It’s not every day that you walk into a room that has almost as much nature as the park or the suburbs, but on Sulzberger 2, that’s just what lies behind Barnard ‘26 Orla’s door.

A lot of consideration goes into crafting the perfect space. This often includes pinterest boards, online shopping, printing out pictures, and maybe thrifting a few trinkets if you’re feeling really wild. But for Orla, Barnard first year and Sulzberger floor 2 resident, room decor inspiration comes more from her surroundings and creative whims than anything else. While it’s possible that calling her room eclectic is an understatement, it’s definitely a start.

Despite the tiny square footage, Orla has managed to fit a lot of different stylistic elements and practical (yet unexpected) organizational devices into her dorm. Among these are an empty apple cider carton resting haphazardly on the light fixture, condoms and glow in the dark stars on her ceiling, and a large tree branch taken from Riverside Park holding her various sunglasses and hats. The walls are plastered with one of a kind drawings by Orla’s sister and photographs she takes and develops herself.

At the center of the room is a collection of plants that rivals Barnard’s Arthur Ross Greenhouse. Orla can often be seen walking down the halls plants in tow, always taking care to water them and give them endless access to sunlight—and I do mean endless because the blinds in this room are never closed. Between these plants and the giant tree branch that sits in the corner of the room, one really has the sense of walking into a reprieve from the urban environment of New York City just like that of Riverside or Central Park.

What may appear cluttered and a mess to some is actually carefully cultivated. The shoe on the window sill, the aforementioned carton on the light, the asymmetry of wall decorations and details are all intentional and serve a highly specific purpose. What that purpose is, Orla cannot reveal. That is for her to know and us to envy, forever trying to achieve a room that makes you feel like you are entering into a perfect state of chaos, warmth, and personality.

Without further ado, here is a tour, in photos, of my personal favorite room on Sulz 2, and the humble abode of my lovely neighbors who have managed to bring the outside world into their space in a unique and exciting way.

Photos via Author