Dorm Decorating

[semer.livejournal.com]

Okay, so, I'd like to do some decorating in my dorm room. I've done searches in various craft communities, but a lot of the stuff I've come up with that people do in dorms is rather garish for my tastes. I am such an ikea child: clean lines, minimalism, and that stuff... but when dorm rooms are too minimal, they look like hotel rooms or hospital rooms or something. So institutional. I can't figure out what to do to make my room feel more like MY space, as opposed to this little piece of someone else's territory that feels alien to me.

Any recommendations?

Also, is there a good thread somewhere on sewing machine buying advice? Or a guide online anyone would recommend?

Thanks!