6 Dorm Room Decor Themes That Get an A+

Do a Quick Clutter Sweep

You don’t need to deep-clean — just focus on visible clutter. Clear off countertops, coffee tables, and entryways. Short on time? Just toss items into a basket and tuck them away in a closet.

Light a Candle Or Diffuse A Favorite Scent

Set the mood with a seasonal or favorite scent, like vanilla, amber, or something citrusy. It instantly makes your space feel warm and inviting. I like to put one in the guest bathroom too for a little surprise.

Have a little time? You can also simmer citrus and your favorite herbs on the stove.

You’ll Need:

• Citrus slices like oranges, lemons, or limes
• A few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
• 1–2 cinnamon sticks or whole cloves
• A splash of vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Slice your citrus thinly. Try a mix of orange and lemon for a bright, balanced scent.
2. Fill a pot with water, about ¾ full.
3. Add your ingredients to the water.
4. Bring to a simmer over low heat. As the mixture warms, the scent will start to fill your space. (Keep an eye on the water level, and add more as it evaporates.)

Prep the Bathroom

Nothing makes guests feel more "ick" than a dirty or messy bathroom so prioritize this space. Wipe down the sink and toilet, put out a fresh hand towel, and make sure there’s enough toilet paper.

Set the Mood with Music or Lighting

I make sure to switch off all the overheads (not a fan of this harsh lighting) and turn on table lamps for a cozy vibe. Then cue up a Spotify "dinner party" playlist that matches the energy — something mellow and upbeat is usually a safe bet.

Add Thoughtful Touches

A long-distance friend of mine would always leave me a basket of toiletries for my overnight stays and it's something I always remember fondly. On their bedside table, you can leave them a pitcher of water, their favorite snacks, flowers or herbs, and/or a book or magazine. Little details make people feel instantly loved.

Take the Garbage Out

Nothing ruins the party vibe like a smelly garbage can. Empty it before anyone arrives, and consider adding a fresh liner with a drop of essential oil or baking soda to keep things smelling fresh and clean.

eos Shea Better Vanilla Cashmere Body Wash

The internet's favorite body lotion scent is now available in a dreamy body wash format! With standout notes of vanilla and cashmere and a creamy concoction of shea butter, cocoa butter, and argan butter to keep your skin feelin' nourished as ever, this $10 bottle is a shower must-have.

Wet Brush x LoveShackFancy Mini Shine Detangling Hair Brush

Swarmed in LoveShackFancy’s signature floral prints, this $10 mini brush is the perfect piece to keep in your purse for on-the-go touch-ups. The collection, shoppable at Target, also includes everything from regular-sized brushes to hair curling sets and cute claw clips!

Versed Shade Swipe Blush Stick

Versed's new makeup collection has been living in our heads rent-free, especially because we love their skincare goodies so much. Of course, they whipped up a wonderfully smooth $15 blush stick to add to the glow. The lightweight formula is super easy to build up depending on your mood, plus each stick is packed full of jojoba seed oil and fatty acids to help hydrate your complexion!

Chobani Birthday Cake Dairy Creamer

Moving onto the grocery aisle, this brand-new creamer flavor from Chobani is sure to infuse your mornings with utter joy. Aside from the cheery packaging, this $5 birthday cake-flavored coffee creamer adds some really nice sweetness, whether you splash some into a mug of hot coffee or add a bit to your iced lattes. It's a limited-edition flavor, so make sure to try it before it's gone from shelves!

Threshold Checker Stoneware Planter Pot

We're huge suckers for anything checkered. This $15 planter is such a cutie, add will most certainly bring some major springtime energy to your windowsill, bookshelf, or dining room table!

Room Essentials Portable Mushroom Lamp

Two words: mushroom lamp. Yep – Target's selling this baby for just $14 (was $20), and the best part is that it's cordless, so you can move it around your space as you please for a trendy home decor touch.

Wild Fable ButterBliss Tube Top

When it comes to spring basics, tube tops should be at the top of your list. They're easy to put on and even easier to wear, plus this solid black number makes putting together a comfy outfit unbelievably seamless! You can snag this top for just $6 (was $8), along with three more solid shades that fit the season.

Threshold Easter Ceramic Flower Candle Holders

Oh, it's giving Anthro vibes, for sure. This $15 pair of flower-shaped candle holders will add some cheer and color to your springtime table spreads, and what's more is they're also perfect for sunny Easter celebrations!

Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum

For a nice boost in hydration, hyaluronic acid is where it's at. This $12 bottle from Good Molecules truly packs a punch and boosts the performance of your traditional moisturizer!

Wild Fable Asymmetrical Tank Top

This ever-so-trendy tank top boasts an asymmetrical cinched hem for a fun touch. Right now, it's on sale for just $8 (was $12)! It also comes in pink, green, and blue if you're seeking a bright pop of color.

Room Essentials Lumbar Puffy Bread Pillow

We're seeing this puffy pattern everywhere these days, from bags to jackets. Target put it on an adorable little pillow, and we're obsessed! Snag this $7 cutie for an inexpensive living room or bedroom upgrade.

Room Essentials Bud Vase Duo

Two vases for just $10?! Count us in. These playful designs work well together, though you could easily disperse them throughout your home to host all the blooms of spring!

Here's A Preview Of The 'Great Big Beautiful Life' Excerpt

The excerpt starts off with Alice's POV as she's assessing Hayden's aloof nature. She says, "He can’t be as bad as he seems. And even if he is, it’s not like we’ll be spending time together," as they make their way to the Grande Lucia Resort they'll be lodging at (via Cosmopolitan).

There's an air of excitement surrounding Alice, but Hayden appears like he could care less about her enthusiasm based on these lines: "I glide back onto the mostly empty four-lane road that connects the mainland and Little Crescent and slow to a stop at a red light. Hayden’s in the next car over. He notices me too. I wave. He frowns."

While he does eventually talk to her, it's not like he's looking to be besties with his competition. From gruffly offering Alice a choice of days to interview Margaret Ives to lamenting the fact her hotel room is right next to his, Hayden doesn't seem like the kind of writer who's looking to be distracted. It could have everything to do with him feeling like he was "strung along for a month before even finding out" he and Alice would be in competition to secure the position of writing Margaret's biography.

It's apparent Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson aren't on friendly terms towards the beginning of Great Big Beautiful Life, but the excerpt Cosmopolitan's obtained paints a vivid picture of their enemies-to-lovers troupe. Though it's one of the most familiar book trends, Emily Henry refreshes it by adding the element of surprise to the novel's undertones. Lurking the two writers interactions with each other and the elusive Margaret Ives are hidden secrets that are ready to burst at their seams.

Listen To The 'Great Big Beautiful Life' Excerpt

Hearing the excerpt aloud is making us even more anxious to stop everything to read Great Big Beautiful Life. Between us, we won't be surprised if this book's tapped for a movie adaptation too!