Back to Cool
(ARA) - Congratulations -- you’ve made it to college and are living on your own for the very first time. Being a college student doesn’t mean your dorm room or apartment has to be a depressing box full of ratty, hand-me-down furniture and band posters. 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 drab, 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.
“The great thing about Pier 1 is that you can mix and match different colors and patterns to fit your own personality,” says Wood. “And you can do it on a modest budget.” Wood recommends that students look for special discounts for students to help save money. Pier 1 offers a 15 percent discount with your student ID beginning July 23 through Sept. 26. "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 boost morale. Every college student needs an edge, and having an organized and cozy place is just what the doctor ordered. “Having a space that complements 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 and even magazines,” says Wood. “I found a cool Sausalito ‘mail center’ at Pier 1 where I store papers, bills, office supplies and anything I want to hide before company comes over,” adds Wood. “My parents were so impressed when they came to visit.”
Home Sweet Home
Having your own space that feels like home is a great way to reduce freshman 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 cool leather ottoman from Pier 1. They also have a red one that offers storage underneath.”
The Place to Be
Now that you have 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, stylish place. “Playing host is always fun,” says Wood. “It makes you proud to call your place your own.”
Beginning July 23, for more decorating inspiration, visit www.pier1.com/backtoschool. Take a personality quiz that matches a room style with your personality, and score a chance to win a $50 Pier 1 gift card awarded daily and/or the grand prize of a $1,500 gift card.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Back to School
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