Chatting Decor with Dormify Style Advisors

Submitted by Managing Editor on July 24, 2012 - 10:54pm

View the story "#UChic Talks Decor with Dormify" on Storify#UChic Talks Decor with DormifyOn Tuesday, July 24, U Chic hosted three Dormify Style Advisors to talk all things dorm room and ideas on how to spice up your space. Here's what we uncovered!Storified by Kara Apel · Tue, Jul 24 2012 20:26:39Hello tweeters, welcome to the chat! Say hi to our guests @sabelelizabeth @i_am_MANDZ & @sarahhbowdenn, Style Advisors at @Dormify! #UChicU ChicOk - let's get this started! Introduce yourself! I'm Morgan, the Social Media Editor for U Chic, USC grad, DC resident.... #UChicU ChicHey Everyone! I'm Sabel and I'm so excited to be chatting with @UniversityChic #uchicSabel Harris@UniversityChic Hi! I'm Amanda, and I started @dormify with my mom @thedormifymom, from MD and working at @dormify all summer in NYC #uchicAmanda Zuckerman@UniversityChic Hi I'm Sarah and I'm a style advisor for @dormify and a second year at UVA. So excited to be chatting tonight! #UChicsarah bowden@meg_ocon @UniversityChic @sabelelizabeth @i_am_MANDZ @sarahhbowdenn @dormify Hi! Megan here! #uchicMegan O'ConnellI am Amanda, and I'm a UChic blogger, and upcoming Sophomore in college. #UChic #UChicAmanda CrossHi everyone! I'm the U Chic Managing Editor ... welcome to the chat! Excited to be here! #UChicKara Apel@UniversityChic Hi yall! I am the Social Media intern for #Uchic and Recent grad from USC #uchicLaura MacPherson@UniversityChic @sabelelizabeth @i_am_MANDZ @sarahhbowdenn @dormify Hi! I'm Katie! check out my blog guys! http://www.allglammedupstyle.com #UChicKate Stuart@UniversityChic How can I make my dorm room look chic and expensive without spending so much money? #UChicKate Stuart@allglamedup @UniversityChic DIY, rearrange your furniture or play with color! #UChicSabel HarrisLet's get started with the questions... Where do you go to find interior design inspiration? @sabelelizabeth @i_am_MANDZ #UChicU Chic@UniversityChic I find design inspiration from catalogs, Pinterest, decor magazines & DIY blogs! Where do you find ideas? #UChicU ChicI like to look at Pinterest and also see what my friends have in their apartments. A trip to BB&B always helps! #UChicKara Apel@UniversityChic I get inspiration from current fashion trends & blogs. The NYC office loves @kellywearstler & I love @byEmily #uchicAmanda ZuckermanI usually tend to find my interior design ideas on places like Pinterest, Polyvore, and Hobby Lobby. I am also a sucker for HGTV! #UChicAmanda Cross@UniversityChic I like looking at what my fellow @dormify Style Advisors come up with, but I love @designsponge #inspiration #uchicSabel Harris@UniversityChic I get most of my inspiration from Pinterest as well as some blogs #UChicKate Stuart@i_am_MANDZ What is your must have look for the fall? I am loving all the chevron patterns! #uchic #uchicLaura MacPherson@Laurza89 I'm loving tribal prints & geometric patterns. Mixing and matching patterns in your bedding creates a unique, eclectic look #uchicAmanda Zuckerman@i_am_MANDZ Also loving tribal! #uchic #uchicMegan O'ConnellLoving chevron right now 2! RT @Laurza89 @i_am_MANDZ What is your must have look for the fall? I am loving all the chevron patterns! #UChicU Chic@sabelelizabeth @i_am_MANDZ @sarahhbowdenn - What trends are going to be hot 4 back 2 school this fall? colors, patterns, furniture? #UChicU Chic@UniversityChic @sabelelizabeth @i_am_MANDZ @sarahhbowdenn Ikat Poufs! http://bit.ly/LXV8Cm #uchicDormify@UniversityChic @sabelelizabeth @i_am_MANDZ black and white with pops of color is my favorite trend! http://bit.ly/MnCzvB #UChicsarah bowden@sarahhbowdenn couldn't agree with you more ;) #uchicSabel Harris@UniversityChic Pops of BRIGHT color! Think teals and pinks. #uchicSabel Harris@sabelelizabeth @sarahhbowdenn - How can I incorporate pops of colors into my dorm room? #UChicU Chic@UniversityChic Black + white and mixing up neutrals (like brown + black, tan + black, beige + silver, etc). #uchicDormify@UniversityChic Stick with a neutral background & add pops that are in the same family! Use throw pillows, flowers and frames to POP #uchicSabel Harris@UniversityChic @sabelelizabeth Pillows with cool patterns or colors as well as wall tapestries and pic frames! #UChicsarah bowden@allglamedup @meg_ocon @Laurza89 -- Where do you find decor inspiration? #UChicU Chic@universitychic One of my favorite fashion blogs is @mackenziehoran and of course I love Pinterest as well!! #uchic #uchicLaura MacPhersonCould pick out floral bouquets from hobby lobby for days! I make a new one each season! #UChicMegan O'ConnellHaha love that you do this! RT @meg_ocon: Could pick out floral bouquets from hobby lobby for days! I make a new one each season! #UChicU Chic@meg_ocon I agree. I am definitely going to a store that sells those to add some color to my apartment this fall! #UChicAmanda Cross@allglamedup Pinterest is popular with everyone in the chat! What design blogs do you read? #UChicU Chic@UniversityChic I LOVE House of Turquoise and Song of Style #UChicKate Stuart@allglamedup @UniversityChic my obsession with @pinterest is unhealthy #uchicAmanda Zuckerman@i_am_MANDZ Same here! The amount of time I spend on Pinterest is sickening! #pinterestobsessed #UChicU Chic@i_am_MANDZ True for me as well. I am a Pinterest addict, but I am okay with that. :) #UChicAmanda CrossThis isn't a new trend ... but I love anything that is monogrammed and pink. Pretty much describes my room to a T. #UChicKara Apel@Kara_Apel Monogrammed & pink is so your style! What do you monogram in your apartment decor? #UChicU Chic@universitychic I monogram bath towels, sheets, pillowcases - pretty much everything! It's a cute way to spice up plain items. #UChicKara Apel@UniversityChic @Kara_Apel Also our A-Z prints are a chic, modern take on traditional monogram for your walls! http://bit.ly/OmqQfQ #uchicDormifyThese trends are awesome, but how can you decorate a space on a college student budget? @sabelelizabeth @i_am_MANDZ @sarahhbowdenn #UChicU Chic@UniversityChic Pinterest is a great base to scour for amazing DIY tips while still staying college budget friendly! #uchicSabel Harris@UniversityChic Reversible duvets are great for students on a budgets bc you get two looks for the price of one! http://bit.ly/MFATPk #uchicAmanda Zuckerman@sabelelizabeth @i_am_MANDZ @sarahhbowdenn What's one thing you wish you would've known about dorm life? #UChicKara Apel@Kara_Apel Utilize wall space! Try hanging bags, art that you made yourself or @dormify A to Z prints to make the space you! #uchicSabel HarrisHow do u mix patterns 4 a small dorm? RT @sarahhbowdenn Pillows with cool patterns or colors as well as wall tapestries & pic frames! #UChicU Chic@UniversityChic pick patterns that compliment each other by being in the same color scheme& mix a pattern or two. don't go overboard! #UChicsarah bowden@sabelelizabeth What DIY projects are good for college students? #UChicU Chic@UniversityChic I am a fan of DIY projects http://tinyurl.com/7o4ufq4 You can also hang jewelry on walls with hooks&fabric for a cool look #Uchicsarah bowden@UniversityChic @sabelelizabeth Of course there are tons of tips here too for #DIY #dorm http://bit.ly/MDU8Hg #uchicDormify@UniversityChic I'm a big fan of taking blank canvases doing w/e your heart desires Painting, modpodging...possibilities are endless! #uchicSabel HarrisNow we know what's trendy... Any advice on coordinating decor with new roommates? @dormify @sabelelizabeth @i_am_MANDZ @sarahhbowdenn #UChicU Chic@UniversityChic Well besides reversible duvets, roommates can pick a unifying color & style beds differently to fit their personality #uchicAmanda Zuckerman@UniversityChic @dormify you don't have to have all the same things but try to communicate a mutual feel& color scheme when planning #UChicsarah bowden@UniversityChic Talk to your roommate as soon as possible ... it'll be hard to coordinate if you've both already bought dorm stuff! #UChicKara Apel@sabelelizabeth speaking of wall space - how in the world do I hang things on my dorm wall? #NoNailsAllowed #UChicU Chic@UniversityChic 3M Command Strips WILL change your life. I promise. Stock up. #uchicAmanda Zuckerman@UniversityChic this is a requirement for your dorm room #uchicAmanda ZuckermanWish I would've known about these in college ... RT @i_am_mandz: 3M Command Strips WILL change your life. I promise. Stock up. #uchicKara Apel@Kara_Apel @i_am_mandz Wish they existed when I was!Nicole Gardner@UniversityChic My parents would never trust me with a hammer...hence @3MNews command strips! #uchicSabel HarrisIn my dorm the command strips didn't work too well. But my roommate had Loctite Fun-Tak and it's pretty good, and removes easy! #UChicAmanda Cross@AmandaJPCross Thanks for the advice! What do you usually hang on your dorm walls? #UChicU Chic

Our winning tweet for the night came from Amanda Cross here:

@UniversityChic I love to hang canvases on my wall. I am also fond of wall stickers/decals because they add color and remove easily. #UChicAmanda Cross@i_am_MANDZ Did you pick a common color palette with your roommate? #UChicU Chic@UniversityChic Yes,my freshman year! We had matching sheets, different duvets, &gray was our unifying color. Diff throw pillows too! #uchicAmanda ZuckermanWhat unexpected challenges did you face when decorating your dorm? @dormify @sabelelizabeth @i_am_MANDZ @sarahhbowdenn #UChicU Chic@UniversityChic I overestimated the amount of space I had. It was had to get everything to fit. Brought way too many clothes ... #UChicKara Apel@Kara_Apel I think every college girl over packs her clothes! My closet was FULL my first semester too #UChicU Chic@UniversityChic @Kara_Apel Same thing happened to me! Second semester I had to change my ways http://usat.ly/zIqkg2 #UChicsarah bowden@UniversityChic i tried putting mirror tiles on my wall.. you need to have enough of command strips so they dont fall& crack @ night #UChicsarah bowdenJust organized my shoes and some of my magazines on a bookshelf :) #UChic http://pic.twitter.com/54qcMTeXKate Stuart@allglamedup Love the chevron baskets at the top! #UChicU ChicZig zag = so hot right now “@UniversityChic: @allglamedup Love the chevron baskets at the top! #UChic”Dormify“@dormify: Zig zag = so hot right now “@UniversityChic: @allglamedup Love the chevron baskets at the top! #UChic”” I know! I'm obsessed..Kate StuartIs it worth investing in $$$$$ furnishings for college? @dormify @sabelelizabeth @i_am_MANDZ @sarahhbowdenn #UChicU Chic@UniversityChic It depends. If you are living on campus most of the time, then yes for a great set of sheets and duvet you love! #uchicSabel Harris@UniversityChic Invest in some great pieces, like an awesome duvet cover and dec pillows. Save on storage & #DIY. #uchicDormifyI didn't spend too much for dorm stuff, and I am glad I didn't because i can't really use the sheet sets anymore in my apartment. #UChicAmanda Cross@i_am_mandz @UniversityChic @dormify @sabelelizabeth A mattress pad also does WONDERS for a dorm bed. #UChicKara Apel@Kara_Apel Is it too much that I had two mattress pads? #restfulsleep #uchicSabel HarrisOne of my friends buys a nice new piece of furniture at the beginning of each year #UChicMegan O'Connell@UniversityChic For your dorm you probably wont need to invest in anything more than a refrigerator. Your feelings may change for apt #UChicsarah bowden@sarahhbowdenn @UniversityChic I agree ... I got all new stuff for my first apt. Got a cheap comforter for dorm room. #UChicKara Apel@UniversityChic I would say no...unless you are moving into a place off campus that you can take the furniture beyond college. #uchicSabel Harris@UniversityChic @dormify @sabelelizabeth Bedding is definitely worth the splurge #uchicAmanda ZuckermanShould I select a duvet that can transition into post-college style? RT @i_am_MANDZ: Bedding is definitely worth the splurge #UChicU Chic@UniversityChic Sometimes people like to buy a full/queen size for that reason! Let it hang on the sides in your twin xl. #uchicDormify@universitychic I still have my quilt from freshman year and use it as an accent piece! it's pink of course ! #uchicLaura MacPherson“@Laurza89: @universitychic I still have my quilt from freshman year and use it as an accent piece! it's pink of course ! #uchic” Love!DormifySame! RT @Laurza89: @universitychic I still have my quilt from freshman year and use it as an accent piece! its pink of course ! #uchicSabel Harris@dormify what do you think are some essentials for a new apartment bedroom? @UniversityChic #UChicAshley Yenick@dormify @Ashhyen @UniversityChic @i_am_MANDZ a long mirror, a comfy bed, a shoe organizer, lots of pillows, & funky pic frames #UChicsarah bowden@Ashhyen Bedding! After a full day's work you'll want to come back to a bed you just LOVE! #uchicSabel Harris@Ashhyen @UniversityChic Would have to say a POUF! Versatile as table or chair! http://bit.ly/OlH33u #uchicDormify@Ashhyen A POUF! One piece of furniture, used as a coffee table, extra seat, or ottoman! More of our apt faves: http://bit.ly/NtUDWa #uchicAmanda Zuckerman@UniversityChic @dormify All this talk about the poufs and has got me thinking that it's time for me to get one! #uchicSabel Harris@dormify @Ashhyen @UniversityChic I definitely want to buy a pouf. Way too cute! #UChicKara Apel@Kara_Apel @dormify @UniversityChic Agreed! A cute patterned one like one from @dormify would look so cute in my new room! #UchicAshley Yenick@UniversityChic Thanks so much! So excited to learn some good advice for my dorm/apartment decorating! #UChicAshley Yenick@UniversityChic Also, I would splurge on a comfy throw blanket #necessity #uchic http://bit.ly/NtUYbdAmanda Zuckerman@sabelelizabeth @i_am_MANDZ @sarahhbowdenn What are some cool things I can use to save space? #UChicU ChicIf you live in a dorm I would suggest buying bed risers or loft equipment if you can. There's so much under bed space you can use! #UChicAmanda Cross@AmandaJPCross YES YES! #uchicSabel Harris@UniversityChic Can't forget about the Loft Bed! Store stuff underneath and surprisingly gives your room a "fresh" heightened take! #uchicSabel Harris@sabelelizabeth @AmandaJPCross AGREED! Stack lots of plastic drawers under your bed! #uchicAmanda Zuckerman@i_am_mandz @sabelelizabeth @AmandaJPCross I had six plastic drawers underneath my bed freshman year. And a full closet. Yikes! #UChicKara Apel@Kara_Apel @i_am_mandz @sabelelizabeth @AmandaJPCross #toomanyclothes #uchicDormify@UniversityChic @sabelelizabeth @i_am_MANDZ In closet organizers are life savers! Check out these from @dormify http://bit.ly/M7gSBt #UChicsarah bowden@dormify Do you think it's too much of a fashion faux pas to have white furniture with white walls? @UniversityChic #UChicAshley Yenick@Ashhyen Depends! White on white can be sooo chic a la @rachelzoe in her home. #uchicDormify@Ashhyen No! Throw color and personality into your room w/your bedding and wall decor, like @dormify A to Z prints and wall decals #uchicAmanda Zuckerman@Ashhyen I love the starkness of white...but don't let it drown you so remember to add pops of color! #uchicSabel Harris@Ashhyen Props to you for keeping white clean! My space would be filthy and white for only 2 minutes haha #UChicU Chic@UniversityChic Haha Thanks! I'm afraid to see what my room will look like after I have winter break! #UChicAshley Yenick@UniversityChic how would you suggest cheering up a north-facing room with an olive green accent wall? #uchicDanielle@followyourbiss Balance is the key and stick to colors that would complement the accent wall! #uchicSabel Harris@followyourbiss pinks and floral prints! Sounds just like my room :-) #UChicMegan O'Connell@followyourbiss Hot pink accents can look so great yet unexpected against a drab green. #uchicDormifyA BIG BIG BIG thank you to @dormify @sabelelizabeth @i_am_MANDZ @sarahhbowdenn! Loved your #dormtips advice! #UChicU Chic@UniversityChic @dormify LOVED being a part of this chat! #uchicSabel HarrisGreat chat! Thx @UniversityChic and our girls @i_am_MANDZ @sarahhbowdenn @sabelelizabeth you rock! #uchicDormifyAnd of course send questions our way anytime for help with your dorm + apt dilemmas! #uchic #dormtipsDormifyAwesome chat guys!! #UChicKate StuartPS: Stay tuned to http://UChic.com tomorrow for a BIG blog announcement! #UChicU ChicAnd join us in August for another great twitter chat! #UChicU Chic