The dorms of Fordham Lincoln Center: from plants to Polaroids, and everything in between
By SAMI UMANI
December 5, 2018
Did I grab power strips? What about a mattress topper? Is it Twin XL? When you enter Bed, Bath & Beyond the summer before your freshman year, concerns about what to buy typically overpower thoughts about how your environment affects your mental health and wellbeing. HGTV General Manager Allison Page calls interior design “escapism” from the distress we face almost constantly. Interior design is often seen as a luxury, but with home decor becoming more affordable and accessible with websites like Wayfair and Joss & Main, anyone can become their own interior designer, channeling their inner version of Nate Berkus or Kelly Wearstler.
After spending an entire summer carefully studying the intricacies of HGTV (especially “Fixer Upper”) from my couch, I realized that interior design not only reflects the personality of the individual but creates a safe and comforting space much needed for college students. Each resident at Fordham Lincoln Center (FLC) is given the same mundane set of furniture to fill their space, but some students go above and beyond to bring comfort to their little home in the city. Here are some of the little decor details that make FLC students feel at home:
Chelsea Ashley, Fordham College Lincoln Center (FCLC) ’21, and her plants and Polaroids
“What makes my apartment feel like a home away from home are the small details that make the whole room come together. My suitemate, Alejandra, and I made it our mission to find decor that wouldn’t get us fined but would also make the drab walls of McMahon seem livelier.” This mission included getting as many plants as possible, as well as posters, cards and mini calendar sheets to fill the walls. “My favorite part, though, would have to be our Polaroids we put up of everyone in our suite because it makes it feel like we truly belong in this apartment and we’re a little family.”
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Dan Nasta, FCLC ’19, and his full bar and quirky decorations
The most important part of Nasta’s room was his full bar: “I have so many quirky decorations, a fluffy rug, and a decent sound system, but the thing I value most is camaraderie among my friends and alcohol is the most important thing that helps us achieve that.”
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Dan Nasta, FCLC ’19, and his full bar and quirky (CON’T.)
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Caitlin Bury and Anna Moneymaker, FCLC ’22
Moneymaker said that it’s their warm lighting and general cleanliness that makes the room feel like home. “We also have air fresheners which make our room ultra cozy,” Moneymaker added.
Bury said, “We’ve created a space that has our California vibe, which is where we’re both from, with warm and earth-tone accents and posters and pictures that represent our interests and the things that comfort us.” Though, if Bury had to choose one thing, “I’d probably say my ‘Lady Bird’ poster or this orange pillow with white embroidered flowers.”
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Caitlin Bury and Anna Moneymaker, FCLC ’22 (CON’T.)
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Caitlin Bury and Anna Moneymaker, FCLC ’22 (CON’T.)
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Casey Gardner, FCLC ’20, and her family pictures and drawings
“My room is filled with pictures of my family and I from the time I was a baby until now” and also includes drawings sent from her nieces and nephews while at Fordham. “I also have a portion of my parents’ record collection here. It’s really comforting.”
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Courtney Brogle, FCLC ’20, and her homemade Gryffindor banner
Of course, every Harry Potter fan can relate to repping their respective Hogwarts house. “My best friends back home made it for me as part of a Harry Potter-themed surprise party they threw for me a year ago. Every time I see it, it reminds me that home is your family and friends, not necessarily a set location.”
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Courtney Brogle, FCLC ’20, and her homemade Gryffindor banner (CON’T.)
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