Bedroom Out of a Box

You landed your dream internship.  Problem is... you have to pack up and move five or more hours from home or your current apartment for 10 weeks.  Relocating is stressful, especially if it's just for the summer and you have to move again come August.  Just because you have to pack light doesn't mean you have to sacrifice decor.  

Imagine this space as a simple studio apartment.  For a short summer internship, you probably won't need more than a bed to crash into at night.  A vintage bed like this one is easy to take apart and is light enough to transport on your own.  You probably wont' need the big surf board or skate board.  Leave most of your decorative accessories at home to avoid clutter.   Decorate your walls with clippings from magazines you buy or favorite photos.  Additionally, a chair is easier to bring with you than a heavy nightstand.  Plus, it'll serve double-duty as a place to sit.

Whether you're in a temp apartment or a school-year-long lease, here are some decor ideas to ditto:

1. First of all, check out how neutral it is.  White walls.  This could be any white-walled dorm or apartment.  Granted, we aren't all lucky enough to have high ceiling, parquet floors and a vintage fireplace mantle... but focus on the fact that this room is colorful without having to paint the walls.  And that, my lovely undergrads, gives us renters hope!

2. Your bed is the focus of your bedroom.  Amp it up!  Vintage headboards/footboards/frames are not hard to come by.  Keep your eyes open at thrift stores, flea markets, antique shops, garage sales and your grandparents' attic.  If it's got great color like this one, keep it at is.  If it's too beat up or not colorful enough, spray paint works wonders.  Dress up your bed with the loveliest bedding possible.  Florals are everywhere right now.  If you feel like splurging, check out Anthropologie.  Go half-way with Urban Outfitters.  Or even hit up your local Target.

Anthropologie's Laelia Quilt is swoon-worthy, no?

3.  Don't be afraid to mismatch.  One of the ideas I really love from this room is the mismatched curtains.  It gives the room an eclectic, somewhat bohemian vibe.  Look for different colors and patterns, but sticking to patterns of similar size will look best.  The colors and patterns of these curtains are different, but the overall scale of the prints are quite similar.  Blue and green are also close neighbors on the color wheel, so it makes mixing patterns a little easier.  But if you're feeling adventurous and risky and feel like opposing turquoise and hot pink... I say "Go for it!" 

4.  Creative chaos.  Who knew a little bit of mess could be a design statement?  Messiness is creeping into decor in quiet corners... like how the photos and magazine clippings are haphazardly posted on the wall above the bed.  It's creative, visually appealing and way more interesting than a neat little grid would be.

5.  Think outside the nightstand.  As college students, we're often short on money.  If you don't have a bedside table, but inherited one of Aunt Vickie's extra dining chairs... use it!  Get creative with your furnishings.  Use what you have before spending money on something you don't really need.  Besides, chairs next to the bed made a very cool statement, especially if it's vintage or painted a fun, bright color!

For Lovely Undergrad's post on more alternative nightstand ideas, click here!! (Image via: Apartment Therapy)

6.  Grow something.  Plants and flowers instantly living up a space.  Can't keep a cute little plant like the one in this room alive?  Opt for a succulent---they don't need watered very much and are hard to kill.  (Great for girls like me who don't have a green thumb!)


Hope you got lots of good ideas from this space!  I know I did--I can't wait to find some lovely patterned curtains to mismatch. ;)