Decorating one’s dorm room has become an art form. Those of us who aren’t the Picassos of the interior design world can still make our rooms look hot and inviting – and impress the neighbors – with a little creativity, some scissors and tape, and, oh yeah, $100 bucks to burn at a nearby Target.

Clock: $10Now that you’re living on your own, you need to pay attention to the time and your schedule. This wall clock will keep you on track and help make your room stylish. And remind yourself that somewhere, it’s happy hour.

Old mugs: FreeUse old mugs or those freebie Residence Hall Association mugs to hold pens, pencils, or other random pointy objects.

Rope Lights: $7.99These lights are tidy, easy to put up, bright and make an awesome window treatment. And you’ll always be able to spot your room from the ground.

Tiki Blackboard: $12.99Write messages, reminders or any obscene phrases on this tropical themed blackboard. Or make your own by painting cardboard with black or green wall paint. But who doesn’t love tiki-men shaped chalk?

T-shirt pillow: FreeFind an old t-shirt with a unique picture or logo, cut off the sleeves, wrap it around an old towel to whatever size you wish, and sew up the sides. Voila, a free, funky pillow. Take that Martha.

Chemise pillows: $7.00 for the setThese soft-cushy pillows will beef up your bed, make a nice armrest, and substitute for someone else during those long, chilly winter nights…or not.

Fleece Throw: $7.00Drape one of these babies tastefully across your bed to add color and warmth. And they make a pretty fun cape, too.

Lamp: $10 The stripes of color (so in this season) cast a soft glow and are so much cooler than a boring old desk lamp.

Mirror calendar: $15Why use an old-fashioned paper desk calendar when you can use this mirror calendar and check out your hot body at the same time?

Posterboard Stars and Moon: $1.50 We went for the celestial look with our cuttings, but feel free to cut your name, favorite team name or a ‘Go Cuse!’ battle cry, and paste them on your wall or ceiling. Butterfly chair: $15 (clearance!)When the beds are maxed out, guests can seek solace in this comfy chair.

Ribbon: Free (not pictured)Continue the striped theme by wrapping some ribbon around the back, legs or sides of your desk chair, or heck, around your roommate.

Published on August 29, 2004 at 12:00 pm