Granola design has become increasingly popular if you’d like to incorporate eco-friendly and natural elements into your living space.
And dorm rooms are the perfect place to experiment with granola style on a smaller scale.
Take these designs for example:
The laidback aesthetic also helps create a relaxing environment for studying or hanging out with friends.
I still remember my first day moving into the dorms freshman year.
I packed up my favorite tapestries, plants, and of course, my homemade dreamcatchers.
My boho heart was happy…until I realized my 10′ x 10′ dorm room was smaller than my closet back home!
Having an earthy vibe in the dorms can be tricky, but it’s not impossible.
Over the years I’ve discovered some dorm room hacks that let you infuse nature and vibrancy into your cramped quarters.
Did you know over 60% of college students say they want more plants and natural elements in their dorm room?
It’s true!
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Pick Portable Plants
Succulents are totally trending for dorm rooms right now.
They are low-maintenance, which is perfect when you’re busy with classes and activities.
Snag a variety pack of cute succulents on Amazon for less than $20.
Set them on your windowsill or desk to add an earthy vibe.
Just use a spray bottle to water them occasionally.
Another great option is snake plants.
They can tolerate low light conditions.
So they are ideal for rooms without direct sunlight.
Pothos is a trailing vine plant that looks super cool in a hanging planter.
It can grow in fluorescent lighting.
So it’s perfect for your desk or above your bed.
Opt for small 4″ or 6″ pots instead of huge planters.
Large pots take up a ton of valuable real estate in a small dorm room.
But little pots you can tuck on shelves or desktops.
You can always repot plants into larger containers after moving out of the dorms.
Having a few low maintenance greens around makes your space feel more fresh and lively.
Use Natural Textiles
Trade polyester or nylon bedding for breathable 100% cotton sheets and duvet covers.
Not only are they cozy, but cotton bedding has a casual, earthy look.
Target and Ikea have inexpensive cotton sheet sets for under $50.
Jute or cotton rugs add natural texture underfoot while keeping things low cost.
Linen and seagrass are on the pricier end but look amazing.
Woven cotton or hemp towels are eco-friendly and have a casual, bohemian style.
Plus they’re super soft after a few washes.
For wall art and pillows, look for handcrafted fabrics like ikat or batik in earth tones.
Macrame plant hangers and wall hangings are very now and channel 70’s vibes.
You can even DIY your own macrame pieces pretty easily.
Add a handwoven cotton blanket at the end of your bed for a laidback look.
Or use cotton throws in natural hues to cozy up your seating area.
If you splurge on anything, make it a fair trade or handcrafted wool rug.
The natural fibers and textured patterns will make any space look curated.
Don’t forget small touches like textured cotton shower curtains and natural fiber hampers.
It all adds up to a chilled out, earthy look.
DIY Textured Wall Art
A blank wall is boring, but a textured feature wall can look amazing in a small space.
Use Command strip hooks to hang a large Mexican blanket or tapestry vertically.
The woven patterns and fringed edges bring in organic texture.
For a modern twist, try a large canvas textile from West Elm or CB2.
Upholstery weight fabrics like linen work well since they have body.
Use strips of washi or patterned tape to create a cool geometric design.
Or hang a large piece of cotton macrame as moveable art.
If you’re crafty, string up some driftwood slices or embroidered fabric patches.
Patches with inspirational quotes or nature themes fit the vibe.
For a 90’s look, use colored burlap panels from Joanne’s fabric.
Cut them into geometric shapes and arrange in an eye-catching pattern.
There are also peel and stick textured wall panels at Target and IKEA now.
They have woven or 3D styles made from natural jute and seagrass fibers.
Stick them on in funky diamond or horizontal designs for texture.
And they peel off easily without damaging walls – perfect for dorms!
If your dorm permits, hang long strips of birch bark vertically down one wall.
It definitely brings the outdoors in!
For a homier feel, try cotton quilted panels made for wall decor.
The stitched fabric designs add visual interest to plain walls.
Incorporate Foraged Finds
Display cool foraged items you collected to remind you of nature.
Fill a glass jar, planter, or bowl with rounded rocks or pebbles from the beach.
Or display unique dried flowers like baby’s breath or statice.
Hang mini terrariums with moss, twigs, and air plants on a wall.
Arrange seashells or sand dollars found on family beach vacays.
Show off coral, sea glass, and agate slices.
Or stack smooth stones like quartz or marble in zen-like towers.
Geodes, crystals, and prisms reflect rainbow light.
Fern and leaf fossils or pressed botanicals are timeless.
For boho radiance try polished gemstone pendants.
Wire wrap or display them in glass vases.
Birch or driftwood rounds add organic edge, especially with air plants attached.
Show off unique pinecones, acorns, seed pods and other cool forest finds.
Group items thematically like ocean, mountain or southwest vibes.
Prop them on floating shelves, desktops, or windowsills at eye level.
Hang items like wreaths or branch displays with command hooks for minimal wall damage.
Let your collections texture up plain walls and surfaces.
Keep an eagle eye out for natural artifacts anytime you travel or are outdoors.
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Add Pops of Color
Liven up your neutral naturals with bright and playful pops of color.
Boho is all about mixing patterns, textures, and vibrant color.
Choose patterned pillows in global prints like ikat, batik, or embroidered accents.
Kilim wool pillows are durable and add geometric interest.
Use colorful textiles like sarongs or Moroccan poufs as wall art.
Hang a vibrant tapestry or fabric photo display for insta-worthy color.
Drape a lightweight cotton throw at the end of your bed in any color.
Or fold into a basket shape on a chair or ottoman.
Pick one big color statement piece like a painted dresser, colored rug, or neon sign.
Stencil patterns like paisley or mandalas onto canvas floor pillows or wall art.
Paint decorative clay pots or vases in cheery hues for plants.
Group subject notebooks, trays, and desk supplies by color.
Choose a fun mini fridge in a color like mint green, bright yellow, or bold orange.
Paint or wallpaper one wall an energetic color like turquoise or mustard.
Display colorful artwork depicting beaches, tropical scenes, or mountain peaks.
Pick curtains or a cozy rug containing bright colors like teal, purple, or chartreuse.
A colorful space feels energizing and happy.
Cotton Rugs
Natural fiber rugs instantly warm up cold dorm floors.
Jute and sisal rugs are budget friendly, usually under $100 for a 5×7.
The woven texture and natural tan hue look casual and chill.
Cotton rugs come in cool geometric patterns and are machine washable.
Coir rugs made from coconut fibers work for high-traffic spaces.
A dhurrie with striped patterns goes with anything.
For splurges, wool kilims and rag rugs have beautiful artisanal patterns.
But the best part of natural fiber rugs?
They’re super soft under bare feet!
Look for low pile rugs.
Lush shag rugs are hard to keep clean.
Don’t forget a natural fiber bath mat out of the shower.
Jute or sisal absorb water and have texture.
Use rug tape strips to secure corners so they don’t slip.
Rotate your rug occasionally to minimize wear patterns.
Be ready to spot clean inevitable spills ASAP.
But a good vacuuming picks up most loose dirt.
You can even wash cotton rugs in your dorm machine.
Let them air dry rolled up over a pole or railing.
A natural fiber rug really ties the room together and makes bare floors feel homey.
Natural, earthy tones – Colors are inspired by nature, like browns, tans, greens, etc. to evoke a rustic, back-to-nature feeling
Shades of brown emulate the colors found in bark, dirt, fallen leaves and other organic material in nature.
Different tones from deep chocolate to light tan are used.
Warm sandy and beige hues replicate the shades of stones, sandy beaches, and stacked hay.
They provide neutral backgrounds.
Mossy, foliage inspired greens bring to mind pine forests and fields of grass.
Lighter mint tones work well along with deeper emerald.
Pale sky and ocean inspired blues provide calming accents.
Denim, robin’s egg and powder blues reference the natural world.
Buttery yellows mimic the shades of wildflowers, sunlit grains and morning light.
Lemon and mustard shades work well.
Burnt terracotta, rust and berry tones work in moderation to reference blooms and changing foliage.
Charcoal, iron and pewter shades add depth and ties elements together when used sparingly.
The colors are often distressed or faded looking rather than bright.
Washes, stains and distressed paint in matte or satin finishes emulate aged, sun-weathered elements.
Earth pigments, clay and mineral dyes replicate the subtle spectra found in nature.
Together the subdued, organic shades create a calming and rejuvenating environment.
Textured materials – Textiles, papers, surfaces have a rough, textured or cracked feel similar to granola clusters. Materials might include stone, leather, wood, etc
Natural stone like slate, limestone and river rocks have an inherent roughness.
Textures range from smooth to jagged edges.
Distressed leather provides supple unevenness reminiscent of tree bark.
Leather wraps, pillows, and accents add dimensionality.
Reclaimed wood maintains its character with splintered grains, cracks and mellowed patinas.
Horizontal slabs are popular.
Woven textures like jute, burlap and hessian evoke plant fibers.
Chunky knits add nubbly layers.
Frayed edges are embraced.
Handmade papers with embedded seeds and petals have a flecked look.
Pages feel deckle-edged and rag-y.
Unglazed terra cotta has an earthy pebbled quality.
Distressed pots tell a story.
Naturally bumpy and riven, amorphous cork boards provide visual interest.
Layering materials with a range of contrasting textures creates visual complexity that feels organic and authentic, emulating the irregular surfaces found in nature.
Components feel broken in rather than brand new out of the package.
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Handcrafted details – Elements are designed to look homemade, artisanal or imperfect rather than perfectly machine-made. You’ll see things like varied sizing/shapes, frayed edges, etc
Elements are intentionally uneven, quirky and show signs of a hand at work rather than machine precision.
Surfaces have an aged, worn patina instead of a glossy new look.
You’ll see waxing, distressing, sanding of wood for example.
Components use organic materials like stones, twigs and tree branches that each have singular irregular forms.
Bespoke details mean no two objects match perfectly.
Scale and proportions vary slightly.
Vintage pieces are restored to new function with visible history rather than hiding their past.
Materials embrace frayed fibers, miscuts and organic raggedness rather than being tightly tailored.
Items have signs of being hand-knotted, woven, stitched or lashed together rather than factory made.
Seams, lap joints and connections between parts are slightly off rather than perfectly flush.
Shapes take on soft contours defined by the mediums, not rigid man-made geometry.
No two items or spaces match exactly to mimic the diversity found in nature.
Every piece feels bespoke.
This creates a more relaxed, inviting environment than sterile perfection could provide.
Organic forms – Shapes take on soft, curved outlines inspired by natural elements like trees, mountains or pebbles rather than straight hard edges
Shapes mimic the rounded contours of stones, shells, driftwood or plant materials rather than rigid angles.
Forms have an irregular harmony reminiscent of landscapes rather than precise symmetry.
Where elements meet, the connection is gradual and sensual rather than sharply defined.
Shapes appear loosely Interpreted from nature rather than geometrically precise renderings.
Components incorporate belly-like curves and plump masses similar to organic materials.
Forms have a welcoming, abundant nature rather than a minimal footprint.
Transitions between changing planes are blended and seamless rather than defined edges.
Textures are added dimensionally rather than flatly, giving the impression of naturally eroded folds and textures.
Contours respond to the medium’s tendencies rather than imposing rigidity upon it.
Overarching configurations are reminiscent of landscapes, vegetation or seascapes rather than man-made geometry.
This lends interior spaces a relaxed, seductive rhythm resembling the balanced asymmetry observed in nature.
Natural textures – Textures are emulated from elements found in nature, like woven twigs, seashell patterns, cracked surfaces
Surfaces mimic the variable bumpiness of natural substances like stone, wood grain, feather or fur.
Textures give the sensation of landscapes, geological formations or natural imperfections under the fingertips.
Fibrous textures are achieved by techniques like string wrapping, braiding or cane work to resemble plant materials.
Textures contain indentations, crevices or small fissures that could be left by weathering or natural abrasion over time.
Irregular textures bring vision of coastlines, leaves or aquatic life forms with soft saw-toothed contours.
Textures are achieved by intentionally placing elements like pebbles, seedpods or embroidered motifs to mimic their naturally clustered configurations.
Aging, cracking and decay has occurred over the patina of the surfaces rather than a pristine new appearance.
A diversity of tactile qualities juxtapose within one item or space to achieve natural complexity.
Dimensions are added through bas relief textures that catch light like those developed in shorelines or animal shells.
The textural dimension is crucial for engaging the sense of touch in a space and strengthening its nature-inspired feelings.
Layered compositions – Elements are arranged in a layered, clustered way reminiscent of piles of granola clusters rather than uniform patterns
Elements are grouped together informally in naturally rising and falling piles reminiscent of collections in nature.
Pieces lay partly atop one another so contours emerge gradualistically rather than being isolated.
Intentional entanglement of diverse materials feels deliberately untidy rather than rigidly ordered.
Layering generates richly textured vignettes with shadow lay between items rather than flat arrangements.
Compositions reference natural gathering spots like rocky outcroppings or leaf litter rather than geometrically spaced layouts.
Mixing materials juxtaposes tactile qualities to resemble the complexity within forest floor habitats.
Items drift casually like curving dunes rather than conform to linear format.
Groupings feel asymmetrically coordinated rather than evenly matched.
Layering generates uneven silhouettes similar to mossy mounds or piles of branches.
The layered quality gives the appearance of items accumulating naturally over time in a relaxed, abundant fashion highly representative of nature.
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Sustainable materials – When possible, materials used embrace natural, recycled or sustainable options
Elements incorporate plant-derived items like wood, stone, bamboo, cotton, wool which are renewable resources.
Materials contain post-consumer or post-industrial recycled material that diverts waste from landfills.
Elements are free of synthetic chemicals and chosen to have low environmental impact.
Materials are indigenous to the area or locally produced to reduce transport emissions.
Elements repurpose discarded items into new uses rather than sending them to the dump.
Materials like stone, metal and hardwoods are designed to stand the test of time versus quick obsolescence.
When shipping is necessary, items are packaged efficiently and recyclable.
Plant-based consumables will break down naturally instead of persisting as waste.
Production practices employ minimal energy usage and embrace renewable sources where applicable.
Granola design aims to feel good for both inhabitants and ecosystems by thoughtfully selecting earth-friendly ingredients.
Woven headboard
A woven headboard is an excellent granola dorm room idea because it matches many of the key design elements and principles of granola style:
– Textured materials – The twine used has an inherent texture that looks and feels handcrafted.
– Natural materials – Jute, sisal and hemp twine are all sustainable plant-based fibers.
– Handcrafted details – Wrapping and knotting the twine by hand gives it an artisanal, one-of-a-kind feel.
– Organic forms – The rounded, overlapping wrapping takes on soft contours vs straight lines.
– Natural colors – Twines like jute come in earthy tones like tans, browns and greens.
– Layered compositions – Each row of twine is layered over the last in an irregular mounded way.
– Sustainable materials – The twine is made from renewable resources and adds longevity to the headboard.
– Textures from nature – The woven texture resembles plant fibers, materials found in nature.
– Low cost – An inexpensive way to transform a space on a student budget.
It brings in elements of handcrafted texture, natural materials and sustainable recycling to tie the space together in a relaxed granola style.
The process is also low-waste and budget-friendly.
Pebble side tables
Here are some details about making pebble side tables as a granola dorm room idea:
– Materials needed: River pebbles/rocks, plastic bottles, wooden boards/slabs for base, outdoor-safe glue or resin.
– Collection phase: Gather smooth river pebbles in varying sizes from a creek or beach.
Rinse well.
– Prep bottles: Cut plastic bottles in half vertically.
Turn tops upside down and glue to board base.
– Adhere pebbles: Working section by section, hot glue pebbles overlapping onto inverted bottle tops to create a cohesive pebbled surface.
– Finishing touches: Once dry, add multiple coats of outdoor resin or polyurethane to seal.
Smooth with fine grit sandpaper between coats.
– Benefits: Upcycles trash, decorative natural element, low cost to make.
Durable for indoor/outdoor use and moves design outdoors.
– Variations: Stack, arrange pebbles differently or add tree bark or shells for texture.
Stain board base for wood grain appearance.
Reusing waste materials, these side tables bring eye-catching natural textures into dorm living in an eco-conscious DIY project.
Position by bed, desk or sofa for grounded style.
Dried floral wall hanging
Dried flowers, pods and foliage are materials sourced from nature.
The varied blooms, foliage and seed pods emulate different natural textures and patterns.
Assembling the bouquets requires an artisanal, interactive process unlike mass-produced decor.
Ingredients are locally sourced without cost by foraging fields and gardens in season.
Drying and storing blooms extends their lifespan and makes the decor continuously enjoyable.
Dried bouquets use organic materials that would otherwise decay and don’t require water/energy.
The loose, flowing bouquets arranged along an curved rod take on soft, asymmetric shapes.
Aside from drying, items require no further treatment and maintain their natural integrity.
Arrangements celebrate different phases of the natural cycle and changing seasons.
When no longer displayed, materials will break down without harming landfill ecosystems.
The wall hangings capture elements of nature through a simple, sustainable craft and complement the back-to-basics aesthetic of granola design.
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Patchwork curtains
Patchwork curtains are made primarily from cotton, a natural and breathable fiber.
The hand-sewn patches are irregularly shaped and spaced, celebrating imperfections.
Their creation involves hands-on piecing that gives them a imperfect, one-of-a-kind character.
Unique print and color choices allow self-expression and commemorate special fabrics.
Scraps are reused instead of discarded, reducing fabric waste.
Thrifted or remnants are given new purpose versus single-use lifespan.
Diverse woven textures from the prints provide visual/tactile appeal.
Their rustic sturdiness and casual look feels at home in a outdoor setting too.
Simple construction doesn’t require dry cleaning or special laundering.
Inexpensive to make, allowing creativity on a modest budget.
Their natural fabrics, hand-crafted technique, and eye for repurposing align patchwork curtains perfectly within the grassroots, self-reliant philosophy of granola design principles.
Macramé plant holders
Jute, hemp and cotton ropes are plant-based, renewable fibers.
The act of knotting and weaving lends each holder a one-of-a-kind crafted feel.
Different knots and varying rope thicknesses create diverse tactile visual appeal.
Upcycles scraps of rope into practical décor without additional waste.
Their purpose is to beautifully showcase living greenery indoors or out.
Can be made in any size/style to suit different pots and design tastes.
Inexpensive to create using inexpensive, accessible materials.
Requires patience and skill developed through traditional macramé techniques.
Over time, holders gain charmingly worn textures resembling ropes used outdoors.
Self-made rather than store-bought, valuing independent creation.
Macramé planters perfectly blend the maker and nature appreciating ethos of granola style through their seamless function and form.
To conclude, the various rustic, handcrafted elements discussed all cohesively contribute to achieving an authentically granola-inspired dorm room design.
Whether woven twine headboards, pebble side tables, dried floral arrangements or patchwork textiles, these sustainable, thrifted and DIY-focused accents embrace natural textures and a relaxed, mismatched aesthetic.
Prioritizing easy upcycling, repurposing of discarded items and celebration of imperfections, the detailed yet affordable granola elements profiled infuse warmth and personality.
Appreciating environmental ethics as well as promoting creative process, they reflect a rooted appreciation for simplicity, imperfection and beauty found in everyday natural materials.
Ultimately, layering a mix of these chill, eclectic pieces allows expressing individual personality while still feeling deeply connected to the outdoors even within a small dorm space.
A balanced blend achieves relaxed vibes through embracing earthy elements, handicrafts and seasonal rhythms for thoroughly wholesome style.
