Home Decor ADVICE & TIPS from Art, Architecture and Global Retailing majors.
editor’s tip
ORGANIZATION facilitates DECOR
photo_Larsha
EDITOR’S NOTE
Howdy Coogs!
Spring is officially here.
This usually means one of a few things: time for a deep clean or redecoration, time to make summer and fall semester plans or time to think about switching housing.
Whichever of those categories you may find yourself in, this issue has some tips and inspirations for you.
To those of you who are new here, my name is Larsha Flowers, and I am the Executive Editor of Cooglife Magazine. To the faithful readers, I’m glad you’re back.
This issue is a special one for me, having lived in the dorms for a day, student apartments for a year, and then my three “big-girl” apartments over the last six years. Being able to clean, decorate and keep my space
functional has becomes one of my favorite adult hobbies.
I spend more time than I am willing to admit dodging the home decor sections of my favorite stores. This is partly because while I love decor, I also prefer a very minimalist style.
Many of the pieces in this issue are inspired by some of my favorite spaces in my home. Truthfully though, it took me a long time to figure out my style. Hence, I wanted to make sure this issue could help you as you figure out or fine-tune yours.
Hopefully, you find yourself piecing together a Pinterest board after this read, but more importantly, I hope you enjoy it!
Until the next issue, Larsha Flowers | Executive Editor
EDITORIAL
Larsha Flowers
Cooglife Executive Editor
cooglife@thedailycougar.com
COVER PHOTOS
Sammy Bates
Staff Photographer • Cooglife
sammyb8sdesign@gmail.com
“One of my favorite things about photography is how it is entirely individual to each person.
Nobody else has the perspective or distinct eye you have.
There’s always a unique point of view you have to offer that nobody can replicate or take away from you.”
–S ammy.bates
WRITERS
Cindy Rivas Alfaro
Gauraangi Gupta
Sammy Bates
Kinley Jaegar
Melissa Unlu
Cali Adams
Cindy Rivas Alfaro
Sammy Bates ARTISTS
WARDROBE ORGANIZATION 101
Y
our closet is not only a gateway into your style but a big part of your daily life. An organized closet can cut down on the stress that comes with balancing classes, work and a social life.
Nada Awad, an aspiring fashion designer and graduate student in the global retailing program at the University of Houston, knows firsthand how a well-organized closet can make life easier.
With a passion for style, Awad provides some tips for a curated wardrobe that isn’t just about fashion but about simplifying your day-to-day.
“My biggest tip for building a capsule wardrobe is to stay cohesive and maintain a consistent color scheme,” Awad says.
Being organized, however, isn’t about owning fewer items but about making sure every piece works together.
Implementing adaptable pieces into your closet makes styling easier while maintaining a clutterfree space.
“Black and white pieces, like black pants and a white shirt, are essential staples because they pair well with everything,” she says.
1,2, 3, & 4 bedroom floor plans
article_Kinley Jaegar | photo_Nada Awad
“Keep prints to a minimum, as too many patterns can be difficult to match and may disrupt a streamlined look.”
Once you have the foundation of versatile pieces, incorporating a few key items can upgrade your wardrobe. Awad’s recommended essentials? A blazer.
“It’s perfect for job interviews, and you can easily dress it down with jeans for a fresh, stylish vibe,” she says.
Beyond style, a well-planned wardrobe, created with an intentional approach, also makes it easier to keep your closet organized.
“In my experience, having a cohesive closet keeps things decluttered and makes it much easier to pick out outfits,” she says. “Even with fewer pieces, if they’re versatile and complement each other, you can still create endless combinations by mixing and matching tops and bottoms.”
Even with the right pieces, a messy closet can make getting dressed a hassle though. To keep her closet organized, Awad follows a simple yet effective approach.
“I like to keep my closet organized by both garment type and color,” she explains. “In one section, you’ll find all my blouses, t-shirts, pants and blazers arranged by color, which makes choosing an outfit a seamless process.”
Awad’s approach to fashion extends beyond personal organization. It’s deeply rooted in her cultural background. The showcase pieces from her personal collection are inspired by her home country of Palestine.
“The collection is designed to be cohesive, allowing each piece to be mixed and matched with the others. Every item complements the rest to create a seamless, unified look,” she explains.
Your closet should work for you, not against you. For college students, an organized closet isn’t just about saving space but refining your style.
Making subtle changes like color coordination and adding staple pieces to your wardrobe can make a big difference in both function and fashion.
Whether you have busy mornings or are headed to a lastminute study session, an organized closet makes getting dressed enjoyable, and it elevates your routine.
Nevertheless, don’t forget you can still have fun with it. Fashion brings out creativity and uniquely showcases personality.
“If you keep your things organized, then you will set yourself up for success,” Awad says.
MUST-HAVE KITCHEN ESSENTIALS
article_Gauraangi Gupta
When moving or decorating homes, many pay more attention to the living room and bedrooms, trying to make them as comfortable as possible.
Often, the kitchen goes forgotten, but it’s important to give attention to your kitchen as well!
Here’s a list of must-have kitchen essentials you don’t want to forget.
COOKING ESSENTIALS
Make sure your kitchen is well equipped with basic cooking essentials such as pots, pans, mixing bowls and cutting boards. Mittens may come in handy as well.
Note that these items while basic don’t have to be boring. You can find stylish cookware to match your home theme!
It is recommended, though, to have nonstick items as they are considered more safe and easier to store.
Baking sheets are also advisable if you see yourself roasting vegetables or serving up some home-baked cookies!
UTENSILS AND TOOLS
Apart from the basic spoons, forks and knives, it is also recommended to have a good quality, chef’s knife.
A knife set can double as great kitchen décor, but it can also make slicing and dicing fruits and veggies feel fancier.
Measuring cups and spatulas are also great items to have readily available in your kitchen.
Tongs are important to have too. So is a peeler for peeling fruits and vegetables easily and faster.
SMALL APPLIANCES
In the world of developing technology, small electrical appliances are constantly trending.
While you may not need a flowershaped pancake griddle for Spring or the latest air fryer, there are some appliances you should consider.
These can also be found in colors to match your kitchen theme as well.
For example, a blender is a great choice for smoothies, soups and even homemade sauces.
A toaster will help you make quick breakfasts and can even be used for reheating in some cases.
STORAGE AND ORGANIZATION
Leftovers could be considered a core part of the college experience.
Having food-storage containers such as Tupperware could be helpful.
Additionally, sometimes leftovers taste a bit better with a little extra seasoning. So, a spice rack or spice organizer is also another thing you want to have in your dream kitchen.
Depending on your preferred style, refrigerator magnets to stick important notes or grocery lists on your fridge are also a plus.
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
And just like the rest of your home, cleanliness and hygiene is important in the kitchen as well.
The best part is cleaning supplies can either be rebottled, trendy and cute or neatly organized in the original packaging and hidden in cabinets.
Dish soap and sponge are a given, but if you don’t have a dishwasher, a drying rack could be a good investment to make.
Kitchen towels and paper towels may also add to the aesthetic.
Lastly, trash cans and recycling bins are important for waste management and to prevent foul smells, but again they can be chosen to match the general vibe of the space.
ART IS DECOR
TURNING ANY SPACE INTO A HOME
article_Sammy Bates | photos_Sammy Bates | graphic_Cali Adams
The structure or size of any dwelling space is irrelevant.
Any space, whether it be a house, apartment or dorm, can be transformed into a warm and welcoming home.
While home décor might not seem particularly important to some, psychological research suggests the environment we live in has significant effect on our mental health. No one is immune.
In many cases, college is the first taste of true freedom some people get. It is often the first time they have full control over
“Anything can be decor.”
Anastasia Rivera
themselves and their space.
While this might feel intimidating, it’s good to appreciate the new-found freedom. Personalizing one’s space is a great place to start.
Perhaps the easiest place to start, even for the least
artistic, is a display of personal photos. Whether placed in a frame, attached to a corkboard or simply taped to the wall, this is a surefire way to personalize your space. It also serves as a reminder of your favorite memories and people.
Art student Anastasia Rivera understands the importance of bringing a piece of home to her space. Rivera’s family is a recurring theme in her art.
“I have a million pictures of my family because I just have to… it makes me feel more at home,” Rivera said.
Surely, there are room essentials such as a bed or desk, but it’s just as important to have décor to make the environment homely.
It’s nice if décor can be both functional and fashionable, but you can also display things that have no purpose other than making you smile.
“Worry about what you like. Don’t try to fit somebody else’s aesthetic,” Rivera says. “I just pick things out that I love and put them everywhere. That’s what makes me feel at home.”
While interior design might seem intimidating or inaccessible, it does not have to be inauthentic. Adhering to a specific design style might be a good framework, but making a space your own doesn’t require expert knowledge or talent in design theory.
thrift stores and other affordable sites online are also some of the options available to improve your space without breaking the bank.
A little industriousness also goes a long way. You can find posters of photography you like and then print and frame them yourself.The University of Houston campus itself is a goldmine for posters.
Referencing a framed poster on the wall, Rivera said, “I actually got that on campus. There was an event where they were selling posters and art.”
The University Digital Library also has various collections of art and posters available for students. You may also opt to support student artists who sell their work.
Another cost-effective alternative to many things in the decorating sphere is just doing it yourself. With the plethora of videos, blogs and tutorials dedicated to DIY décor, you may consider making some pieces yourself.
Moreover, artistic hobbies or talents can be transformed into décor as another easy and accessible option. As an artist, Rivera has many pieces of décor she made.
Framing and displaying a paint-by-number piece or a particularly pretty puzzle you
D E C
Decorating your space doesn’t have to be expensive, either. Stores such as Ikea have a vastly affordable catalog. Even Dollar Tree has a home décor section. Hand-me-downs, Facebook Marketplace,
completed makes for a great décor and conversation. You’ll be able to tell guests, “I made that!”
And while décor might traditionally be seen as feminine, boys and men can–and should–be able to express themselves this way as well.
“For my boyfriend’s room, one time we went to an antique store, and he found all these beer things to hang and that was really cute,” Rivera said. “Then he has little pictures of things that I make him that he puts on his wall.”
Expressing yourself and creating a space you like not only to look at but to live in isn’t reserved for any one gender or type of person. It’s a niche
way to invest in yourself and your sacred space.
If you prefer freedom of movement and less clutter, minimalism might be the way to go. However, maximalism is also an option.
“I need this room to look like I live here and that it’s exciting and it looks cute because I can’t do like a plain wall,” Rivera said. “My walls are like my scrapbook. I hang everything up–a little bracelet, a poster, a sticker, anything.” She added.
Ultimately, personal preference is key.
“It doesn’t have to say décor to be décor,” Rivera says. “Anything can be décor.”
Rivas
Alfaro | photo_Cindy
Rivas
Alfaro
article_Cindy Rivas Alfaro | photo_Cindy Rivas Alfaro
People often speak about the healing abilities of a walk in nature. Having your own bit of nature at home is just as beneficial. Green spaces are not only meant to make spaces look lively and bright but can increase your mood and bring better air quality into your life. Keep reading to find out how you can make your own green space at home!
1
What is a green space?
A green space can be a community garden, park, terrace or even just a corner of your room with some friendly plants. It doesn’t have to be complicated to create. It just requires enough research to get started.
2
Benefits of a green space
SpacesGreen HOUSE PLANTS JUST ENTERED THE CHAT.
The color green can evoke feelings of relaxation, happiness, health and optimism. Just 20-30 minutes in a green space can improve your mood! Although, you might need a lot of them to start reaping the benefits.
Plants can also improve the air quality of your living spaces. In this instance, just one can get you started.
If you decide to grow some small vegetables, you’ll also be able to make delicious food with your at-home produce.
3
Plants to start with
Now, how many plants should you get?
The answer is totally up to you and your goals! If you’re barely getting into the world of plants, one or two should be enough to get you started.
It’s important to pick plants native to your area. This plays a big role in how much they can thrive. You can visit a local nursery or even go to UH’s Horticulture Club for some tips. Remember, plants are living organisms and play a vital role in our ecosystem; we should take care of them as such!
Most plants come with a care instruction tag, and care usually varies from very difficult plants such as orchids and dragon trees to starter plants such as spider plants and perillas .
article_Cindy Rivas Alfaro | photo_Cindy Rivas Alfaro
How to be consistent
When it comes to taking care of your plants, building a routine is important.
Figure out a time during the day when you will water your plants and pick a good spot in your space where the sun can reach them.
Make sure you know what plant you have and follow its care instructions. The worst thing that can happen is a plant dying from a lack of care.
Now that you’ve learned a little bit more about green spaces and taking care of plants, hopefully, you will consider adding a plant friend to your home and life!
Plant community
As aforementioned, the UH Horticulture Club is an on-campus resource that could help you get started with your green space!
They host consistent meetings at the Greenhouse on campus and invite guest speakers who share their knowledge of the field. For more information, follow them on Instagram at @horticulturesociety or join their discord.
Another local, Houston spot is Eden Plant Co., a plant nursery and coffee shop offering live music every now and then. Finding a community of plant lovers shouldn’t be hard in Houston, but if you’re still struggling, heading here can be a good start!
article_Melissa Unlu | photos_submitted by_Angel Wing Yi Cheung
article_Melissa Unlu
Through intentional design, Angel Wing Yi Cheung, a sophomore architecture student strives to create visually appealing spaces that enhance the way people experience their surroundings.
Cheung, emphasizing her passion and dedication, shared with Cooglife the intricate ways in which she creates designs that make houses feel more like homes—beauty, comfort and purpose coexisting seamlessly.
Architecture is a perfect blend of both art and comfort. It involves true dedication to the craft and a keen focus on quality. Cheung leans into all these qualities in her designs.
Her creative process in design comes from a mix of inspirations. This includes SANAA and Shigeru Ban, whose styles paired together inspire lightness, transparency and innovative use of material.
“When we look into a space, you want it to be welcoming but also suited for you to carry out the activities you want to do,” Cheung says.
Moreso, she lives by the quote, “Less is more,” when it comes to designing a comfortable home. This is highlighted even in her color preferences–an essential aspect of a home’s interior.
“I really like white because it reflects light and creates a welcoming [space],” Cheung says.
Nevertheless, cool undertones, warm colors and minimalistic tones also bring designs to life.
Cheung went on to explain the importance of mindful furniture placement when designing one’s dream interior.
“You don’t want to walk into a building, open the door and see the bed,” she says. “Privacy is an important element in designing a comfortable bedroom.”
Ultimately, Cheung’s approach to architecture highlights the delicate balance between aesthetics and functionality–a balance ideal for anyone designing their home or any special, dwelling space.
photos_submitted
