How to Make a College House a Home
Image Courtesy: Hannah King
One of my favorite fun facts to tell people when they ask about my college house is that it used to be a Preschool. Typically, when I say this, they look at me with a confused or concerned expression. I then explain that my closet has 12 hooks on the wall, for what was once meant for children’s backpacks, or how our basement crawl space has old desks shoved into the back right corner. While some may think the layout of our house and quirks from the reminisces of its school-house days are weird and strange, I find that they give our house character and an unmatched spirit.
Image Courtesy: Hannah King
I live with five roommates, and we are each lucky enough to have our own room that we curate to our needs and personal tastes. I live in what would be considered the primary, and we have deemed it “Barbie Dreamland” because of its bright nature and girly decor. When designing this space, I knew that I wanted it to be functional, remind me of things and people that I love, and be a space that I wanted to come home to at the end of the day. The vibrant colors used in my room’s decor reflect my vivacious personality, and the decor I have chosen alludes to my hometown and the things that have shaped me into who I am today. But the part of my room that I am most proud of is the gallery wall on the right side; filled with art pieces that I have been collecting over the years.
Image Courtesy: Hannah King
The wall includes 9 pieces, each with a specific meaning and significance. It begins on the left with a Vogue print that I purchased at Chelsea Market this summer. I chose it because it has five cities written on it, each of which I have traveled to. Below the Vogue is a painting of a Cardinal that I bought in Florence, Italy. I believe that my late Grandmother visits me in the form of a Cardinal, and this painting is a constant reminder that she is always watching over me. To the bird right is a Guest Check from New York this summer; a depiction of my continuous goal to launch a professional career in my favorite city. Next, a simple map of my hometown occupies the top center spot of the gallery wall. Below is a 1963 hand-drawn piece that I purchased in Notting Hill, London when I studied abroad two summers ago. Of course, it is an homage to the University of Georgia Bulldogs! Moving to the right is another piece I purchased in Notting Hill, the hand-drawn Magnolias. The Magnolia is the floral symbol from my high school, which I cherish deeply. It's a constant reminder of those formative years with people who I love so deeply. Below the Magnolia is a piece I was gifted by my boss at the clothing store where I work in Nashville, Tennessee. It was at this store that I found my love for the fashion industry and realized that it was where I belonged. Finally, the final right side has two pieces that are fun and whimsical – a cityscape of New York City from Chelsea Market and a Margarita painting from Florence.
Each piece has meaning, whether it be internal from my past or just a reminder of the simple joys in life. It is the intentional nature of my decor that makes the space truly feel like my own. This intentional structure of the decor continues into the common spaces of our home, where my roommates and I spend hours upon hours together. I think it’s important to note that the way to make a college house a home is to not only decorate it in a way that reflects your style and makes you excited to live there, but it's also about the people you fill it with.
I’ll admit that I was nervous about moving into this college house because it was not my first choice. However, what I’ve learned is you can make any space your own with the perfect amount of care, intention, decor, and people. In my opinion, the most classy kind of decor is love. Our college home is filled with love, and trust me, it never goes out of style.
Strike Out,
Hannah King
Editor: Maddie Launer
Strike Athens