{mad max}

In the spirit of the "back to school" season, I thought a post on the ever popular dorm room that was published in New York Magazine last year seemed appropriate. Maximilian Sinsteden, who was an intern for Charlotte Moss, created this eclectic, quintessentially english gentleman's abode in standard student quarters at Drew University. What I love most about Max's dorm is that it is in keeping with his personal preppy style, but the layered look he created makes it not the least bit uptight or stodgy.

Taking inspiration from Max's room, I re-created a similar space. While it might be a little over the top for an average guy's dorm room it would be perfect for a young bachelor's pad.

Max painted the room Ralph Lauren's Tapestry Green, a color Max says he fell in love with after he saw it used in a powder room of a Charlotte Moss client.

Peter Dunham's Samarkand is the perfect updated "global chic" paisley. Dunham was inspired by his friend's hippie bedcover, which he had picked up in Tangiers, when he created this fabric. Large bolster pillows in this fabric would be stunning.

A Ralph Lauren plaid for the bed linens and table skirt would give the space a preppy look.

Max used old, worn Oriental rugs that belonged to his family. Another handsome, durable and affordable option would be a striped indoor/outdoor rug from Dash and Albert.

A floor lamp from Ikea with a toffee checked shade from Ballard Design would be an inexpensive lighting option.

For additional light, a pair of minimalist ikea table lamps placed on a thrift store chest of drawers would be perfect. Seagrass shades from Ballard Designs would give the lamps a "waspy" feel.

Vintage posters framed in ready made frames from Michael's would fill up wall space nicely. Personal framed photographs as well as eclectic thrift store finds would be sure to aide in recreating Max's "wall of art." Vintage European license plates are fun wall fillers as well and can be found on ebay.

**As a little side note: the perfect gift to send a young man going off to school (or work) is a handsome leather portfolio with personalized strap from Col. Littleton. My husband is a big fan!