Why DIY?
Why DIY your dorm decor when you can buy it at your local Target? We ensure that the practicality of our projects match, if not exceed, that of in-store products, and that the creative building process promotes a positive mentality as well.
MENTALITY
DIY dorm decor provides not only practical benefits, but also mental benefits. Whether it is the weather outside or the room decor inside, the environment can affect your mood. Although less obvious, mentality is an equally important aspect of the interior design process.
PRACTICALITY
Many people shy away from DIY because it seems like an unnecessary amount of effort to hand-make items that can be found in stores. We have carefully selected projects that we believe address concerns regarding complexity and cost.
Simple
Complexity is another concern many people have when it comes to making something on their own, especially for those who don't see themselves as "crafty." We assure you that every project on our website is simple, for all the crafters and the non-crafters out there. It should also be noted that projects with a longer time estimate do not necessarily mean they are any more difficult than ones with a shorter time estimate, so it's completely up to you how much time you choose to invest in your dorm.
Low-Cost
Cost is most likely the primary concern for college students, with the skyrocketing price of tuition, room and board, and even textbooks. The majority of materials needed for our projects can be found in most homes, with the exception of a few that can be bought from local craft or department stores at a very low cost. For this reason, we provide the estimated cost and a list of merchants for supplies that you might not already have.
Space-Conserving
It is no secret that dorm rooms are not the most spacious of living spaces, and as spectacular as some decorations could be in a regular bedroom, they may very well end up as clutter in the dorm. We kept this in mind when selecting our projects, so they all fit around or on top of furniture that you will already have in your room. You don't have to worry about these projects taking up extra space that could be used for other necessities, like a microwave for your cup-o-noodles or a mini-fridge for your leftover pizza! Our projects are here to help, not complicate, creating the best college environment possible.
The "IKEA Effect"
Being surrounded by your own colorful creations does not just stimulate your academic mentality, but also your emotional one. According to Professor Michael Norton at Harvard Business School, the "IKEA effect" contends that we cherish what we build. In other words, we value an object significantly more if we ourselves put in effort to build it. It is human nature to be proud of our accomplishments, and successfully building things with our own two hands gives us a sense of satisfaction from just that.
Stimulating Environment
When it comes down to it, the reason we go to college is to learn. Many students go into college with the mindset to stay focused, to avoid distractions and cut out unnecessary ventures, including decorating their dorm room. However, personalizing your dorm room often has the opposite effect. You will enjoy being in a dorm room that is decorated to your liking, which could only have a positive effect on any studying that you do in it.
Feels Like Home
Ultimately, decorating your dorm allows it to become a stimulating environment and making the decorations yourself allows you to value the space you live in. The importance of having a connection with your living space is too often forgotten, especially when making the exciting move to a new place away from home. But, as environmental psychologist Susan Clayton says, our home becomes a part of how we identify ourselves and gives us a sense of belonging. DIY dorm decor is a simple way to do this, to truly transform your dorm into a place you call home.