Brittany Dean
Staff Writer
Students all have their own styles when it comes to decorating their dorm rooms, but some trends seem to have emerged in dorm-room decor.
Among the women, Hawaiian and mono-color themes seem to be the most popular decorating styles of the season. Earth tones are also popular, with their simple, tranquil feel.
Rather than crowd their rooms with hibiscus flowers or bright colors, guys are more laid back and choose to have muted, solid color themes or a sports style for their rooms.
Then, of course, there are people who tend to throw together whatever they can get for free in hopes that it will turn out OK. But no matter what the dŽcor, every dorm needs essential items to tie everything else together, like lamps and phones.
For those with a love of the tropics, Hawaiian-inspired everything, from bed comforters and curtains to palm trees and grass spreads, have appeared in many dorm rooms on campus. The reason for this hot trend Ñ the campus is so close to the ocean. Almost any view from Pepperdine includes an ocean view.
ÒWhen designing our room, we were inspired by the wonderful view that we are so blessed with,Ó said freshman Amanda Vatanides, whose room is decorated with a Hawaiian motif. ÒThe tropical environment just brought Hawaii to mind.Ó
VatanidesÕ room boasts pink and other vivid colors and flowers throughout. She also has brown grass to trim her vanity and walls.
Freshman Crystal Foxworth has a monkey and palm tree blow-ups to add a special tropical touch to her dorm room. Though FoxworthÕs roommate did not choose to decorate her half of the room in Hawaiian gear, Foxworth said her half still blends well with her roommateÕs style.
Many girls also have monochromatic schemes in their rooms. A central color such as blue, pink or purple gives students the chance to become creative with their choices in accents. The rooms are coordinated with different shades that blend together in unique ways.
Even though the mono-chrome style is popular, a studentÕs personal touch can still be displayed through their choices in items such as bedspreads, lamps, phones and pillows.
Last for the women is the earth tone theme. This consists of colors like brown, beige, green and white. Plants such as bamboo that are easy to take care of complete the laid back approach to the design. Small touches of colors can also add to the central theme, and in some cases a hint of elegance is thrown in. The only setback to an earth tone design is that the materials used (especially if many of the fabrics are white) are difficult to take care of.
It seems that many of PepperdineÕs male students have chosen not to really shop for decorations, but rather to get things they need. However, many have also taken to the mono-chromatic theme. Guys also often have fewer items to clutter their rooms and usually have more of a barren look.
Some guys, however, show their personality through the extra-curricular activities they enjoy Ñ especially sports. Everything from posters to rugs show what they spend their free time focusing on and what their true interests are. Sports are also an easy way to mix and match items while still keeping their masculinity in tact.
There are many, who must decorate their rooms on a budget. Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond are used to mix and match and take care of the all the essentials. Of course, thereÕs a limited number of choices, which can lead to many students owning similar items. In one dorm alone, three people have the same bedspread.
Even with cheaper items, it is still possible to make the style personal; however, it is not as easy to coordinate. By using colors that accent one another and not going overboard, a unique approach can be created.
There are two major items that almost every dorm room has to show off the personal style of a student. A rug is often used to bring all the colors and textures of the room together. Multi-colored rugs are popular and can be important to make your room not only stylish but structured.
Last but not least, everyone has pictures. From picture frames to collages to just pictures taped on the wall, they are a way to still feel connected to home. Pictures of family and friends make the white walls look less barren. Pictures of friends can also provide an inspiration to walk that extra mile on tough days when students are feeling homesick.
Elaborate, coordinated and thrown together are all different adjectives that can be used to describe the fashion of rooms on campus. Even an action as simple as rearranging furniture can set a dorm room apart from others. Whatever the case, make sure the style you have expresses the true person you are.
09-30-2004
