The Better Dorm Room Lighting

   

I think lighting is the most underrated decor tool. There isn't anything different from the two pictures above aside from the light and as I'm sure you can see it makes all the difference. The florescent overhead light only serves as a reminder that I'm living in a cinderblock room. 

{For an added punch I put this lamp on a dimmer and set it next to a mirrored side table that reflects the light}

{The curtains on my wall not only help hide the cinderblock wall, but also diffuses the light nicely}

{Putting them at various heights adds an interesting visual element}

{I got the lampshade at my schools thrift store for $2, score!}

Perfect lighting requires the perfect unwinding music. As of late I am obsessed with Vitamin String Quartet, a group that does popular music with string instruments. Not on the Spotify playlist is a song my friend Tonis worked on. It is amazing! She is seriously going to be the next Norah Jones.

I have also realized that I am in love with the look of my bed when it is unmade. And it's not just because I'm lazy and don't want to make it (but that's part of the reason). I think it looks far more inviting when its a bit crumpled and you can see the layers of blankets and sheets under the duvet. 

 

{From this}

{To this}

The Better Martha's Dorm: Part III

It's All in the Details

Since paint is an obvious no-no, I hung two pink curtains for a pop of color. Dorm floors are never welcoming so this *PBteen rug is a great way to make the room more inviting. To hide the unsightly things I store under my bed I tucked a window curtain horizontally between my bed and mattress; it's an excellent way to create a makeshift bed skirt. 

{Framed artwork and potted plants add a bit more color and life to the room}

{A canvas picture of Diana Ross and the Supremes. It was a big investment but totally worth it}

{When my room mate is sleeping I like to put this scarf over my lamp to keep the light level down}

{Monogramed Pottery Barn towels}

{Custom shower caddy and flip flops--a lovely gift from my brothers girlfriend}

{Plates and cutlery from Target}

Since I'm not allowed to take furniture out of my dorm, replacing my chair wasn't an option. Folding a blanket over it and adding a pillow makes it more decorative and comfortable. 

The Real Simple slim hangers are the greatest thing to ever exist. My clothes don't slip because of the velvet texture, and the hooks in front allow you to stack clothes to save room.

The Better Martha's Dorm: Part II

Organization and Storage

This post is dedicated to the organization and small details that make my room extra special. Since I'm living here for most of the year it makes sense that I put in the effort to making my environment feel like home.

{Favorite things: comfy chair, potted plants, family photos}

{A peek under my bed. So many essential items that are not to pretty to look at are here.}

{Closet top level: sweatshirts, detergent, tupperware. Mid level: Clothes, scarves, belts. Bottom level: shoes}

{Command hooks for bags and Martha Stewart storage boxes for food}

{Storage seating that holds snacks and serves as a stepping stool to get on to raised bed}

The Better Martha's Dorm: Part I

A post dedicated to my dorm has been the most requested; after all this is The Better Martha Goes to College. I have been putting it off for so long because, believe it or not, it has taken me a month and a half to complete the moving in/ decorating process. Since dorms are so tiny (unless you luck out) every item I add to my room is carefully thought out. A few items too many and you end up with a space that resembles a junk shop. 

Recently my blog has had a lot of food posts, but it's time for all things dorm now!

 

I really lucked out that my sister wanted to get rid of some stuff from her apartment. The bedding curtains, dust ruffle, and pillows are all from her. She originally purchased the duvet cover from Anthropology; the pink pillows are custom made; and the pink curtains are from Target's Xhilaration line. 

If you have a small space, the bed is really the most important part of your room. I study in the library so when I'm in my room I spend all my time on my bed. It is just as comfy as the one at home because I invested in a three inch mattress pad and a feather bed topper. A little excessive, but totally worth it!

Although I have a room mate, I'm only showing my side out of respect for her privacy.

The Better {Dorm} Room of the Week

With the shift in direction that my blog is taking, I thought it would be appropriate to start scouting dorms that I love. Here is one of them. This dorm is that of a junior attending George Washington University. It just goes to show that living in cramped quarters is no excuse for a less than glamourous living. 

*Original photo taken from UScoop

The Better Way to Fix Your Duvet

SUPPLIES:

Sewing machine 

 Thread that matches duvet cover 

 Scissors 4 pieces of 13 inch long ribbon 

 DIRECTIONS: 1. Turn duvet cover inside out 

 2. Locate extra fabric outside the seam (indicated by blue in picture above) 

 3. Sew center three inches of ribbon on the corner of duvet using Z stitch. (You should have three inches of unsewn ribbon on each side) 

 4. Repeat for the other three corners. 

 5. Tie ribbon to loops of comforter. (If your comforter does not have loops you will have to sew them on)

6. Tie ribbon to comforter loops then turn duvet right side out and shake toe even out.