"Extreme Makeover Home Edition" transforms run down shacks into million-dollar mansions, but the average college student would be content with making their bland college living areas simply livable, preferably for as cheap as possible.
Most college students who don't live at home are faced with the arduous task of fitting all of their belongings into a tight space, and making it feel like home. Not everyone is blessed with a creative mind, and many dorms remain as bare as they were on move-in day.
There is hope for even the smallest and dreariest space, according to professional interior designer, Carol Schaper of Schaper Associates, Inc., whose operations are based out of Hamburg. With a few simple changes, small spaces can really sparkle, she said.
"When I'm first considering a project, I take into consideration what the client likes. Nothing is off limits. If you want a red chair, get one," Schaper said.
Schaper has been a designer for 22 years and has experience designing living spaces all over the country. With two children who have lived in dorms, she is an expert on utilizing small spaces to their full capacity.
When decorating any space, Schaper said to first chose a wall color.
"If you want purple, pink and green in your room, then do it. Some people have a misconception that darker colors make a room look smaller. That is just not true."
Although darker colors may not have a confining effect, some students still opt for lighter pastels.
"Our room is all pink," said Rebecca Pringle, a sophomore communication design major who lives in Red Jacket.
Other students have chosen brighter and varied colors to make the room look fun and inviting.
"We used teal, navy, lime green and purple to help maximize our open space," said Deanna D'Alfonso, a sophomore communication major who lives in Fargo.
Making a space appear brighter or bigger may be easy with a ten-dollar gallon of paint from Wal-Mart and a paintbrush, but the real challenge often lies in organizing and manipulating a room's space.
Most students resort to using good old-fashioned plastic containers.
"I fit everything into my closet, my hamper, shoe rack and Rubbermaid containers," said D'Alfonso.
Schaper said storage for college living extends beyond shoe racks. It is important to have multiple units and place to put things.
"Good storage is critical. Having a good system of bins, stacking and storing containers under the bed is a good way to get the most out of your space," she said.
When living in an off-campus apartment, it's possible to add a little extra flair with trendy furniture. According to Schaper, furniture doesn't have to be expensive-stores like IKEA offer innovative styling and the prices are ideal for college students.
Other places to find great knick-knacks and furniture are Target, T.J. Maxx and Pier One Imports, Schaper said.
Some students take decorating to a whole new level.
"My freshman year we decorated our room with a tropical theme," said Pringle. "This year we chose a more practical d?(c)cor."
Schaper said themes are a common request for interior decorating.
"I did a room for someone who liked to travel. I used wallpaper that had signs and other travel-related things on it," she said.
People are sometimes afraid to go overboard when decorating, according to Schaper. She recommends using what you like as long as it's realistic.
"I did a room for someone who was into ballet and I used silk and dolls to create a soft feminine look," she said. "If there is something a client really likes, I make it work."
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
