The Chanticleer

Issue date: 1/26/06 Section: Features

Media Credit: Chris Yow Claire Perrin has a French flag signed by friends from home.

Media Credit: Chris Yow Jessica Burkhalter has her name in lights...rope lights.

Media Credit: Chris Yow Zorka's room is decorated with the icy glow of blue lights.

Media Credit: Chris Yow Zorka Kujovic's map of the world, which is signed by friends met at JSU.

Media Credit: Chris Yow Ginny, whose fave color is purple, poses under her name

Claire Perrin sleeps under two flags. Literally. A French flag signed by friends from home and a German flag for her family members in Germany.

The smiling faces of loved ones from both sides of the Atlantic, as well as pictures drawn by her cousin compliment them and add extra reminders of home, both in Brest, France, and with her extended family in München, Germany.

No matter if "home" is on the other side of the state or the other side of the world, when you go to college, everyone feels the need to bring a little home with them.

For Jessica Burkhalter and Ginny Allen, that was each other. Band mates since high school, the room they share reflects their friendship and shared interests.

"We'd pick up something here or there and just bring it back," said Jessica.

It's a medley of pastel green mixed with purple and pink, Ginny and Jessica's favorite colors, and had to be rearranged three times before they settled on furniture placement that was just right.

"It was such an ordeal," said Ginny.

Their mothers also help with decorating, sending the girls two of whatever they find that goes well with the room.

For Zorka Kujovic, her friends are a large part of the decor of her room.

Souvenirs from friends she's made while living at the International House occupy a ledge, while a map of the world, with countries signed by those she has met, dominates the head of her bed.

Right now, her room is decorated for winter. Blue lights reflect off of blue and silver balls hanging from the ceiling, casting an icy light over the space.

Of course, they're high enough so that even her tallest friends don't have to duck when they come to visit.

So, no matter if "home" is just across the state line or over the International Date Line, don't forget to infuse your space with your own sense of home and family.

5 Decorating Tips

*Don't crowd in too many items. Coordinate with your roommate (if possible) to ensure that there isn't too much furniture or too much STUFF.

*Use the walls. No, you can't paint them, but you can cover up that ugly industrial color with pictures of friends, artwork you lov, lights and other decorations.

*Storage is key: From the area under your bed to every inch of your closet, you have to have a spot to store anything that isn't kept on your desk or out in the open. Buy containers to keep it organized and easy to find.

*Use a bold color or two in accessories to bring out your personality. Popping the bold colors in small splashes will create impact without overpowering the room.

*Leave what you can live without at home. Yes, you love the collection of stuffed animals you've had since you were in third grade, but your dorm room is TINY and they will take up a huge part of it... let them have your bed at home until you get back.

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