Dan's Papers - August 17, 2007

As the summer winds down most parents are thinking "back to school," getting their college kids ready to leave the nest, shop and prepare for dorm living. My grandson Michael starts his junior year at C.W. Post College this fall and he is already starting to think about furnishing and decorating his new dorm room, with my help of course! And...why not? I know where all the good deals are. Two of my personal favorites for dorm decorating are T.J. Maxx and Pier One Imports. They are two perfect venues for furnishing, decorating and living the dorm life at very affordable prices.

Decorating a dorm room can often seem like an overwhelming experience. From artwork, to picture frames, favorite keepsakes and more, the personal touch is the key to making a dorm room one's own. Combining the necessities with luxuries can be difficult and time consuming. Here are some of the top ten tips for back-to-campus shopping that are sure to please parent and student alike:

1. Decide on a color palette. This season, shades of blue and brown are all the rage, but bright colors seem to never go out of style for the college student. Incorporate patterns and solids such as geometric prints, stripes, florals or plaids.

2. Think about storage options when you are decorating. Look for unique baskets or boxes in wicker, plastic, canvas or leather. Dorm rooms are usually small and students require a great deal of storage solutions to make the room functional. Set a large canvas basket near your desk so your books will be right at your fingertips.

3. Closet space is always limited, so take advantage of sweater and shoe organizers. They are tremendous space savers and come in fun colors, stripes and fabrics to match your décor. Try stacking them to add a bedside table.

4. The desk is an important focal point and today's accessories really help students become organized. Cork and magnetic boards are terrific organizing tools for highlighting upcoming study and social events.

5. "Bed in a Bag" sets are an easy way to bring everything you need to the dorm room. Sheet sets are practical and more cost effective than buying individual sheets. Additionally pillows are now available in "two packs" for added comfort.

6. Today, kitchen accessories are an essential part of the dorm room. Coffee mugs, silverware, serving pieces and plates come in every conceivable color and pattern. Purchase a personal coffee pot for that early class or when you're in that "gotta go" mode.

7. Create a homey or even home-like atmosphere with familiar accent pieces such as area rugs, decorative pillows and throws. Small touches enhance the room's overall look.

8. Don't forget to utilize the space under the bed. It not only hides things, but it is easily accessible. Look for organizers that can hold sweaters, books or extra linens. Also drawer organizers can help maximize space in bureaus and storage bins and shelving are terrific to create additional space.

9. Lighting is important and you should select from a variety of options such as desk lights, decorative lamps, reading and night-lights. They add decorative flair as well as serving as great study aids on those late nights.

10. Towels and washcloths are essentials. Choose oversized towels in colors to coordinate with the room scheme. Don't forget the all-important shower "caddy" to tote shampoo, toothpaste and other necessities.

"The key to a complete dorm room is to combine essentials with decorative pieces, creating a functional and comfortable space," advises T.J. Maxx Home Fashions Spokesperson Sonya Cosentini.

Keep in mind that shopping at an off-price store will enable you to decorate the room for much less, allowing for those special extras in the budget that will transform a dorm room into a home for any student.

There is a T.J. Maxx located in the Bridgehampton Commons and in nearby Riverhead. Pier One Imports is located in on Montauk Highway in Southampton and also in Riverhead.