Our Followers Are Obsessed with This Colorful, Maximalist Dorm in Munich
Dorm (single)
Ludwig Maximilian University Munich
Colorful
Eclectic
Maximalist
Munich, Germany
215
215
Take a peek into the quirky, color-filled studio dorm room — home to final-year med student Su Tashan — that won the hearts of our followers and became the 2023 Dorm Therapy TikTok Contest winner!
Su’s Space
How’d you end up in this space? Finding affordable housing in Munich is like chasing unicorns. And college dorm waitlists? Well, they’re practically an extreme sport. But after a suspenseful four-year wait, I finally secured a place in the city’s hottest dorm!
What do you love about your dorm room? It’s my DIY haven. My crafting corner, armed with a sanding machine, saw, and a hammer drill, is where the magic happens. I’ve turned thrift finds into treasures, creating a space that’s uniquely mine. Every piece I scored has its own story, such as the 40-pound vintage typewriter, which I, a 110-pound woman, single-handedly carried across a couple of blocks! And trust me — the whole “dopamine decor” thing is no joke! It’s a room that not only houses me, but also uplifts my spirits with every glance.
What’s your space best known for? My space has earned a reputation as the go-to destination for movie nights and hangouts, thanks in no small part to the home theater projector. It’s the cozy hub where we gather for movie nights and laid-back get-togethers, perfectly reflecting the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere I’ve crafted throughout.
Su’s Style
Define your personal home decor style: My personal style can be summed up as vibrant, eclectic, and maximalist. Influenced by the creativity of interior designers like @taybeepboop, @daniklaric, and @itsbridgettebitch, I’ve embraced a bold and colorful aesthetic. My journey into decorating began during a period of dealing with depression, where I found solace in the transformative power of colors and creativity. Each item in my space tells a story, reflecting not just my taste, but also the resilience that comes with turning personal struggles into creative triumphs. It’s not just about trends — it’s about embracing the unique narrative that colors, patterns, and eclectic pieces bring to my everyday life.
What are some of your favorite items in your space? My hanging lamp, earring wardrobe, and Yousuf Karsh’s signed first-edition photography book.
What’s your favorite area? My bathroom — it’s an explosion of color, from the playful display of Who Gives a Crap toilet paper rolls to the vibrant neon lights and the faux greenery. The undersink cabinet, with its psychedelic-inspired design, serves as a quirky detail. Even the bath mat and shower curtains contribute to this lively atmosphere.
Best product hack? My proudest product hacks include turning an IKEA mirror into a door for my walk-in closet, repurposing a dish rack as a book holder, and giving a makeover to the under-sink cabinet with a psychedelic-inspired design.
Su’s Budget
In an effort to remove the stigma associated with talking about money in college, we’re asking students to share how they plan and budget for their space.
How much does your rent cost? €350 per month.
How much did it cost to decorate your space? Around €850.
What was your biggest decor splurge? My most notable investment was the gallery wall I created with my collection of street signs and car plates from all over the world (around €300).
Best budget find? My standout budget find has to be the EPSON home theater projector, and here’s the kicker — it was free! I’ve found that people generously give things away in this city.
Su’s Advice
What was your biggest challenge in this space? My most significant challenge was navigating a super-tight budget during the decorating process. With limited financial resources, I dove headfirst into the world of DIY. From upcycling thrift finds to installing a second-hand dishwasher, I embraced a hands-on approach. Every step involved meticulous planning, numerous trips to the hardware store, and seeking advice from the online community (shoutout to Reddit). While it wasn’t easy, the DIY journey was really fun. To be honest, I even felt a bit sad when I was done with all the major DIY, upcycling, and thrifting tasks because the process itself brought me so much joy and satisfaction.
Any other tips you’d like to share? When it comes to decor, every item can have a dual purpose. Take my giant red LEGO piece — it’s not just eye candy; it doubles as a drawer. The vintage typewriter isn’t just a nostalgic relic; it still works and serves as a creative tool for my art journaling.
And let’s talk furniture strategy: I’ve opted for a hanging closet and furniture with legs instead of bulky ones whenever possible. It’s like a visual magic trick, making the space look more open and spacious. Lastly, utilizing wall space is a must — it’s the unsung hero of small-space living.
This submission’s responses were edited for length and clarity.
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