GET THE LOOK: THE GROWN-UP DORM ROOM

Summer is almost over, which means school is around the corner for some. Feeling clueless? Avoid the “Back-2-School” signs at Bed Bath and Beyond and start thinking outside the box. You’re guaranteed to win the respect of your college floor mates with your grown-up style.

 

 

This slim n’ handy tray table from MUJI is useful for so many dorm-like activities.

Steel Pipe Side Table, $88

 

The Bygone Blackboard is made of reclaimed oak from an old steel mill and repurposed leather from WWII soldiers’ spats. Fancy.

Bygone Blackboard, $28

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Rooming in close quarters calls for clever storage. Ditch those dull plastic bins for vintage suitcases, like this one found on Etsy.

Vintage Black Suitcase, $30

 

Store toiletries and school supplies in this sweet 70s Samsonite train case, from dirtiebirdiesvintage on Etsy.

Vintage brown Samsonite carry on train case, $22

 

Simple, cheap, and designed to fit pesky twin xl mattresses, these Target sheets get the job done (and come in a nice variety of colors).

Room Essentials® Twin XL Dorm Sheet Set , $17.99

 

Instead of hideous bed-in-a-bag sets, layer with cozy throws in interesting patterns. This jumbo Ikat throw from Urban Outfitters is a sure fit.

Ikat Woven Tapestry, $69

 

A book light is essential for late night cramming sessions. I’m partial to this modern LED model from MoMA.

Starlite Rechargeable LED Light, $25

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SHOPPING GUIDE: NATURAL FIBER RUGS

Looking for an area rug? Here are three great natural fiber rugs for under 300 bucks!

This 100% Jute rug can fit into a traditional setting just as easily as a modern setting.  You can’t go wrong with this one for $279.00

Jewel Jute Rug

If you fancy a chic bold stripe then this the rug for you. 100% Cotton and only $299.00 bucks for an 8 x 10

Olin Rug

Clean and simple, this 100% Jute rug is available in 12 colors to match any room and style. $229.00

Company Hemmed Jute Rug

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DESIGN AROUND: A METAL DESK

Building a look around a quality statement piece is a good way to anchor a room. When augmented with lower-cost pieces, it’s also a good way to achieve a look that’s greater than the sum of its parts. This week’s Design Around is an office space based on a metal desk.

 

The Parsons desk is already a classic, but this hand-wrapped metal version from West Elm really steals the show. $499.

Parsons Metal Desk, $499

 

The CoCo Cabana chair from Urban Outfitters is made of reclaimed steel and would look great shimmied up next to the desk.  $189.

CoCo Cabana Chair, $189

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This Silver Pebbles rug from CB2 isn’t necessarily cheap (at $399) but it’s big (5′ x 8′) and—as The Dude would say—it really ties the room together.

silver pebbles rug, $399

 

The Ljusas Salbo lamp from IKEA is complimentary while maintaining a character all it own. $39.99.

LJUSÃ…S SALBO Lamp, $39.99

 

A playful twist on the ongoing taxidermy craze, this inflatable tiger head makes for cheeky wall décor. $30 from Urban Outfitters.

Inflatable Tiger Head, $30

 

These baskets are great for floor storage of books, magazines or all of your already-outdated electronics. $44.99 for 3, from Target.

Espresso Wire Rattan Baskets 3-pk., $44.99

 

Things made of wood that aren’t normally made of wood are fun. Case in point: this stapler.  $28 from Seltzer Studios.

Wooden Stapler , $28

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FRIDAY FINDS: STUFF FOR $36 OR LESS

Happy Friday. This week, nothing over $36.

These 800 page behemoth journals promise to store a ‘lifetime of thoughts’ in style, from Anthropologie.

Suitcase Journal, $25

 

This roll of regal wallpaper is marked down to $36 for 56 square feet, perfect for a rainy weekend bathroom wall-papering project…

Graham and Brown Mode Wallpaper, $36

 

…then celebrate with some cake on one of these matchy melamine plates in the bathtub.

Set of Four Artifacts Dessert Plates by Thomas Paul, $20

 

Cotton shower curtains are underrated. The Olivia shower curtain is grown-up cute.

olivia shower curtain, $35

 

And speaking of grown-up cute, the Hello Kitty compact complements it nicely. From Sephora.

Hello Kitty Compact Mirror, $18

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POUFS

Poufs have the fun factor of a beanbag and the integrity of an ottoman. As such, these versatile pieces can be placed just about anywhere as additional seating, leg rests and side tables. Here are some of our favorites for under $200.

CB2’s blue knit pouf is a cozy pop of color. $89.95

knitted pool pouf

 

This pouf from Nordstrom’s adds the pizzazz of shag without the commitment of wall-to-wall carpeting. $98

Nordstrom 'Shaggy Pouf' Ottoman

 

The whipstitch pouf from Serena & Lilly has 100% wool fill for extra support. $119.

Slate/Yellow Whipstitch Pouf

 

The sleek grey denim pouf from Ferm is on sale for $199 (from $299).

Gray Denim Pouf

 

IKEA has carried these banana fiber “stools” for some time, which are highly versatile and great for incorporating some extra texture into a room. $29.99

ALSEDA Stool

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GET THE LOOK: SLEEP NO MORE (PART TWO)

 

As highlighted in our Get the Look post from last week, Sleep No More is a totally unique immersive experience from Punchdrunk that redefines “theater.” The dozens of rooms on display are so eerily beautiful that they suck you right in, with several looks that are downright covet-worthy. We featured the Sleep No More Living Room last week. This week, we feature the Sleep No More Office, as inspired by the several office-themed rooms that had a very old-timey detective agency feel.

 

An old, beat-up desk from the flea market makes the best choice, but this one from Amazon is a good second place. Amazon $259.95

Oasis Concepts All Wood Flip and Fold Desk

 

The wooden swivel chair will never go out of style and is perfect for spinning around in circles as you “brainstorm.” $229 CNS Store

Wooden Seat Swivel Office Chair in Cherry

 

This sturdy file cabinet from Global Industrial can house all the documents meant for your eyes only. $208.95

Vertical File Letter Size 4 Drawer

 

A real steal—this green “banker’s lamp” from Office Depot is just $29.99. Office Depot, $29.99.

Traditional Banker's Lamp

 

True, old typewriters aren’t nearly as useful as that new iPad of yours, but can your iPad type out funny old love letters and invitations? Ok, it probably can, but this vintage model on Ebay just looks cool.

Antique Cherry Red Royal Typewriter 1930s

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You simply aren’t civilized unless you own a letter opener and a magnifying glass. $39.99 on Amazon.

Delicately Carved Wooden Handle Magnifying Glass and Letter Opener Set

 

Keep your cool on any job with an old-time desk fan. This Ecco version is $85.10.

Ecco Black Desk Fan

 

The Ikea Tarnby rug is gumshoe friendly. $99.

TÃ…RNBY Rug

 

When it comes to important note taking, one can never have too many steno pads. $3.61 from The Office Dealer.

Tops Docket Steno Pad

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