How to Blend Design Styles with a Roommate

While you and your roommate may have very different styles, you can still design a dorm room that you both love. Finding your own blend of style, design and aesthetic choices is a fun way to explore your creativity! Check out these design tips from PBteen to create a one-of-a-kind living space you both adore.

Find Your Inspiration

It’s helpful to get to know each other’s preferences. Creating a shared inspiration page or online design board allows each of you to share styles you enjoy with one another. You may find there are certain styles that you both like. Alternatively, pinning magazine clippings and fabric swatches to a pinboard in your room helps you consider styles together and you can even ask your friends for suggestions as they stop by to visit.

Blend Styles with the Color Wheel

Do you and your roommate like entirely different colors? This can actually work to your advantage! Your favorite colors may complement each other on the color wheel. Exploring the color wheel together can help you find an ideal color combination that suits both your tastes. For example, blue and orange sit opposite from one another on the wheel which results in a vibrant contrast that truly pops! Additionally, colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel can create a monochromatic look that you both enjoy.

Creating Cohesion

Choosing one or two design ideas to focus on throughout your room helps it feel put together while still letting you add your own personal touches. A fun way to do this is to display each of your initials above your beds. Using the same color or same font creates a great look. Alternatively, how about using the same style of wall organizers throughout the space? This creates a cohesive appearance while providing you both with valuable storage space. Organizers that adhere with removable adhesive strips keep your decor secure and your walls nail-free.

Complementing Styles

Blending your design aesthetic with your roommate’s gives you the opportunity to benefit from each other’s styles. For example, if you enjoy softer, more subdued colors and your roommate loves bright colors, both of your styles can bring out the best of each other. Pairing a soft white plush rug with some string lights draped from the walls creates a serene atmosphere. Adding vibrant teal pillows and wall decals gives your roommate the lively color they want. Best of all, each of your colors makes the other’s stand out.

Making Decor Together

By creating hand-crafted decor with your roommate, you’re making items that reflect both of your tastes. Best of all, you’re making memories together. Whether you’re hand-painting decorative pillows, forming three-dimensional art or creating a wall mural, you’re sure to think fondly of this time together whenever you look at your hand-crafted pieces.

Decorating with Love

Have you ever walked into a room featuring a mix of decorating styles that made you feel right at home? Great decor isn’t about following guidelines, it’s about surrounding yourself with the things you love. If each of you selects a few pieces that you feel strongly about, you can find beautiful balance and create a special oasis that feels like home to both of you.