I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So starting a series to focus on the greatest stuff we have found. 

Did anyone see the picture circulating of the girls in their absolutely pimped out dorm room? Good for them, I guess, but I think there are better ways to add style to those tiny, shared rooms. Here are five of my favorite stores and ideas that might graduate out of dorms into early apartments as well.

Because really, are you going to want to bring that broken, plastic,crayola-colored milk carton with you as you move through spaces (spoiler alert from the future- you won't).

from WAAMI Industries

I know I slammed the milk carton, but WAAMI Industries makes the coolest wood milk cartons that would look great in adult spaces or even a kids' playroom. These modern and detailed cartoons certainly aren't as cheap, but they would be cool long past the dorm.

from Be There in Five

I feel like one of these mats would have been helpful keeping our dorm room nice, but no other shoe mat is as cute (or helpful) as this one from Be There in Five.

from Oh My Deer

You can't always hang everything in your room, but if you can hang things, hang something that you love enough to keep for a very long time. Loyal readers know that I love these prints from Oh My Deer- I have one in our room, and I have bought a few for friends.

from rag rug road

Rugs can be a great way to add color to the space. My best advice is to get them used (because someone else bought one for their dorm room last year), but if not, I love Rag Rug Road- they use recycled materials to make bright, fun rugs that could add some color to the room. Not super cheap, but it could at least have years of life in it.

from habitation Boheme

If you can't paint or hang much, you can at least make the room homey with your pillows. Pillow covers are easy to come by on Etsy, but I do love these ones from habitation Boheme. Colorful and eye catching, which is what you need in a dark space.


Want even more eco-friendly and local shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Ethical and Eco-Friendly Shopping Lists.