The time-honored ritual of preparing for college—a frantic, last-minute rush to a big-box store armed with coupons and a hastily scrawled checklist—is fading into memory. In its place, a new tradition has emerged, one that transforms the humble dorm room into a curated, personal sanctuary. For many students today, especially in the Southern states, the once modest dorm decor has evolved into a full-scale design project, often involving professional interior designers and high-end budgets – according to a story by The New York Times.
This shift isn’t just about comfort or practicality; it’s about creating a space that feels like a true home, even if it’s just for a year or two. Over the last decade, spending on dorm decor has skyrocketed. This year alone, college students have collectively spent around $87 billion on dorm furnishings. It’s a bit less than last year’s peak of $94 billion, but it’s still nearly double what was spent in 2014. On average, each student is spending about $1,365 to outfit their dorm room—far from the days when a few posters and a mini-fridge were enough.
Ginger Curtis, who runs Urbanology Designs in Dallas, sees this trend up close. She’s been designing upscale spaces for years, but recently, she’s noticed more college students and their parents reaching out for her services. Curtis says that even for those on a tighter budget, she can create something special for $7,000 to $8,000. But for those willing to splurge, the sky’s the limit. Think custom fabrics, personalized linens, and furniture that feels more like home than a temporary setup. The idea, she says, is to move away from the “fast furniture” mindset and toward something that feels more lasting, even if it’s just for a short time.
When Lesley Lachman arrived at the University of Mississippi, she found her dorm room almost uninhabitable. Rather than settle, she and her roommate teamed up with Essentials with Eden, a design company that focuses specifically on dorm rooms. For around $3,000, they transformed their space into a chic, New York-inspired haven with a Southern twist. Lesley now leaves her dorm room door open, proud of the inviting space she’s created.
Essentials with Eden is the brainchild of Eden Bowen Montgomery, who started the company while she was still in college. Her business has taken off, especially in the South, where having a stylish dorm room is almost a rite of passage. Her full-service packages, which can run up to $10,000, include everything from initial consultations to complete room installations. On move-in day, Montgomery and her team set up everything from scratch, ensuring that every detail is perfect.
Social media has played a huge role in this trend, too. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are full of students showing off their before-and-after dorm room makeovers, sparking even more interest in elaborate designs. It’s not just about living comfortably—it’s about creating a space that’s worth sharing online. Some students, like those working with designer Joyce Huston in New York, have even gone as far as transforming their dorm rooms into themed environments, like an Amazon rainforest, complete with living walls and water features.
Of course, not everyone is jumping on the designer dorm trend. Some students and their families are sticking to a more traditional, DIY approach. Edith Gomero, for instance, helped her son set up his dorm room at the University of Illinois with essentials from Target and Marshalls. For her son, a simple setup with a corkboard and a few posters was enough to make the space feel like his own.
For those looking to strike a balance between style and budget, experts suggest focusing on a few key elements: a comfortable mattress pad, quality sheets, and smart storage solutions. Adding a cozy rug or custom curtains can also elevate the space without going overboard. In the end, whether through designer help or a DIY effort, the goal is the same—to create a dorm room that feels like more than just a place to sleep.
