$500 Dorm Room Challenge

By The Smart Stylist on July 13, 2009 8:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Aside from fashion, interior decorating is my other passion. Being an interior designer, I am the 'go-to' guy when questions or help arise amongst family and friends with their home decor. A couple of days ago, my aunt asked me to assist her with my cousin's dorm room. He will be a freshman this fall at Michigan State University.

With them living in Michigan and I'm in Texas, I did my consultations over the phone. A few phone calls later, I have a description of my cousin's dorm room, what his likes and dislikes are, any existing items he will be taking with him, and a budget of $500. My aunt told me the budget shouldn't be a challenge since I pride myself as the prince of 'smart styling' and 'smart' shopping'.

Asymmetrical Rug $17.99, Microfiber Dot Stripe Reversible Mini Comforter Set $24.99, Cannon Zero Twist Bath Towel $5.99, Jersey Knit Sheet Set XL Twin $14.99.

After attending the Inaugural Home Design Summit hosted by Sears Holding Corporation last week in Chicago, me and other bloggers were given a preview on what's in store for back-to-school and experienced a day in the life of a KMart Design Team member, I know just where to shop for stylish, affordable and top quality merchandise for my cousin's dorm room, KMart and Sears.

Boss Office Products Adjustable Arm Chair $65.99, Techno Mobil Computer Desk $89.99

I started the project shopping at our local Sears store and online at KMart.com. I divided my cousins needs into three categories: sleep, eat and study. I found a Kenmore microwave for $89.99 and a very useful 2-in-1 Hamilton Beach toaster for $44.99 (both shown below) at Sears. I figured invest on items that will get a lot of use.

If you have or a first time shopper on KMart.com, it can be overwhelming. To make your back-to-school shopping easy, simply go to Back to Campus 09 a section dedicated to everything back-to-school. A very nifty tool is the online checklist which I asked my aunt to fill out for me so I would know what my cousin needs for his dorm room. With checklist on hand, I was ready to shop!

Quality was the most important factor I had in mind when I was shopping. Make sure that they last for more than one semester. My cousin's personal style played a big role when choosing his computer desk, comforter set and decorative pieces. He wanted modern, cool and age appropriate. Knowing his favorite colors, I showed him a modern yet transitional designed comforter set and area rug (shown above) which he liked.

So, did I meet the challenge of creating a functional, hip and trendy dorm room for my cousin? Sure did! And the total cost for the room is... $453.19! My aunt was elated when I told her I was well under the budget and liked everything I pulled together.

Homz Ironing Board $20.39, Cover and Pad $7.49, Euro-Pro Shark Mini Iron $39.99, 50 Piece Flatware Set $11.24, 16-Piece Dinnerware Set $13.49, Kenmore Countertop Microwave $89.99, Hamilton Beach 2-in-1 Toaster $44.99.

*I would like to thank the KMart Design Team specially Theresa (Chief Design Officer), Rick, Chris, Esther, Miller and Elba. Jemini for taking really good care of us in Chicago and in our travel. Jeff and members of KMart Social Media Team. And to everyone who made the design summit happen, Thank you very much!

Also, to all the fabulous bloggers I met during the summit my best wishes!