I hate white walls.

They remind me of hospitals and surgical procedures. Good moments rarely emerge from the depths of hospital corridors, so why do people make their apartments and residence hall rooms resemble these sterile buildings? It makes no sense to me and because most residences on campus do not allow you to paint the walls, I’ve discovered a few tricks to make any room look chic while still allowing you to receive your security deposit in its entirety at the end of your lease.

What is blik?

While wall stickers might sound tacky, they are actually quite charming and inviting. The best brand I’ve found is from the surface graphic company blik’s Web site, www.whatisblik.com. This company not only offers a vast array of wall stickers, they also sell removable stickers so you can change your mind and reorganize your design or take the stickers down year after year and stick them up in your new apartment. I purchased some removable robots and circle stickers (just look at the picture of me in my room at the right) and have only received compliments. They are a great conversation piece and brighten up any room. The best part about the stickers is that they won’t leave any sticky residue on your walls after you take them down. Some of the other designs include hibiscus flowers, doves and clouds. Blik doesn’t stop at wall graphics however; they also manufacture stickers for children’s rooms, glass surfaces, personalized orders and even your car.

Most of the removable graphics cost about $25 for several stickers, which is a great price considering you can use them more than once. Just clean your walls first and then have fun!

Old-fashioned exposure

The next time you head home, search through your parents’ and grandparents’ old photograph albums. I’m sure you’ll find some great old-fashioned black and white photos that can add a touch of class to any room. Just purchase some photo tape that adheres to the wall without damaging the delicate photos or your wall. I found a great variety at The Container Store for less than $10. Even if you can’t stand the thought of your elders looking down at you as you rock the bed, er, study for chemistry, admiring old photos of your parents in their diapers or seeing proof of your grandparents weighing 50 pounds lighter is always a fun treat.

‘Tis the season

Who says Christmas lights can’t be kept up year round? If you’re anything like me, fluorescent lights give you a headache and you do everything in your power to leave them off. Rather than strain your eyes in a dimly-lit space, string Christmas lights around your room for a festive and well-lit atmosphere. Just be sure to purchase the strands with white wires so they don’t end up cheap-looking, I found that out the hard way. Also invest in clear thumb tacks to keep them discretely secure to your walls. If you live in the residence halls and can’t use tacks, clear tape is your friend.

Ladies, be proud

I know right off the bat people won’t agree with me here, but at least give it a chance. All girls have two of them, so why not use them to create interesting art for your walls? Yes, I’m talking about breasts.

My sophomore year when I lived in Allen Hall, my three roommates and I all decided to go to a boob painting party. I admit, I was hesitant and nearly didn’t attend, but after a Braveheart-esque speech from my roommate Eryka, I found myself in an empty classroom with about 15 other naked women. As I nervously painted my right breast a bright green, I quickly decided any art I managed to create that night would proudly hang on my walls. I ended up with a green caterpillar and lost my fear of being naked. It was wonderful. And so simple, too. All you need is some cheap paint – fingerpaints will do – and lots of towels. Affix a paper canvas to the wall with masking tape, load up your knockers with any colored hue and start working. Just press your breast against the paper and, viola, a masterpiece is created. Use the towels to take off the color from your chest so you can load up with a new shade. You don’t just have to make insects either – flowers, hearts and puffy trees are so simple. Talk about a conversation-starter.

Fellas, get a lady friend to make a boob painting for you, and you’ll be the talk of your floor.

Continue to add a few posters, current photos of you and your friends and sports memorabilia. Those white walls will start to look less and less like they belong in surgery prep room and that’s something we all can be happy about.