Kiara
Bringing Authenticity & Efficiency
Into Your Dorm
The number one thing I had in mind for my dorm room was creating a space that reflected my personality while also being able to store all the extra things I just "had" to bring. Organization for me is key when it comes down to maintaining a clean room that eases my stress. As I juggle my many school activities, I have found that I need a space that fits me, so here are my tips for designing a room that truly is your home away from home:
1. Find a home of all of your belongings
When I'm running in and out of my room I am always glad that I know where everything is! It also makes cleaning my room quick and easy knowing that everything has a place. I love roll-away carts like this Ready-to-Roll Storage Cart that can move around the room with me as I get ready and store folded essentials perfectly!
2. Keep your stuff, your stuff
Living in a sorority house with more than sixty girls can cause a lot of borrowed items to go missing. I find it important to make sure that my stuff stays my own and I love maximizing storage with cute canvas bins!
3. Accessorize with purpose
One of my favorite parts of my room is my dresser wall. Initially I found this space really hard to decorate, but I love how everything came together to create a functional and cute space! I store my sunglasses in a cute glass container, my spare change in a piggy bank, and all my necklaces on a cute jewelry tree. I DIYed the plant garland with fake ferns and tied them with lace on a thin twine rope. I also love how these Umbra® Trigg Small Wall Vessels bring greenery into the room and fills up extra wall space, oh, and they are only $25! I am currently loving metal framed mirrors, which add a luxe feel and focal point to the wall.
4. Get ready for class FAST
My desk is where I do it all! From studying to getting ready for the day I love having everything within arms reach. I have found it best to keep my everyday makeup in a large makeup bag (how cute is this Emily & Meritt Travel Beauty Pouch!?), so it's all in one place case I need to grab and go! I love small bins to hold all my hair products and accessories too!
5. Create your perfect cozy spot
The focal point of my room is most definitely my bed! I spend hours chatting with friends and napping in my bed so it's always made to look presentable. I love having this Emily & Meritt Circus Stripe Throw at the base of my bed to wrap myself up in after a long day at school.
How would you describe your 'dorm style'?
I would describe my dorm style as authentic and practical. I'm all about organization, but I want my room to stand out and represent what I love!
What is your favorite thing about your room?
My favorite thing about my room has to be my bed. I spend the most time there, and really believe it's the focal point of my room. My dad helped me build the light fixture hanging above my bed and I found wall decor that brings in greenery and displays photos of my friends while still being simple and clean.
You live in a sorority house, what are your favorite hacks for staying organized when living with so many girls?
When you live in a sorority house with more than 60 girls it's easy for things to get lost! The biggest thing for me is that everything has a place. When I know where something is it's easy to notice when things go missing! I also like getting ready for events with my sisters, so I love my ready-to-roll cart to bring everything into my friend's rooms with ease.
How did you choose which house was right for you?
You talk to so many women during recruitment and it can often be hard to navigate which house feels most like home. For me, I was lucky to fall in love with our philanthropy Make-A-Wish and felt an instant bond with the girls I talked to who shared the same passion as I did. I also looked around at the other girls who kept coming back to Chi Omega and truly pictured them as being my life long friends!
How did you keep your favorite personal belongings from getting lost in such a busy living area?
Keeping my personal belongings safe in such a big house is really important to me! I love using canvas bins to store my possessions so only I know what's in them. They match my closet vibe and help hid my messy junk too!
What do you love most about being in your sorority?
Being in a sorority teaches you so much about yourself and how to be the best you! You truly discover what it means to be a loyal friend, strong leader, and a hardworking student. I love how united we all are despite coming from places all over the country and really only knowing each other for a few years. That unbreakable bond is what fosters the supportive environment for all of us
to thrive!
What piece of advice would you offer an incoming Freshman that is going to live on campus for the first time?
My biggest piece of advice for incoming Freshmen is to take on your year with an open mind! I have had so many opportunities and built so many relationships that stemmed from me being open to new experiences. Things are going to seem scary, but once you conquer your inner fear you will be so happy you made yourself proud!
