Q. What sparked your design interest on dorm room decorating?
Stephen: As Philips' Home and Style Designer, I am excited to speak from the heart about the marriage of design and technology -- no matter if it is in a home, an apartment, or a dorm room. I view dorm-room design as a great start to a young person developing their own personal style, because for many students, it is their first space away from their old room at their parents' home.
Q. Do you recommend bringing everything with you or purchasing items after a student moves in?
Stephen: Start with the basics and then live in the space for a while. Resources are all around so students can add as needed. Students can set the stage with the basics: technology, storage containers, bedding, studying supplies, lighting, etc. Simple is better and you can create a great-looking room with a cool mood without having it overloaded.
Q. Where should a typical student begin the process of creating a unique space in an off-campus apartment or a standard dorm room?
Stephen: Keep it simple. As a homeowner, a dad, and a husband, I always approach my work in design from that perspective. Does it make sense? Is it simple and easy to work with? How does it enhance my life and the lives of others?
I recommend students keeping items such as bedding and storage units simple and focusing on the technology that will meet their immediate educational and entertainment needs. Technology is necessary to empower students to be more productive, efficient, and competitive in day-to-day studies. It can also serve a dual purpose and should be multifunctional to help them enjoy leisure time, such as movie watching, music listening, even enjoying a simple cup of coffee.
Because today's students are the most tech-savvy generation in history, I see technology as one of the biggest trends emerging in dorm rooms. Students are seeking out sleek, streamlined, efficient, beautiful-looking technology that blends in nicely with their lifestyles and environments.
Q. Some schools require students to change dorm rooms every semester. In such a case, what are the best practical ways to add color and style that will be easily portable?
Stephen: Obviously bedding, throw pillows, and simple window treatments are fundamental to any room that needs to be picked up and moved easily. However, simple tricks like "removable wallpaper" can easily add a splash of color to whole dorm room or on even just one wall. Also, using tension rods or simple hooks to suspend drape panels on the walls can add some visual interest to a boring room. Draped panels even allow students to divide a shared space to give each roommate more privacy.
Of course, the technology students bring can easily be moved around. In fact, the "must-haves" mentioned above will most likely stay with the students once they graduate and move on into their first apartments.
It's important to create a home base for students so they don't feel like they are living in a temporary environment every day. Students may only be there for a semester, but they should still make it their own for that short time.
Q. What are some of the unique color combinations and themes or motifs that kids will find available for dorm decor this year?
Stephen: I think the possibilities are endless. As with home design, I urge people to follow what they love, not necessarily what is trendy or what everyone else is doing. There are some great stores out there that have selections that work well with anyone's tastes and budgets. It's all about being smart with what you choose and pulling it together.
For example, look at the technology as the starting point in the room and play off those cool pieces in the overall room design. The sleek black or silver colors of technology can create a great-looking space with a clean, modern feel. The wonderful thing is that technology can now blend into any style perfectly.
Continued on page 2: Top Five List and More
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