If you’ve spent hours scrolling and saving “dorm style inspo” posts or browsing different comforters at IKEA but still find yourself clueless about what vibe you *actually* want for your space, you’re not alone. So many college students stress out about creating a room that feels like home while simultaneously establishing their design style. Are you interested in making a minimalistic space with creams and neutrals? Or are you more into colorful artwork and bright furniture? We teamed up with three decor-obsessed HC community members to share their best tips for finding your unique design style and mapping out your room with mood boards before move-in day — all with affordable and trendy products from IKEA! Are you ready to start planning, designing, and shopping for the dorm of your dreams?
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Editor: Emily Murphy • Designer: Audrey Wu This is a sponsored feature. All opinions are 100% our own. © Her Campus Media 2024
MALM 4-drawer chest
GURLI cushion cover
DVALA sheet set
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Charlotte's Style
“My room has all my favorite items and everything I need to recharge. However, to keep my room from feeling too cluttered or overwhelming, all of the colors and design elements must be cohesive. Having a clear design aesthetic (like a playful, pastel!) helps me keep a space that is both fun and functional.” -Charlotte
Playful, Pastel
NISSAFORS utility cart
RISATORP wire basket
GRADVIS plant pot
She/her
A playful, pastel-styled room will make you feel energized by all the bright colors, and inspired to be your most creative self!
Claire's Style
“You don’t need a neutral room to feel at peace in your space. I like having the hints of a coastal vibe for a calming energy that juxtaposes the bolder, more eclectic side. For example, you can combine brightly painted seashells with multiple patterns in coastal colors! This bright, bold style reflects my outgoing, friendly, and creative personality.” - Claire
Eclectic, Vintage, colorful, coastal
FEJKA artificial potted plant
SLÅNHÖSTMAL comforter
Claire's style
A room with an eclectic, colorful, coastal, vintage design style will make you feel energized and bold! With this style, you can create a warm, fun space that includes trends you love, which makes your space feel homey.
Gabby's Style
If your favorite color is pink, then decorating your room in the light, pink minimalistic style will help you feel joyous, refreshed, and ready to achieve your goals! “My favorite color is pink…and each shade of pink sparks my creativity. I enjoy the minimalist design style in my room because I dislike clutter, so creating an organized and relaxed space and having effective pieces boosts my productivity.” - Gabby
Light, Pink, Minimalism
LÅSBRÄKEN comforter
LOBERGET / MALSKÄR swivel chair
"My favorite color is pink…and each shade of pink sparks my creativity. I enjoy the minimalist design style in my room because I dislike clutter, so creating an organized and relaxed space and having effective pieces boosts my productivity.” - Gabby
LOBERGET/MALSKÄR swivel chair
LÅSBRÅKEN comforter
Light, pink, minimalism
If your favorite color is pink, then decorating your room in the light, pink minimalistic style will help you feel joyous, refreshed, and ready to achieve your goals!
Other design Vibes We Love!
Click the cards below to get more design style inspo!
Cozy, beachhead
Minimalist, Academia
Bouncy, coffee shop
Sharp, art deco
BERGHEMLOCK comforter set
SHOP NOW
SVALLERUP rug flatwoven
GESTALTA artist's figure
REGOLIT pendant lamp shade
TBH, it’s too easy to “add to cart” when shopping online for college. But before you checkout with that cart full of random items, a mood board can help you better envision the products in your space. It’ll also help you figure out if those throw pillows you have your eye on match the rug you already have.
Think about your design style. To help you establish this, write down the adjectives you want your space to have! For example, cozy, bright, organized, eclectic, artistic, etc.
Screenshot photos of the products you like when shopping online. Some websites like IKEA.com even have entire inspo pages for you to browse.
Organize the photos together on a blank, white page. Keep the scale of each item in mind so you know if it’ll add a little bit of color or a lot of bold patterns.
Seek out other elements that help bring your design vibe to life! Think patterns, textures, colors, and photos from your camera roll.
Shop on IKEA.com again to find more products that would be perfect for your space. To make move-in day easier, you can order products online for in-store pickup at an IKEA near your campus!
Check out our Tips on how to do it!
How to Create a digital moodboard:
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