Explore Homes of Two Notable Figures: Tim and Frank
Creating a Warm and Inviting College Dorm Room
At Holy Cross, students Tim St. John and Frank Amuso have transformed their room at Loyola Hall into a welcoming space that embodies friendship and personal expression. Their living quarters, a cozy retreat filled with comforting items and personalised decor, serves as an excellent example of how to create a warm and inviting college dorm room.
Upon entering the suite in Loyola 1, you're greeted by a hallway/common area that exudes an earthy, homey feel. The light blue tones of Viveca's side in Lehy 420 beautifully complement the overall design of the space.
Tim St. John's side of the room is a cozy retreat filled with Squishmallows and other comforting items. Decorations reflecting his interests in music, including albums from artists like Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, and Sabrina Carpenter, adorn the walls.
Frank Amuso's room has a Capybara tapestry and posters from the theater department shows he has participated in. A poster of Tim set against the backdrop of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour poster adds a playful touch to the room.
Each of the suites featured (Loyola 1, Lehy 420, and Williams 505) has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the personalities and interests of its residents. In Williams 505, Mary Kate Terry '26, Tiana Wakefield '26, Libby Murphy '26, and Nora Brannegan '26 have created a peaceful retreat.
To create a similar space, focus on combining cozy, personalised decor with functional space-saving solutions. Personalised, cozy decor, such as tapestries, cozy pillows, and throws, add warmth and personality. Ambient lighting, including string lights, twinkle lights, and unique lamps, soften the room’s mood and invite relaxation and conversation.
Thoughtful furniture arrangement, like lofting beds or using an L-shaped layout, maximises floor space for hanging out. Add rolling carts or storage ottomans to keep essentials organised without clutter, leaving room for social gatherings.
Establish a calming or vibrant colour palette that fits your personality and hang framed art or posters to make the space feel like home, adding sophistication beyond typical dorm posters. Comfortable communal areas, like bean bags, floor pillows, or a small couch, create dedicated areas where friends can gather comfortably.
Personal touches, such as photos, memorabilia, or DIY decorations, enhance connection and expression. Together, these elements create a dorm room that is both inviting to visitors and a reflection of individual style, promoting friendship and personal expression.
- The features that make Tim St. John's side of the room warm and inviting include Squishmallows and decorations reflecting his interests in music.
- Frank Amuso's room, adorned with a Capybara tapestry and posters from theater department shows, is a testament to his passion for the arts.
- The suites in Lehy 420, Loyola 1, and Williams 505 showcase personalized design elements, such as tapestries, cozy pillows, and unique lamps, to create a welcoming atmosphere.
- In designing a college dorm room, one should consider combining practical space-saving solutions with personal decorations that add warmth and express individual style, fostering a sense of friendship and personal expression.
