Heading back to school this fall? Don’t just think about getting your wardrobe to look A-list — your home away from home has to be hot, too!

David Bromstad, the host of HGTV’s Color Splash, shares his dorm design expertise with UsMagazine.com. Here are five easy ways to add extra oomph to your dorm-style digs.

1. Don’t be afraid to add color: If you’re able to paint your space, Bromstad suggests picking some of fall’s hottest hues, including green, yellow and purple. Afraid to try something new? “A really nice bold red with a little bit of orange always works. Red is timeless,” says our expert.

2. Invest in good bedding: When you’re not in class or partying with pals, you want a nice place to hang your head…and show off your personal style! “Bedding is important because you’re sharing a room with your roommate and you want to make sure your own style is reflected,” Bromstad says. “You can definitely get something bold and comfortable for under $100.”

3. Think outside the box: Bored with the standard-issue dorm furniture? Make it your own! “I made over a dorm room on the Oprah Winfrey Show and when it came to the wardrobe, I went to IKEA and got a really bold fabric to cover it,” Bromstad says. And no hammer and nails required for this redo: Just use double-sided tape, like 3M, to make the fabric stick.

4. Always remember art: Forget tacky posters to dress up blank walls. Bromstad suggests making your own art by framing a fabric swatch. “I bought a $10, 24×36 frame and took the pattern of fabric from the dresser and repeated it there, making a piece of art for very little cash,” he tells Us.

5. Add a rug: “Rugs are a missing item in dorm rooms,” says Bromstad. “They’re a big opportunity to add boldness and a graphic quality to the space. Rugs make the room feel more cozy and they’re not permanent [if you change your mind.]”

[Thanks: http://www.usmagazine.com]

Recent renovations have brought new customers to a longtime Tiffin business.

Happy Garden Chinese restaurant owners have revamped the decor, entrance, front desk and dining and buffet areas.

Renovations began in May and the restaurant reopened June 9.

“We wanted it to be more warm and friendly for customers and employees,” said owner Annie Li, who took over ownership from her cousin three years ago.

A wall was removed, the buffet was extended, and a television and soft-serve ice cream machine were added. The dining area was opened up, giving customers and employees more room.

The restaurant has seen a difference in business since reopening.

“Business has gotten better,” said Li. “We’ve had new people from Fremont, Fostoria, Clyde, and other customers from surrounding areas.”

New items have been added to the menu, as well. Three new house specialties include peanut butter chicken, black pepper chicken and seafood with butter. Two new vegetables choices are butter potatoes and mushrooms with oyster sauce.

The changes are part of Li’s goal to provide what her customers request.

She is proud of the traditional Chinese cuisine the restaurant offers because of the number of international students at the local universities.

When it opened more than 20 years ago, Happy Garden was a carry-out only restaurant with mainly local clientele.

“I want to thank the community for their support,” Li said. “They have enabled us to renovate and be in a competition to be named one of the Top 100 Chinese Restaurants in the U.S.A.”

The contest is the seventh annual, sponsored by Chinese Restaurant News. Chinese restaurants nationwide are nominated and judged based on food, decor/atmosphere, service, cleanliness, presentation and value. Customers visit a website to vote for the restaurant they want to be in the top 100.

To vote for Happy Garden, visit top100.chinesemenu.com.

[Thanks: http://www.advertiser-tribune.com]