would like some information on why the average buyer would not be interested in forking over top dollar for their homes.

Here is my top 10 list of reasons why your house may not sell for what you want:

10. I love color! But strong wall colors do not make buyers happy. White is safe, but also a bit boring. Choose a beautiful and sophisticated wall color that makes even a small older home warm, inviting, and ready to sell. Neutrals are safe, but they don't have to be boring. Check out the Farrow & Ball designer paints. My favorites are Bone, Light Stone and String with a crisp white trim. And speaking of trim:

9. Many older homes have stained trim. I know some people are afraid to paint stain-grade wood, however most homes I've seen lately would do better by having the trim painted in a lighter and brighter color (white, off white, shell white). It really helps visually heighten the ceilings.

8. Mirrors. I'm thinking here of one particular home that was really very lovely except for a wall of mirrors in the dining room. Forget the 80's mantra that mirrors extend the living space. Unless you are selling a dance studio, take the mirrors down, paint the wall, and hang art instead.

7. Carpet issues. If your carpet is old and worn out, replace it before you list your home. In some cases, having your carpet cleaned will do wonders, but be careful of the ring around the room. (Yes, carpet rings will appear on lightly-colored carpets where the carpet cleaner can't reach.) Also, bubbles and lumps, frayed, worn or just unsightly won't help your cause either.

6. Popcorn ceilings. A personal pet peeve. Popcorn ceilings are great for builders, but lousy for sellers. This foamy paint mixture is simply sprayed on the ceiling. Quick, easy, cheap - and if that's what you intend for your home sale - great.

5. Mess. This includes messy yards, rooms, furniture, closets and kitchens. Especially kitchens. Pare down and remove clutter.

4. Inconvenience. Hey seller, if you actually want to sell your home, make it convenient for the buyer to see it. A motivated buyer in this market may be difficult to find at a time that works for you. Consider that many buyers are in town for the weekend, or have many houses on their list. This isn't about you or your family, if you don't want to sell, don't list the property. Ouch.

3. Finishes. Nothing dates a home like the finish on light fixtures and hardware. Brass hardware screams old. For an instant update, consider switching out your light fixtures in key rooms to a more updated oil rubbed bronze or brushed steel. Definitely change lighting in the master bedroom and bath, kitchen and dining room. Fixtures are found at many price points, so this is not an expensive change. It's well worth it. While you're at it, add a few chandelier shades for an opulent touch.

2. Cracked or scratched vinyl floors. Replace individual tiles or vinyl that has seen better days. A current look is better than a worn one, so if the makeover budget is small, you're still ok with the numerous choices on the market today.

And now my #1 reason your home may not sell for what you want - Smell. The first home I visited was at the top of my list given the realtor's description. But I nearly ran out of the home because of the horrible scent of dog and mildew that permeated every square inch of the space. If you live with pets and can't detect a problem, call an honest friend for a sniff test.

Well I've got to run and get back to staging my own home!

Be Inspired,

Lise