Some dorms feature personalized artwork while others boast chandeliers; one even includes a disco ball hanging above!

These aren’t homes transformed on a home makeover show. They are college dorms, and the lengths some students go to make their limited living spaces luxurious are trending on TikTok.

Online, many parents are eager to invest significantly in enhancing their children’s dorm rooms, sometimes hiring professional decorators. However, several students are also taking the initiative to revamp their spaces themselves.

Interior designer Alethea Jay, who gained popularity for redesigning her sister’s dorm, shares that many Gen Z individuals wish to create inviting spaces even within temporary living situations, particularly in a challenging housing market.

“I often see people say, ‘I’ll do this when I finally buy my own house,’ or ‘I can’t wait to get assistance when I have my own place,'” Jay notes. “But I remind them that they don’t have to postpone. You can begin the journey now in an affordable manner. You don’t need to wait for your dream home.”

Can Dorm Rooms Really Be Luxurious?

#DormTok, the TikTok segment dedicated to college living spaces, is brimming with amazing lofts in small areas. Users frequently express awe at how rugs, wall art, headboards, and lighting can enhance a room’s appeal.

Some dorm setups are particularly elaborate. In one video that reached 1.7 million views, a designer showcases a dorm shared by two students featuring a bar cart, a wall display, custom art, and a glass coffee table. “We’re talking about places they’ll only reside in for one academic year, right?” remarked one viewer.

Although investing in such design may seem excessive to some, psychotherapist Stephanie Sarkis highlights the importance of décor in affecting mental well-being. She suggests that as long as the designs remain budget-friendly, #DormTok can be a positive outlet for creativity and personal expression.

“Transforming something into something new is truly an art,” states Sarkis. “When our surroundings feel more familiar, we’re more inclined to be productive, sleep better, and create a sense of home wherever we are.”

Affordable Designs for #DormTok

Jay explains that a widespread myth about #DormTok is that parents are spending excessively for their children’s dormitories. While this may apply to some, she along with other designers cleverly find ways to infuse a touch of luxury into rooms without hefty expenses.

For example, decorating her sister’s dorm room cost Jay $500 and took only three hours. The end result − adorned with framed pictures, ceiling lights, and glass decor − garnered an impressive 13.2 million views on TikTok.

“Discussing budget is essential,” Jay emphasizes. “People often think they can either do nothing due to costs or overspend significantly.  Since it’s a temporary space, you don’t want to invest too much, but it’s important to allocate enough to create a homely atmosphere.”

Previously a nurse, Jay now dedicates herself full-time to interior design after her dorm design content became popular online. She receives many inquiries from students eager to transform their dorm rooms with her help. Jay offers in-person decorating in the New York City area and virtual consultations nationwide, charging $300 for her virtual service.

Every dorm room, according to Jay, poses unique creative challenges, and tailoring a style to match her clients’ personalities brings her great satisfaction.

However, #DormTok does have its critics, with some questioning the necessity for luxurious dorm accommodations. “What will happen to all this when next year’s theme emerges?” remarked one user.

Jay remains unfazed by the negativity. She believes critics overlook the core message of #DormTok, which centers on personal expression and maximizing what one has, even if it’s a small dorm room.

“I decorated my sister’s room for her enjoyment, and she loved it,” Jay shares. “I adored it too. I think it has motivated many others to enhance their own spaces or to pursue creativity in their own style. I’m all for anything constructive; and for those who can’t find anything positive, their opinions don’t concern me.”