dorm room decor

I know all you Haligonians are feeling it. It’s obvious in the grocery stores. It’s obvious in places like Walmart. Heck, it’s even obvious in the streets.

Parents buying an obscene amount of cleaning supplies and all the basic staples as their kids – who are on the cusp of flying from the nest -- are trailing behind with a mix of fear and excitement splayed across their faces. Not to mention the literally tons of moving trucks of all shapes and sizes unloading their goods as university students flood back into this city of many universities.

In honor of this, here are some styling secrets I’ve “borrowed” from the fine folks at Style at Home (www.styleathome.com) on creating cool and colorful dorm room décor.

Ten back-to-school dorm decor essentials that will help make life away from home a little more comfortable:

1. Colourful mini fridge - Keep everything you need for study breaks or hanging out with friends in a convenient and colourful mini fridge.

2. Semi-sheer curtain - add warmth and soften the space and/or create a soft separation of areas in a room.

3. Rolling desk chair – sleek, modern and lightweight, these provide proper ergonomic support and often come in lots of fun colors.

4. Graphic throw pillow – cozy and cool and so many options to suite your style and taste

5. Floor mirror – Make sure that everything is in place while rushing off to class with a classic floor length mirror.

6. Lacquer digital frame – Display a slideshow of fond memories with a contemporary digital picture frame. Not only is this a wonderful way to create a home away from home, but some also plays music and feature a calendar and clock.

7. Organic sheet set – a nice way for the environmentally-friendly students to rest their weary heads!

8. Canvas storage tote -- A great way to keep things organized in a dorm room is a convenient canvas bag. Totes come in many different styles and sizes and also make great laundry hampers.

9. Cast iron wall hook -- A cast iron hook is a great dorm room organizing idea. Hang your coat, towel or jewelry on a lovely light blue teapot-shaped hook like this one to keep clutter at bay.

10. Wall tattoos -- Instead of posters, photos and magazine clippings, decorate your dorm room walls using a sophisticated vinyl wall tattoo. The matte finish gives a gorgeous painted-on look plus this peel and stick decorating idea is easy to put up and remove.

For the rest of us, hang tight. After about a month or so, we’ll adjust to the huge influx of students and embrace the energy they bring to the city we love to live in!

Oh…and remember to batten down the hatches asap in advance of Hurricane Earl that's about to hit us. You wouldn’t want your fabulous outdoor items damaged. Or damaging your home. Or your neighbour’s home.

Until next week, stay safe, justalittlerouge readers!