Heading back to school this fall? Don't just think about getting your wardrobe to look A-list — your home away from home has to be hot, too!
David Bromstad, the host of HGTV's Color Splash, shares his dorm design expertise with UsMagazine.com. Here are five easy ways to add extra oomph to your dorm-style digs.
1. Don't be afraid to add color: If you're able to paint your space, Bromstad suggests picking some of fall's hottest hues, including green, yellow and purple. Afraid to try something new? "A really nice bold red with a little bit of orange always works. Red is timeless," says our expert.
2. Invest in good bedding: When you're not in class or partying with pals, you want a nice place to hang your head…and show off your personal style! "Bedding is important because you're sharing a room with your roommate and you want to make sure your own style is reflected," Bromstad says. "You can definitely get something bold and comfortable for under $100."
3. Think outside the box: Bored with the standard-issue dorm furniture? Make it your own! "I made over a dorm room on the Oprah Winfrey Show and when it came to the wardrobe, I went to IKEA and got a really bold fabric to cover it," Bromstad says. And no hammer and nails required for this redo: Just use double-sided tape, like 3M, to make the fabric stick.
4. Always remember art: Forget tacky posters to dress up blank walls. Bromstad suggests making your own art by framing a fabric swatch. "I bought a $10, 24×36 frame and took the pattern of fabric from the dresser and repeated it there, making a piece of art for very little cash," he tells Us.
5. Add a rug: "Rugs are a missing item in dorm rooms," says Bromstad. "They're a big opportunity to add boldness and a graphic quality to the space. Rugs make the room feel more cozy and they're not permanent [if you change your mind.]"
