BIG style for small spaces
The days of summer are passing more quickly than grains flowing through an hour glass. Yesterday’s high school seniors are today’s college freshmen and it won’t be long before they are settling into their new lives and their new dorm rooms.
Like the remainder of their lives, these new residences are blank canvases that need to be personalized.
“The most important thing that people forget is that a dorm room is a small space that has two completely different needs that are constantly clashing with one another,” said New York-based designer Dror Benshetrit, who recently launched a limited edition line of home and stationary products at Target. “It needs to be a private space and a place to entertain.”
Benshetrit said the conflict comes in finding solutions so that the space can meet both needs. And that means avoiding separating the small room into zones by hanging a curtain or putting up some type of divider. “That makes it look very much like a dorm room. It’s temporary and sloppy. It always feels as if you are trying to hide something.”
Instead he suggests using his stack bookcase, which is comprised of four telescoping boxes that can be personalized in terms of height, length and orientation. Inside of the boxes, you can use little storage boxes, as well as place books and display things you like.
Having a place to store personal belongings is crucial to creating a livable environment. And, with storage boxes or baskets, personal items are easily accessible but not out in the open for all to see.
Putting himself in the role of student, Benshetrit said he tries to envision what it would be like to live in such a small space.
“The most important thing is to create an environment that is personal. Take things that reflect you and your passion,” he said.
But for many that can be a daunting process. At that young age, a person may not have developed a sense of style yet, or lacks confidence in her or his design decisions.
“The easiest way (to develop a sense of style) is to try to get the basics first and then see how people interact in the environment. There’s always a flow or friends and neighbors coming into your environment. Pay attention to what they are attracted to — what you are proud of or ashamed of. Then, based on that, add more of what you are proud of,” Benshetrit said.
“Students can easily add life to dreary dorm rooms by incorporating top-trend patterns and color,” said David Hacker, vice president of trend and color for Kohl’s. “Plaid, dotted, pixilated and ombre prints add energy to small spaces while vibrant colors like reds and blues awaken the senses.”
The brighter colors also make the space feel bigger, Benshetrit said, adding that colors inspired by nature are always a good choice.
Another way to create the illusion of space is with mirrors. Placing a mirror against a window can bounce the reflection so that it appears there is a second window in the room. When placed in a corner or a doorway, the mirror can make the room feel as if there is wan extension.
Benshetrit’s designs work to transform a space literally and metaphorically. For example, his flip flop pillow features pleats that can be folded to reveal two different patterns.
His philosophy is that multifunctionality allows you to live large in a small space.
“Make rooms modern and multifunctional with contemporary finishing touches and multipurpose décor. Translucent desk lights and accessories offer a futuristic feel and ample storage for study essentials,” Hacker said.
Benshetrit added that it is important to have more than one source of light in the room. With a light on the desk, next to the bed and overhead, it will draw your attention to different corners, he said, reminding dorm residents to clean their windows from time to time, if possible. “Clean windows simply bring in more light and makes the place feel brighter and bigger.”
Through his designs Benshetrit also strives to create a feeling of movement, which he said enlivens any space. As a result, many of his pieces feature butterflies and hummingbirds or can be arranged and displayed in various ways.
And if the budget doesn’t allow for new purchases, he suggests just rearranging what you already have. “I love movement and changing little things — putting something upside down. Even if it doesn’t make sense, try it for at least a few days. Most of the time you’ll be right, but sometimes you will discover something else, something that actually looks great.”
