A slew of new “co-living” spaces, apartment-style complexes designed around shared space and shared activities, are tapping into adults’ (specifically millennials’) desire for community.
Photography courtesy of Common.
The new adult “dorms” have communal dinners, movie theaters, Wi-Fi, and weekly cleaning (and, in the case of one that we know of, an on-site mixologist).
Take note for the common room: an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area at Common’s Lincoln location in New York City.
When you move in, whether to a dorm room or a new apartment, “Don’t just let your room ‘happen,'” Wilkinson says. Consider colors, layers, textures, and wall hangings that work well together.
1. Have a plan.
Sparse rooms, like this one at an NYC Common location, could be seen as plain—or an opportunity.
2. Think of your cinderblock room as a blank slate.
Unless you’re one of the lucky few, chances are your dorm room or first apartment will come with a few unsightly features.
Comfortable, small-space seating and cushions are flexible enough for studying or for a gathering.
3. Splurge (and take advantage of shared costs).
Living with others has its up sides: “The great thing about sharing is you get to have something better for half of the cost to you (or a quarter, or fifth),” says Wilkinson.
“When it comes to acquiring furniture (new or secondhand), think about how it will look after some wear and tear,” Wilkinson says.
4. Steer clear of veneer: Choose materials that will last.
Common apartments come equipped with the basics, including simple wooden clothes hangers. Follow suit when packing for the dorm.
At Common, furniture (and even clothes hangers and cooking supplies) are provided. Coordinate with your roommates on things like blenders, toasters, cutlery, and dinnerware, and make sure you only have one set—double-ups clutter a small space quickly.
5. Bring only what you need.
A twin dorm bed can be elevated with a simple white duvet, like the one in this Common apartment.
That standard issue dorm furniture extra long twin bed bureau desk desk chair might seem prescriptive and inflexible but Wilkinson encourages thinking outside the box Do you really use your desk Or do you study best in a cafe at...
6. Forget the rules: Make standard dorm furniture work for you.
...the library curled up on your bed Think about using the desk surface as a tea station a breakfast nook or a place for your jewelry makeup and scent diffusers Transform your bed into a lounge area during the day
7. Co-living doesn’t have to mean no privacy.
Common provides private rooms for all of its inhabitants, but dorms (and even first apartments) don’t always come with built-in privacy.
The small-space bedside table and flexible reading lamp in this Common bedroom are well-suited for a dorm’s tight quarters.
“Your bedroom is a vital escape from the outside world,” Wilkinson says.”It is a place to relax and recharge. Invest in quality bedding for a little personal luxury, and use table lamps to combat the effect of harsh overhead lights.”
8. Make your bedroom your sanctuary.
When sharing close quarters, keep most of your belongings—hair dryer, suitcases, next semester’s textbooks—neatly tucked away.
9. Smart storage equals streamlined co-living.
At one of Common’s Brooklyn locations, apartments are set up for success with a place to corral mail and hooks for coats.
10. Don’t neglect the details.
Most of us get home kick off our shoes dump our stuff and empty our pockets Be thoughtful about what happens to all those things Place a compact shoe rack by your door dedicate a small shelf or basket to keys sunglasses and mail and make sure you have...
...a nice waste paper bin so scrunched up receipts don t litter your space Use a shallow platter a basket or a simple box to collect like items in Corralling them in one place adds a level of polish rather than have everything sprawled out and makes wiping surfaces easier
The other people you’re sharing a space with.
11. Embrace life with your roommate(s).
Take the same premise to the dorm: “Embrace the connections you will make with your crazy roommates,” Wilkinson says.