Decorating Tips for Boomerang College Kids

RANDOLPH, MA - College graduation is an exciting and somewhat daunting time. With the school years behind you, it's finally time to step out of the academic gates and into the job world. While most graduates are ready to charge after their dream careers, the recession can provide a roadblock that delays many.

Despite the recent improvement in employment numbers, the job market is tough on recent college graduates. According to the March jobs report, the unemployment rate for those between the ages of 20 and 24 is 13.2 percent, versus the national rate of 8.2 percent. No paycheck often means no apartment and a staggering number of graduates are moving from their college residences back home and into their childhood rooms.

A recent Pew Research Center poll noted that 40 percent of these 18 to 24 year olds currently live at home, thus there is now a new moniker, "boomerang kids" that describes this phenomenon.

While there may be a holdup to their having a place of their own, that doesn't mean that the new phase of these young people's lives can't be celebrated. If you are one of the many who have moved or are moving back home, make the most of what you have by reinventing your room into a more stylish, adult space with these easy, affordable tips from Paula Berberian, Creative Director of WallPops, the premier line of peel-and-stick wall art from Brewster Home Fashions.

Get Colorfully Organized

If r�sum�s, graduate school applications, writing samples and the like are piling up on your desk, create a lively "career command station" to help you stay on top of your projects. For a dose of sophistication and cheer, use colorful recycled fiberboard boxes to keep papers in their proper place. Try the Semikolon Document Box Spring Collection featuring a vertical rainbow set of boxes or the Bright Stockholm Office Storage Boxes to stay organized to help you get closer to reaching your goals.

Stick Up Stylish Wall Art

Break away from childish posters or other outdated wall art in your bedroom. For a fresh, grown-up look, try the new WallPops by Jonathan Adler line of peel-and-stick wall art.

For the price of a sold college textbook, the line offers an infusion of signature Adler motifs like silver and gold metallic accents and soft felt flocking in a variety of wall art options from Dry Erase items to WallPops mix-and-match circle-shaped Dots, square Blox and Stripes.

For an instant design solution, try the Wall Art Kits available in a variety of chic designs that cover the majority of a wall to revamp the whole room. Wall Art Kits feature two 17.25-inch by 39-inch sheets with all components included.

For an instant color update, go with the Bargello Wave Kit featuring Adler's signature Sixties' groovy waves in cheerful, orange, red, teal, green, blue, pink, yellow and dark blue. For another bright, camera-ready addition, try the Hollywood Kit with four geometric floral shapes in yellow, green, teal and blue with silver stud embellishments that come with a total of 18 pieces. Wall Art Kits are approximately $35.99 each, kits with mylar, flocking or stud embellishments are approximately $42.99 each.

Reinvent Hand-Me-Down Furniture

Have the same pink chair since you were in middle school and need a refresher? Update it with a simple neutral slipcover for an all-new piece of furniture and one that you can use in your future apartment, parents permitting.

Available at your local home store or online, such as the site Every Slipcover at www.everyslipcover.com. The site offers a range of fabric, color and furniture type options for you to find the perfect fit with prices as low as $39.

Redefine It with Carpets

As you move into adulthood, step onto a fashionable carpet that instantly makes over a room. Very popular today, try one in a Lattice print, a zig zag pattern or a Kilim rug in a medley of bold colors. Layer over your current carpet or wood flooring and roll it up and bring it along when it's time to move into your own place.

While you're no longer a teenager, PB Teen is surprisingly a great source for a wide variety of trendy rugs, all online at www.pbteen.com starting at approximately $69.

Sometimes your situation is not ideal but make the most of your post-college living arrangements by creating stylish, colorful surroundings to prepare you for a bright future ahead.

WallPops by Jonathan Adler Dots, Blox and Stripes and Dry Erase Packs are approximately $17.99 per pack.

Wall Art Kits without metallic are approximately $35.99 per pack and Wall Art Kits with metallic are approximately $42.99 per pack.

WallPops by Brewster Home Fashions is the premier line of peel-and-stick wall art on the market today with on-trend design and total coordination possibilities. Headquartered in Randolph, Mass., Brewster Home Fashions is one of the oldest independent, family-owned wallcovering companies in the U.S. that now spans five generations.

Since 1954, Brewster Home Fashions has been a prominent manufacturer and distributor of fine wallpapers and home decor products for residential and commercial markets globally. A category leader, the company offers a range of brands and price points that provide more than 10,000 wall and window d�cor solutions.

WallPops by Jonathan Adler are sold through select retailers nationwide and online at www.wallpops.com.

Follow WallPops on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/wallpops, become a fan at: www.facebook.com/#!/wallpopsdecals

Follow them at: www.twitter.com/WallPopswallart

View the WallPops blog at www.blog.wallpops.com

Visit the Brewster Pinterest page at https://www.pinterest.com/brewsterhome

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