Stylish College Dorm or Apartment Ideas - From a Student to a Student
Pier 1 Imports Associate Mark Wood

Congratulations – you’ve been accepted to college and will soon be living on your own for the very first time. Being a college student doesn’t mean your apartment or dorm has to look like the neighborhood garage sale. Recent college graduate and Pier 1 Imports associate Mark Wood has some design advice for graduating from that stained, duct-taped couch into a stylish pad you’re proud to call home.

Do Your Research
Turning a lifeless room into your personal space doesn’t have to be an expensive assignment. Wood suggests thinking about the size of your space, what you already have and what your budget is before making any purchases. Pier 1 recently launched a funky line of furniture and home accessories called “Bohemian Chic” that is perfect for someone on a budget. Wood recommends that students look for special discounts to help save money.  "People should also take advantage of the free decorating advice that stores often offer. They can even tell you what colors and trends are in for the season, if you’re into that," explains Wood.

Stay Focused
Coming home to an organized, welcoming refuge after a long day of classes and tests is a good way to keep sane. Every college student needs an edge, and having an organized place is one way to get ahead. “Having a space that compliments your lifestyle is a great way to reduce stress and make studying easier,” says Wood. Assign everything a home. Store items in the same place every time so you always know where they are — and where they go. “Baskets and drawer systems are inexpensive, quick solutions to creating an easy location for your books, class notes, wallet and car keys,” says Wood.

Home Sweet Home
Having your own space that feels like home is a great way to reduce freshmen anxiety and homesickness as well. “One thing I hated about my freshman year was that I never really felt like I had a home,” says Wood. “I dreaded going back to my dorm room, so I spent little time there.” Wood says a great way to make your room feel like a home is to put a family portrait and some photos of your buds in picture frames on an ottoman, like you would a coffee table. “I got a great leather ottoman from Pier 1. They also have a red one that offers storage underneath.”

The Place to Be
Now that you’ve done a little decorating, your place will soon become the hang out when your friends are looking for something to do. Whether they’re watching a DVD or you’re throwing a party, people will enjoy being in a comfortable, lived-in space. “Playing host is always fun,” says Wood. “It makes you proud to call your place your own.”

For more decorating inspiration, visit Pier 1 Imports .