by Eleanor Blythe

Created on: February 03, 2009   Last Updated: February 13, 2009

So you find yourself in a box. . . advertised as a dorm. This space is stark white, rather bare, and quite unattractive. It was designed to provide shelter and study quarters for dozens upon dozens of students, year after year. Students who, if not stopped, would paint the walls all shades of questionable colors and pound holes to hang everything from picture frames to coats.

For that reason, there are rules. No paint. No nails. The challenge is to make these walls your own, even temporarily, because your own tastes matter. You deserve to exist in an environment that makes you happy. Hmmm . . . how to do the nearly impossible despite your shoe string budget and restrictions on the decor?

Start with bedding. You can catch sales at bed-n-bath stores or buy bed-in-a-bag ensembles at Target or Walmart for under $40. Pinks, citrons, purples and shades of turquoise are all popular colors. Go with florals, swirls, or even bubbles. Whatever makes you smile is the right choice. Sheets, pillow cases, and comforters are included. Your roommate may even collaborate with contrasting bedding for a bolder statement.

Now you have a color theme that anchors your room. Next, go for curtains. J.C. Penney has great sales on every length and style. Some panels and valances go for as low as a couple dollars. You can also easily sew cute curtains with dollar material from Walmart. While there, invest in a sewing machine for under $100 and enjoy the freedom it brings. Design, make throw pillows, sew a bright cloth border on a woven rug, and make money sewing for classmates, as well.

Now the adventure in budgeting begins in earnest, because you are going to want adorable lamps, matching light switch covers, more rugs, and some art for the wall - art that will have to be hung with a removable adhesive gum (no nails, remember?). A simple hot glue gun can do wonders with boa trim on an old lampshade. And the Dollar Store can yield great decorator extras. Since you are officially a college student, frugality is cool. It's OK to go to garage sales. Check out ministries like Good Will and Salvation Army. It's amazing how many awesome items, like shelving, credenzas, file cabinets, and crates, exist in the world of charities. All yours for the asking, for pennies on the dollar!

Krylon spray paint is made to cling permanently to plastics and metals, and it comes in an assortment of bright colors. This means you can put a designer spin on the ugliest furniture imaginable. You might score the perfect dinged-up dresser. Paint the body one color and the face of each drawer a contrasting color. Even the knobs can make a statement. Sick of spray painting? Buy remnant or rejected paint at Lowes or Home Depot and have it tinted to save money.

The good news is that you might love your low-budget decor so much that you re-use it after graduation.

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