As the warm summer nights begin to cool and hints of fall are in the air, college students may find themselves questioning how to redecorate their spaces.
Moxii, an interior design and decor shop in Auburn, was featured in a USA Today photograph slideshow about designer dorms.
The photograph pictorial demonstrated how Moxii designers were able to transform Auburn dorm rooms and were able to capture the student’s style.
Moxii co-owners gave insight on how to transform your own space with the latest trends.
What are the new colors for fall in college dorms and apartment decorating?
“College students today are moving toward neutral colors with the occasional pop of color,” said Betsy Stark, co-owner of Moxii. “Greys with oranges and soft blues with flax are currently popular.”
“Neutrals, ivory and white, with a pop of color in decorative pillows,” said Katherine Bailey, interior designer and co-owner of Moxii. “Anything navy has been popular this year. Textures, layers and ruffles continue to be popular.”
What are the best ways to decorate a small space, such as a bathroom, living room or bedroom?
“Choosing one item for a focal point and adding touches of the same color can bring a sense of completion to a room of any size,” Stark said. “For example, adding an interesting piece of art in any of the three rooms suggested above and then pulling colors from the art around the room can give the room a cohesive feel.”
“I suggest choosing one main color and two complementary colors for small spaces,” Bailey said. “Keep accessories simple, and focus on the bed, sofa and other larger focal points in the room. Lighting is also important. Choosing the right size lamp is key in small spaces.”
What are the best ways to re-vamp your dorm or apartment?
“Curtains and wall art often refresh dorms and apartments because they draw the eye upward,” Stark said.
“In my opinion, the bedding and rug should be the focus,” Bailey said. “Spend energy on making your bed the wow for the room with a complementary rug.”
What is one way for people to change the decor of their space without changing everything?
“One of the least expensive, but most dramatic, ways to update a space is with a can of paint,” Stark said. “Also an area rug can pull the room.”
“A can of paint can go a long way,” Bailey said. “If you are permitted to paint, removable wallpaper is always fun.”
What is something that every dorm should have? Is there a certain item or a certain trend?
“Well we love our Moxii shelving because it adds both vertical space and display areas to make the room seem like home,” Stark said.
“Every dorm room should have a combination of personal items brought from home mixed with new introductions,” Bailey said. “Photos, artwork or a pillow from your bed at home mixed with new frames, new bedding and new organizational items.”
What are a few tips for college students when they are decorating their space?
“The tag line for Moxii is ‘your personality, your style,’” Stark said. “And that is the most important concept to remember whatever size the space or whatever the budget.”
“It is about expressing who you are,” Stark said. “Secondly, enjoy the process.”
“Sometimes an idea works and sometimes it doesn't, but that is part of the process,” Stark said. “Thirdly, remember the details a candle, new pillows on the sofa, picture frames, all the personal touches that create a comfortable space.”
“Enjoy the process, plan your style and color scheme and stick to it, and don't be afraid to spend a little extra money on an item or two you will have for years to come,” Bailey said. “Student decor doesn't have to be disposable.”
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