Moving into Butler soon? Congrats! Your new journey is about to begin, and a new journey calls for a fresh start. One of the first things you will experience at Butler is moving into your suite in either Irvington House or Residential College (ResCo). Regardless of which of these residence halls you live in, you can expect newly renovated, state-of-the-art spaces and suites to make your own.

Your room will be your home away from home, so you’ll want it to be as comfy as possible—and showcase your personality. But how can you accomplish both? Read on for seven tips to creatively decorate your room and make it your own. 

1. Find your color scheme. Create a fun room by picking a color scheme that works with your aesthetic. Neutral colors help small spaces seem larger and they are easier to work with. You can incorporate light hues or pastels with accent pieces, such as tapestries, decorative pillows, or a colorful comforter. A neutral color scheme will really make your accent pieces stand out. You can create a color palette by uploading an image with the colors you like with Canva’s color palette generator. 
2. Design a photo wall. Grab some string lights, clothespins, and your favorite photos to create a photo wall. Mix in some polaroids, postcards, quotes, and some Butler photos (of course!) for a personalized touch. Having photos of your friends and family can also be a great way to keep your loved ones close while you’re away. Along with this, you can use various photos to create a vision board and manifest your perfect school year at Butler.
3. Add curtains. Curtains can be a great way to spice up your room and create a cozy atmosphere. Cover up your built-in blinds to make your room feel brighter and lighter. Consider your room’s color palette, but don’t be scared to try different textures and patterns. Plus, curtains can be a great help when it comes to an after-class nap!
4. Foster plants and greenery. Bring the outdoors in with low-maintenance plants like succulents, cacti, or air plants. Hang them in macramé planters, place them on shelves, or create a mini indoor garden in a corner of your room. Plants also promote a sense of calm, improve air quality, and add a pop of color. Just don’t forget to water them!
5. Make your room feel cozy. Turn your room into a cozy atmosphere by adding in a rug. Use your room’s color palette to make everything look cohesive, and you can make it even cozier with lamps and additional lighting, such as fairy lights.
6. Adjust your bed height. Did you know the height of your bed is adjustable? Raise your bed so you can make room for storage! Having storage containers such as bins and drawers can be helpful when it comes to organizing your room and keeping things tucked away.
7. Create your own headboard. Looking for a fun bonding activity to do with your new roommate? Create a DIY headboard using foam core board, fabric, and adhesive. Not only does it add a focal point to your room, but it also provides cushioning for late-night study sessions in bed. Pick out fabric that goes with your color scheme, and perhaps even match the headboard with your curtains.

There are several fun ways to decorate your room and even more ways to let your personality shine, so don’t be scared to try new things. College is all about finding yourself. For more information on Butler’s housing and what you need to know before moving in, check out butler.edu/housing. You can also watch the videos below to see a tour of suites in both Irvington and ResCo.