A Hat Wall and Eclectic Decor Give This University of Nebraska Senior’s Room a Seriously Chill Vibe

How did you find this space? I had been searching a little bit for an apartment closer to campus and in the city. I actually stumbled upon my unit by chance — I had toured the units in the building next door, and on the way back to my car, I saw a posting for available units just one building over. I immediately searched it online and was scheduled for a tour the following week. The exposed brick and natural features of the unit caught my attention the most.

What is your space best known for? I believe there are three key elements my space is known for: my hat wall, my NCAA trophies, and my large American flag.

What is your favorite element of your space? My favorite things about my space are the exposed brick, high ceilings, and foundational building elements sprinkled throughout. I also thoroughly enjoy the rug I purchased for my room.

What was your proudest DIY? My proudest DIY hack would be my pendant lighting. I bought three different-sized paper lanterns on Facebook Marketplace, Mod Podge and tissue paper from Michaels, and lighting cords and bulbs from Ace Hardware. I also coffee-stained the lanterns before applying the stars with Mod Podge. I was extremely happy with how I was able to manage the wiring down the wall, too.

How would you describe your personal home style? My personal style can be defined as vintage, eclectic, and maximalist with elements of mid-century modern and industrial. I am inspired by antique booths and rooms on TikTok like @derf6969. Most items were collected over the past four years.

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 housing cost per semester? $4,500.

Do you have anyone helping to fund your housing? My lovely parents and my university through athletics support me!

How much did it cost to decorate your space? Maybe a total of $800 for everything. I focus on finding good deals on pieces at thrift stores and antique stores, as well as on Facebook Marketplace. Occasionally, I will make an Amazon or IKEA purchase if I am doing well with funds. 

Do you have anyone helping to fund your decor? This is something that I fund myself; my parents help me pay for the space, and I help myself make it my own.

Do you pay for your living expenses? Partially.

How do you earn your income? Side hustle/part-time job.

What was your biggest splurge for this space and how much did it cost? My Eames chair. I thrifted it, actually, on Craigslist for $400.

What was your best budget find for this space and how much did it cost? Probably my Wassily chair. I got it for $150.

What was the biggest challenge in decorating your space? The biggest challenge is interesting because it was also one of my favorite elements: the high ceilings. The high ceilings meant high walls, leaving me with lots of space to fill and wondering how to build up the wall strategically. I was not sure if I would have enough elements to fill the walls and the space while also staying on budget (90% of my items are thrifted).

What small space decorating tips do you have? My biggest piece of advice is to use Pinterest and TikTok rooms as inspiration, not instruction. Find rooms you like, find what you like about them, and how you can make it your own. Be comfortable being patient; the best items come when you take your time. The second you lower your standards, the exact item you were looking for will come up on Facebook Marketplace or in thrift stores. And be open to change! If you don’t like something, figure out why and change it. The best rooms are a continuous work in progress and never completed.

This submission’s responses were edited for length and clarity.

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