Decorating is a key part of the holiday season. For students at Wilfrid Laurier University, adding festive touches to a dorm room can be a simple way to relax and get into the spirit. But finding décor that’s affordable, stylish and easy to use can be a challenge, especially for those who are inexperienced in the skill of interior design. So how do you get started? First, to decorate for the holidays, it’s important to focus on a central theme.
When making a cohesive design, start by figuring out your own specific style, maybe you prefer a room that is cozy but spacious, or traditionally rustic. Build a room that suits your personal taste. For those who struggle with planning, using apps like Pinterest to create a moodboard is an accessible way to begin.
Now that the theme is sorted, it’s time to concentrate on the details. As a university student, it can be hard to balance being frugal when decorating your space. Cheryl Lee, owner of Cheryl Lee Interiors, a local interior design business in Kitchener-Waterloo, offered advice for students decorating on a budget.
“If you’re on a budget, like to get creative, or want to reuse/upcycle – you can find a lot of great holiday decor second-hand,” Lee said, suggesting students take advantage of the local thrift scene.
She added that “for sake of versatility, find things that are not strictly holiday specific. For example, a plaid throw pillow can be easily used beyond just the holiday season.” With a variety of local thrift stores, cheap décor is only a bus ride away.
When it comes to choosing a colour palette, winter décor often leans on classic reds and greens, made popular through a mix of pagan traditions, Christian symbols and later commercial influences.
Lee said she prefers “warm neutrals, forest greens and deep reds for winter decor. Play with textures like velvet and plush/faux fur. Cozy vibes to offset chilly Ontario winters.” She also noted that “Decorative lighting, like mini string lights, can also add colour – whether you opt for multi-coloured lights, or just stick with a classic warm white light temperature.”
The way lights are used in design can make or break the style of your space, while most students don’t have the space for the beloved Christmas tree, you can still incorporate the cozy warmth of winter through a more practical means. For a bright, colourful look, sticky LED strips are an energy efficient option, being cost effective and eco-friendly. For a more subtle, low light, table lamps are perfect for that warm, whimsical holiday feel.
Decorating for the holidays can be made even more fun through the use of DIY projects. You might fill your walls with cut out paper snowflakes, string up popcorn and cranberry garlands, wrap ribbon around the posts of your bedframe. One of the easiest Christmas crafts can be the fun of making handmade ornaments, cutting out stars using cereal boxes, or making tuques using yarn and toilet paper rolls.
Decorating is ultimately about creating comfort. No matter your budget or experience with decorating, small choices can transform a student space into something personal. Embracing creativity, reusing materials and choosing pieces that reflect your style can make the season feel brighter, making your dorm feel a little more like home.
Contributed Graphic/Clara Rose
