Mix & Mash Moodboards: Dorm Decor with Roommates
When the bags are unpacked and the housewarming parties are over—well, that’s when life with your new roommate gets REAL. One of the most common challenges that roommates go through is navigating the decorating process together. Finding ways to blend different distinct styles can feel like a delicate dance. It’s important that each roommate feels equally represented in their home decor. However, achieving this result requires adept negotiation skills, a keen understanding of each person’s aesthetic preferences, and a creative vision that can blend opposing elements into a cohesive, wow-inducing solution. Compromising on a unified home decor mashup involves more than just merging color palettes, furniture choices, and art collections. The process demands a thoughtful approach to balance and harmony, ensuring that the space reflects a shared identity while still representing individual tastes. This process can be further complicated by emotional attachments to certain pieces or styles, requiring sensitivity and empathy to navigate potential conflicts.
Ultimately, the goal is to design a space that feels like a true home, where each element resonates with all parties involved. My Mix & Mash Moodboards are a great tool to help you navigate these sometimes tricky waters. I’ve also included a worksheet at the end of this post that will set you and your roomie up for successful design planning! Above all else, don’t stress. With the right tools (and a little inspiration), home decor happiness is possible.
Ready To Mash? Let’s Do It!
Todays’ mashup is traveling beyond the primary home to the college campus. That’s right, today we are focusing our mood boards on Dorm Decor!
I can still remember with crisp clarity the challenges my roommates and I faced trying to interlace our uniqueness into our shared rooms. Inevitably, things got a little weird and overcrowded with different styles crashing together in what felt like a postage stamp size space. If I had known then what I know now, I would have been better equipped to work together with my roommates to create a beautiful, well organized space that equally represented each of our design styles in a harmonious way.
Today on Renovation Blueprint, we are digging into three unique style mashups that can be found across college campuses nationwide. We are including tips and tricks to help you stay sane while decorating a room with a person who you may know well or you may have just met.
If you or someone you know is moving onto a college campus this Fall, send them this post so that they can work together with their roommate to create dorm decor harmony!
Dorm Decor Mix and Mash #1: Modern + Traditional
While it may seem that these two opposing styles would clash miserably, it’s not only possible but potentially quite beautiful to blend the clean lines and neutral tones of a modern palette with the classic design elements of traditional decor.
Our Modern Traditional Mood Board features a neutral color palette of whites, creams, black, and olive green. The modern side of the room stays true to character with crisp white sheets, a solid coverlet in a rich green tone, and textural elements that add visual interest. The traditional side of the room pairs soft, creamy sheets with a duvet cover featuring a sophisticated floral print in creams, greens and pale peachy pinks.
Both beds include a cozy backrest in a creamy faux fur fabric. A textured (and washable) rug provides a foundation for the room and bridges the opposing design styles together. Essential decor elements for any dorm room are layered in to celebrate each roommate's personal style, while being thoughtfully planned to ensure the overall aesthetic works harmoniously.
(1) Duvet Cover (2) Sheets (3) Desk Lamp (4) Artwork (5) Desk Organization (6) Lounge Seating (7) Laundry Basket (8) Area Rug (9) Desk Lamp (10) Duvet Cover (11) Sheets (12) Lighted Art Display (13) Desk Organization
Dorm Decor Mix and Mash #2: Boho + Mid-Century Modern
Boho and Mid-Century Modern design can coexist beautifully. The clean lines and neutral colors of Mid-Century style effortlessly complement the bold patterns and vibrant hues that Boho brings to the table. When thoughtfully planned, this fusion can create a match made in design heaven!
Our Boho Mid-Century Mood Board features pops of bold color and shapes traditionally found in Mid-Century decor, adored by Boho enthusiasts. Warm wood and brass accessories, a soothing blue duvet, and crisp white sheets represent the Mid-Century side of the room. The Boho side adds layers with a fun, patterned duvet, soft pink sheets, brass accents, and a playful desk lamp. A super-soft (and washable) faux fur rug and a cheerful yellow beanbag bridge the gap between these two design styles, creating a harmonious and inviting space.
(1) Duvet Cover (2) Sheets (3) Desk Lamp (4) Artwork (5) Desk Organization (6) Area Rug (7) Lounge Seating (8) Laundry Basket (9) Duvet Cover (10) Sheets (11) Wall Hanging (12) Desk Organization (13) Desk Lamp
Dorm Decor Mix and Mash #3: Coastal + Scandinavian
Blending Coastal and Scandinavian styles can make you feel like you've been transported from your college dorm room to a seaside vacation destination, all with the right mix of materials and colors. The watery hues and natural textures of Coastal design effortlessly pair with the simplicity and light, natural palette that defines Scandi style.
Our Coastal Scandinavian Mood Board features soft neutrals and weathered blues, paired with natural textures and light wood tones cherished by both styles. The Coastal side of the room showcases airy blue bedding with crisp white sheets, complemented by woven textural desk accessories and artwork with a retro coastal vibe. On the Scandinavian side, you'll find patterned bedding in multi-neutral tones, including airy blue, a textural wall hanging, and crisp white and light-toned wood desk accessories. A striped (and washable) rug ties the space together, while a deep marine blue pouf provides extra seating. Overall, this room decor exudes a casual, vacation-like vibe, sure to inspire relaxation after a long day on campus.
(1) Duvet Cover (2) Sheets (3) Desk Lamp (4) Artwork (5) Desk Organization (6) Laundry Basket (7) Area Rug (8) Pouf (9) Desk Lamp (10) Duvet Cover (11) Wall Hanging (12) Fan (13) Desk Organization
A Design Mashup Made In Heaven
Don’t fret if you and your roommate have different decor styles. A successful mashup is possible! Navigate the design process by prioritizing communication and practicing empathy. I promise that you will LOVE the end result. There is something so special about a space that reflects both of your unique styles in a natural way.
Ready to kick off your design conversations? Check out our FREE MIX AND MASH STYLES GUIDE to help you and your roommate bring ease into your home decor process. Our comment section is also open! We encourage you to share your own tips and experiences. How did you and your roommate successfully blend your styles together?
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