Dressing Up The Dorms

Flea-market finds will no longer do. College kids spend $2.6 billion a year on dÃècor

ON A HAZY SEPTEMBER day, Kenley Monson arrived at Ohio Northern University for her first day of college prepared with all the essentials. Like a new computer. And a new pink plastic computer cover to go with it. Then there was the futon, and the mini-fridge. And of course the brand-new color-coordinated bedding ensemble--pink sheets, pink pillows, pink comforter--which matched the pink shag rug and halogen lamp with the pink shade. The storage crates were solid pink; the trash can was decorated with hearts colored--you guessed it--pink. And who could forget the tiki lights every frosh needs? Not Monson. She remembered...

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