Dorm Decor to Ease Empty Nest? I Tried It!
Empty Nest, Full House...Of Emotions
So, the youngest finally flew the coop. Headed off to college with a trunk full of dreams, a mini-fridge, and enough ramen to survive a small apocalypse. I'm thrilled for her, truly! But let me tell you, that first week was...well, let's just say the dust bunnies under her bed got more attention than they ever bargained for. I found myself wandering into her (now eerily silent) room, picking up a stray sock, sniffing her favorite sweatshirt (don't judge!), and generally feeling like a character in a sad country song.
I read this article about how students combat homesickness through dorm decor and family connections and I thought, what a great idea! Of course, she's gone, but I can decorate her room and give it to the grands when they visit. It's hard when they live so far away so I may need to put together a full on apartment!
My husband, bless his heart, suggested I take up a new hobby. Golf, he said. "Think of the fresh air!" he chirped. I gave him *the look*. The one that says, "Honey, I love you, but I'm not ready to trade in my maternal instincts for a putter." Golfing is *not* my thing.
Operation: Comfort Zone
That's when it hit me. Decorating. Not just any decorating, but creating a space that felt warm, inviting, and full of happy memories. Just like those college kids trying to make their dorm rooms feel like home, I needed to make her room feel like... well, *more* of a home, even if she wasn’t there. I decided to focus on the walls first. Plain walls can feel so sterile, so I started brainstorming about some art prints for bedroom.
I thought about painting, but let's be honest, my painting skills peaked in kindergarten. Remember those handprint turkeys? Yeah, about that level. So, art prints it was. I envisioned something colorful, something that would catch the eye and maybe even bring a smile to my face every time I walked past the room. Something joyful. I'm all about joyful these days!
The Wall Art Revelation
Off I went on my quest for the perfect pieces. Online, of course. Who has time to brave the crowds at the mall? I started browsing, and oh my goodness, the choices! Abstract art, landscapes, floral prints, geometric designs… It was like diving into a rainbow-colored rabbit hole. I even considered one of those giant maps you scratch off as you visit places, but quickly dismissed that. Too much pressure!
That's when I stumbled across a website that specializes in wall decor. And I was hooked. I swear I spent a good two hours just scrolling through the options. It felt a little bit like a secret mission, only the target was my own emotional well-being. And maybe a *little* bit about making that dust under the bed feel less dusty. You know, a win-win!
Color Therapy (and a Little Retail Therapy)
I've always been drawn to bright wall art. There's something about a splash of vibrant color that just lifts my spirits. Think sunflowers, bright orange sunsets, blues as bold as the sky over the Mediterranean, greens and yellows and light and airy. I ended up ordering a few pieces with bold floral patterns. One had these amazing fuchsia flowers that just seemed to pop off the canvas. Another was an abstract design with swirls of turquoise and gold. It was like bringing a little bit of sunshine indoors.
Hanging them up was a project, I tell ya! I'm not the most handy person, and my husband, Mr. Golf Enthusiast, was conveniently "busy" watching some sports game on TV. So, I grabbed my trusty level (which I'm pretty sure I was holding upside down half the time) and got to work. I may have put a few extra holes in the wall in the process, but hey, that's what spackle is for, right?
The Transformation (and a Minor Disaster)
Once the art was up, I stepped back to admire my handiwork. And you know what? It made a *huge* difference. The room instantly felt brighter, more cheerful, and less...empty. I added a few throw pillows in coordinating colors and a cozy blanket to the bed. Suddenly, it wasn't just "her room" anymore. It was a sanctuary. A place where I could relax, read a book, and maybe even sneak in a nap (or two).
Of course, no project is complete without a little bit of drama. As I was fluffing one of the pillows, I knocked over a small vase of flowers. Water everywhere! I swear, it looked like a monsoon had swept through the room. But even as I was mopping up the mess, I couldn't help but laugh. It was just the kind of silly, chaotic moment that makes life interesting. And hey, at least the dust bunnies got a good bath!
Family Connections and the Power of "Stuff"
What really struck me about that article about students combating homesickness, though, was the emphasis on family connections. It wasn't just about dorm decor. It was about staying connected to loved ones. And that's something I've been trying to focus on since my daughter left.
I started sending her care packages filled with her favorite snacks and silly little trinkets. We have a weekly video call where we chat about everything and nothing. I even framed a few of her childhood drawings and hung them in the hallway. It's a constant reminder of the joy she brings to my life, even when she's miles away.
We're already planning the next time they come to visit so I can be the hostest with the mostest. I'm so excited to spend time with my grandbabies and my daughter, now I just need to figure out the guest rooms!
Finding the Happy Place
So, has decorating my daughter's room cured my empty nest syndrome? Probably not entirely. But it's helped. It's given me a focus, a creative outlet, and a way to channel my energy into something positive. And it's reminded me that even though things change, love and connection endure. And that's something worth celebrating, with or without bright wall art. Although, let's be honest, the art *does* make it a little bit brighter.
I still miss her terribly, but I know she's off on her own adventure, creating her own memories, and making her own space feel like home. And that's all a mother can ask for. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go grab a cup of coffee and admire my handiwork. And maybe, just maybe, I'll even consider that golf lesson. But only if they let me wear fuchsia flowers on my hat. Besides, I need to start searching for the best wall art for living room.