DEVIATING FROM THE DORM NORM PERSONALIZE YOUR COLLEGE CRIB WITHOUT BREAKING ANY RULES.

Byline: Sherry Joe Crosby Staff Writer

Course list? Check. Books? Got 'em. Mini fridge? Remote-control TV with built-in DVD player?

Hey, this is college we're talking about; kids have to live somehow.

And stores are obliging young consumers with a cornucopia of home furnishings that includes matching bed and bath linens, funky wall decor and trendy accessories made especially for the dorm room crowd.

``They've grown up watching 'MTV Cribs' and HGTV. They're very sophisticated, and they're very into design,'' says Jennifer Fox-Armour, co-owner of MOS My Own Space, a boutique furniture store in La Jolla that's popular among the college set.

Because dorm rooms tend to be small and universities frequently place restrictions on decor, style experts say college-bound students often personalize their rooms with space-saving accessories such as colorful bed linens, matching throw pillows and eye-catching desk lamps.

``Their hands are tied behind their backs, and so they're limited in how far they can decorate their room,'' says Fox-Armour. ``They're looking for any way they can to personalize it and jazz it up.''

Fun wall decor is a fast and easy solution. Fox-Armour sells wall graphics that adhere without damaging walls. She says the product is her No. 1 seller among college students.

``They can put something really cool on the wall, and they know that they won't get into trouble.''

College-bound students can also find complementary bed and bath linens, including rugs and curtains, in an array of colors and patterns, from bold stripes, plaids and funky geometric prints to demure pastels and solid neutrals such as khaki, chocolate brown and denim.

Dorm room style is ``really following the trends of fashion and home decor,'' says Laura McDowell, a spokeswoman for TJ Maxx, which offers a full line of furnishings and accessories for the college crowd.

Even the venerable milk crate - that tried-and-true storage container - has gotten a makeover to appeal to today's savvy young shoppers. Now storage containers hold everything from sweaters and shoes to CDs and come in an infinite variety of colors, styles and fabrics, including faux leather.

``In the past, it was plastic tubs or grocery store crates. Now it's decorative baskets with custom linings,'' McDowell says. ``You can get a lining with daisies or sailboats and create a whole theme.''

Lamps, wall clocks, and light-switch-plate covers bearing retro designs, geometric shapes and other images are another popular way to personalize rooms, says Fox-Armour.

Bottom line, style experts say, dorm room decor has come a long way.

``You can add a lot of style to your dorm room,'' says McDowell. ``There's a lot of options.''

On these pages are the top accessories for your dorm room. While some are necessary - such as bed linens - others are just plain fun. And don't forget to ask about shipping - most manufacturers will be happy to send their products straight to your dorm room.

Sherry Joe Crosby, [phone]

sherryjoe.crosby(at)dailynews.com

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(1 -- cover -- color) FATBOY-THE ORIGINAL: A modern take on the classic beanbag chair, this Finnish import doubles as a lounge chair, recliner and mattress. The soft, washable nylon cover wipes clean with a moist towelette. Comes in 10 colors. Available for $249 at My Own Space, [phone].

Eye-catching elements come together to create cool college digs

(2 -- color) CD DRAWERS: Keep your tunes within reach in these handsome and versatile CD cases. Comes in pink and green. Available for $19.99 each at Target stores. www.target.com.

(3 -- color) GOOSENECK ALARM CLOCK WITH SNOOZE: There's no chance you'll be late to class with this eye-catching desk clock. Available for $14.99 at Target stores. www.target.com.

(4 -- color) STRIPED DUVET SET: Jazz up your drab dorm room with this bold striped duvet set. Comes in twin, extra-long twin, full and queen sizes. Available for $29.99 at Target stores. www.target.com.

(5 -- color) HELLO KITTY 13-INCH TELEVISION DVD COMBO: You may be an adult, but that doesn't mean you have to leave behing childhood forever. Pay homage to your past with the new Hello Kitty Television. This 13-inch TV comes with a built-in DVD player, easy access to plug in your gaming console and a remote control. Measures 18.75 inches by 18 inches by 19 inches. Comes in pink. Suggested retail price is $264. Available at Target and Sanrio stores. www.target.com and www.sanrio.com

(6 -- color) STADIUM BLANKET: College isn't all about lectures and books. Celebrates the great outdoors with this snazzy blanket. Folds up into its own convenient bag with carrying handles. Available for $19.99 at Target stores. www.target.com

(7 -- color) DOOR KNOB SIGN: Communicate in style with these handy foam door knobs. Set of three available for $4.99 at Target stores. www.target.com

(8 -- color) PILLOW TALK: Bring instant style to your dorm room with a mix of decorative pillows in striking patters and solid colors. Available for $7.99 to $29.99 at TJ Maxx stores. www.tjmaxx.com.

(9 -- color) A CLEAN SLATE: Shine in class with these assorted face hand and bath towels. Available for $2.99 to $7.99 at HomeGoods. www.homegoods.com.

(10 -- color) MUNCHIE MUST-HAVES: Satisfy your midnight cravings with this mini-fridge and matching tableware set. The fridge is $49.99, and tableware items range in price from $1.99 to $9.99. Available at HomeGoods: Pride Center, 22940 Victory Blvd., Woodland Hills; Conejo Valley Shopping Center, 1332 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks; The Promenade at Town Center, 27087 McBean Parkway, Valencia. www.homegoods.com.

(11 -- color) ALL NIGHTERS: Shed some light on your subject matter of choice with an assortment of colorful tabletop lamps from HomeGoods. Prices range from $9.99 to $29.99. www.homegood.com.