Wallnutz

We have talked about decorating for a child, teenager, and college student. Our last step in this series is decorating your new home, a grown up space.
Elegant and Unique
Now, you’ve moved into the working world. You can do what you want and decorate how you please. Your tastes have matured, but you still want fresh and modern design. These ideas will infuse your desire to be adult and independent while still keeping things hip and fun.
Color
If you have a new place that you can paint, I’m sure that you’re itching to paint something! Colors affect the light in a room, feeling of depth, mood, and character. First, inspect the amount of light that you have in the room. If it is dimly lit and small, you probably want to keep the main color light to medium in hue. Too dark will make it feel cavernous, but maybe you like that feeling. If you have a lot of light, a darker color will absorb some of the light and make the room feel cozier and less sterile. Light colors can work in a bright room depending on the mood that you want to evoke. A common technique is using an accent color or Wallpaper on one wall or area. This is especially helpful if you want to affect the depth of your room. Painting a wall darker will make it feel farther away, and painting the other walls a lighter hue of the same color will give you the sense of depth that you want. If you have any architectural elements that you would like to highlight, use the accent color to make them pop. This could be a recessed wall or the fireplace. Just make sure that whatever you are accenting is something that you want to draw attention to. Don’t paint an accent color on a wall with a lot switches, thermostat, and vents. Instead keep the wall color white or neutral and draw attention to focal points.
Choose your colors based on the mood and style that you are trying to evoke. Often, picking a favorite painting or pillow to pull colors from is the easiest way to choose colors. Pick out one lighter or neutral color from the inspiration piece, and use a richer or darker color as your accent. You can also use those colors to pick out fabrics for drapery, furniture, rugs, and bedding.
Style
Now that you have your palette you can infuse your style. Are you into contemporary designs that offer a new, clean and casual space, or maybe you like mid-century modern for its curves and simplicity? Whatever your style, you can make it your own with accessories, art and personal mementos. To add edge to your space and create interest think about installations like our Power Pole Wall Sticker or the Branches Wall Sticker for a more nature-inspired touch. You can step up your home’s look and functionality with a Rococo Chalkboard or an easy-to-use Wall Planner. Make it easy for yourself to stay organized, and you will have more time to enjoy yourself.
To add some warmth, our HollyWood planks are a modern spin on retro wood paneling, and it’s a lot easier to take down when you want to change or move. Creating interests and a focal point in a room can make you feel grounded and allows you to settle and enjoy your space. Also, consider using removable stickers like our Damask or Cherry Blossom on tables, lamps, and even windows. It’s a great way to customize your furniture or provide a little privacy.
Making a home
Remember to pay attention what you are drawn to because when you love everything in your space, it will feel like home.

We have touched on the subjects of decorating for a child and teenager. Our next step in the evolution of room décor is decorating a dorm room or first apartment.
Temporary Spaces
So this is the big leap away from home, you get to decide how to decorate and possibly incorporate with a roommate. Most dorms and apartments have policies about not painting the walls and about not putting holes in the walls, etc. Here are a few tips to get you started on a design that you can take with you.
Color
Since painting is probably not an option, lets explore alternative ways to add color to a space. Consider all of the fabrics that you can incorporate into a room:  bedding, pillows, curtains, and furniture. If you are able to coordinate with your roommate prior to moving in, find out what colors they like and dislike and if they already have bedding and colors that they will bring into the space. If you have furniture that you are bringing to the space decide if you like the fabric or if you want to recover it. Shop for your bedding first, because often it will lead you to a color combination that you can work from. Then, you can find coordinating pillows, throws, slipcovers and curtains.
Function and Form
Once you have the fabrics and furniture, you will be able to move onto accessories, art, and tools such as Calendars and Chalkboards. Consider having a message center for each roommate so that you can leave each other notes and reminders. These Chalkboard Decals make keeping informed fun, easy, and removable! The Know What I’m Saying write and erase speech bubble decal is a cute and funny alternative, too. Another great way to remember and share events is to have a Wall Calendar. Our calendar and interactive wall decals are so easy to use because you can write with any kind of marker and still be able to wipe it clean. No more looking for the dry erase marker!
A great way to personalize your space is with photos. Think of bringing pictures that you love and adding more as you make new friends and share fun memories. These Frames Stickers will make it so easy to change photos, add new ones, and take it all with you when you leave with no nails or holes in the wall. You can also check out these Wall Pockets Stickers. Think of all the things that you can put in them: homework, invitations, cds, notes, etc. It’s a fun way to stay organized and keep your desk clean.
Now, you can also add more decorative elements to make your space unique and reflect your personality. Wall Sticker Murals are a great way to express your style with modern shapes or themes that interest you. Check out Shop by Theme for all the categories, or check out our Teens / College Spaces for more inspiration and ideas.
Staying Flexible
Just remember that you can have a space that feels like you no matter the restrictions and that it can move with you wherever you go!
Next time, we’ll talk about decorating your first home.