This ample, L-shaped single in David Kemp belongs to Natalia Cote-Munoz, which she acquired through the blocking process. The room is at once spacious allowing Cote Munoz to regularly host friends and features cozy places for her to relax in. She has decorated the room vibrantly, which reflects her appreciation of art and worldwide cultures.
A. Under the propped-up bed is an air mattress. “Since I had so much space in my room, I decided to make it like a sort of bunk-bed/sofa when people are hanging out in my room or sleeping over.” Flanking the side of the bed is a fabric print, “Great Wave off Kanagawa” by 18th century Japanese artist Hokusai.
B. On the wall facing the window, Cote Munoz displays her collection of postcards. “They’re actually mostly from friends who sent them to me when they were traveling/living in different parts of the world,” she said. Origins of the postcards include Tokyo, Hawaii, Wisconsin, Berlin, Taipei, Buenos Aires, Valparasio, Paris and Swarthmore. Memorabilia from family and friends, such as birthday cards and letters accompany the postcards below.
C. In the corner of the room is Cote Munoz’s collection of stuffed animals, including Frodobert, the first sock monkey she has made. “He’s kind of ugly, but he’s still dear to me because of that. He also tends to appear in many class movie projects I end up doing…”Cote Munoz said, who is pursuing a film and media studies minor.
D. Cote-Munoz’s wall of colorful artwork features a large print by Russian painter Kandinsky and smaller prints of Hundertwasser, whom is Cote-Munoz’s favorite artist and architect. “He paints really colorful, funky paintings, and his buildings are just as quirky,” she said. “Swarthmore can be kind of a downer sometimes, especially in the winter, and my colorful walls lift my mood a lot.”
E. These three small, circular boxes are Cote-Munoz’s favorite item displayed on her dresser. It holds significance as they were hand-made by the grandmother of one of her best friends from Mexico. “They keep my friends and family closer to me, even if distance separates us,” Cote-Munoz said of all her trinkets.
Images: Sera Jeong for The Phoenix
