The Paisley Farmhouse

By India Harvey http://indiaharvey.com

1. Dorms are blank, dull spaces that will quickly swallow up your stuff. The best way to avoid this boring-factor and to create a homey feel is to use the ENTIRE space (even if it's small)...the walls, the floor, even the ceiling! Add a floor rug, wall decorations, and even a canopy out of an old sheet to acheive that warm and cozy atmosphere all around you.

2. Dorms are white. You gotta have some color! The quickest way to add color to a dorm room is by adding bright wall hangings. You can really use anything to do this too...quilts, blown up photography, paintings, just a few yards of whatever fabric you choose. (I hung a rug for example.)

3. Dorms have bad lighting. Lamps are the easiest way to make a dorm room warm and inviting, because they will give off golden light instead of the florescent lighting you most likely have overhead. (Floor lamps seem to work better than just a desk lamp).

4. Dorms are cramped. It can be difficult, but try to arrange your furniture in such a way that it is open and inviting to visiting friends. It's always good to face your bed towards whatever other seating you may have, even if it is facing your roomate's bed. This way, it is easier to hang out and have people over. Also, for more storage it is good to lift your bed with bed risers and hide your stuff underneath!

5. Dorms are used. Things are often stained, broken, etc, but remember to laugh about it. Be creative and hide stains with a rug or hide nail holes with your own wall hangings. Also, candles and diffusers are a great way to muffle that dorm funk as well as fill your new home with smells from back home.

Have fun!

What you need:
plate/dish
can of chalkboard paint
foam paint brush
chalk
Optional: steel wool & painter's tape

Step 1: Paint a layer of chalkboard paint in the center of your dish. Keep the edges clean and straight as you can. Painter's tape comes in handy on a square plate. Let dry.

Step 2: Use steel wool to smooth, then paint another layer. Let dry.

Step 3: Write a nice message and pair with a plate hanger, plate stand, or chalk for a great gift! Teachers and others will love it!

This project was adapted and inspired from http:tuesdayswithmolly.blogspot.com.