By Bob Lindquist and Laurie Morrissey
Photos by Dick Shelton

Elvis clocks and band posters; lava lamps and pub coasters. TV sets and papasan chairs; flat-screen computers and teddy bears. These are just a few of the things seen in residence halls and townhouses on campus. The most common accessory of all, though, from Second Street to Joan of Arc Hall, was strings of little lights shaped like butterflies, dragonflies, shamrocks, globes, and chili peppers.

Saint Anselm students are hip to the home decorating trend popularized by Martha Stewart, the HGTV cable channel, Trading Spaces , and its many spin-off programs. Tastefully decorated rooms, students’ homes away from home, can be found throughout campus.

Freshmen Kaitlyn McClure and Jacki Kinsman color coordinated their room yellow and purple before they got to school. The walls are covered in a checkerboard pattern of photographs chronicling their freshman year.

Electrical engineering major Will Murphy gave his room a more colorful electronic theme, with rotating lamps (amber, red, blue, green), lava lamps and black lights, all controlled by a panel atop his television.

Senior RA Eryn Lorentzen describes her room as “cute, romantic, and pretty” with paper lantern shades, color coordinated window treatment and furniture coverings, along with white netting over her bed, and of course, stringed lights.

Brad Balicki (pictured) and his roommates claim their townhouse as the “best male decorated place on campus.” In addition to the American flag, The Who poster, and Miller Lite blimp, (yes they are all 21) their kitchen features an extensive coaster collection.

An eight-foot plywood cactus adorns the townhouse living room of seniors Caitlin O’Neil (left), Kristi Sweet (center), Lauren Koontz, and Nicole Boutin (not pictured). “Not only is it comfortable, but also fun and ‘homey.’”