College Students Go Viral on TikTok for Lavish Dorm Room Makeovers

Some of the dorm rooms have custom artwork, while others feature chandeliers. One even boasts a disco ball hanging from the ceiling.

These are not revamped houses from HGTV but college dorm rooms. Many students and their parents are going to extraordinary lengths to transform these tight living quarters into luxurious spaces, resulting in viral content on TikTok.

On social media, parents seem to be sparing no expense to elevate their kids’ dorm rooms. Some even hire professional interior designers and decorators for the task. In many cases, students either seek out design help or redo their dorms themselves with DIY projects.

Alethea Jay, an interior designer who gained online fame for revamping her sister’s dorm room, notes that in a challenging housing market, many Gen Zers want to make the most of what they have, even in temporary spaces like dorm rooms.

“I see so many people say, ‘I can’t wait to do this when I get my home,’ or ‘I am going to call you when I get to buy my first house,'” Jay says. “And I just keep reminding people you don’t have to wait. There is a process. Give yourself the experience now in an affordable way. You don’t have to wait until you get your forever home.”

#DormTok, a popular corner of TikTok that focuses on college dorm rooms, showcases stunning designs in small spaces. Commenters frequently express amazement at how much rugs, wall art, headboards, and lighting can elevate a room.

Some of these dorm designs are quite elaborate. In one video with 1.7 million views, a designer shows off a dorm room she decorated for two students, complete with a bar cart, a wall installation, custom art, and a glass coffee table. “We’re talking about dorms they only stay in for one school year, right?” asked one amused viewer.

Though it might seem like an unnecessary investment to some, psychotherapist Stephanie Sarkis emphasizes the positive mental health impact of a well-decorated space. As long as the budget is managed wisely, she believes #DormTok can be a healthy outlet for creativity and personal expression.

“To see someone take something and transform it, I think, is an art,” Sarkis says. “When we feel more at home, we’re more likely to be productive, sleep well, and feel a sense of belonging.”

However, not every #DormTok design requires a significant financial investment. Jay addresses the misconception that parents are breaking the bank on these projects. She and other designers often find cost-effective ways to achieve a luxurious look. For example, Jay decorated her sister’s dorm room for just $500 in about three hours, and the outcome has garnered 13.2 million views on TikTok.

“It’s so important to talk about the budget part of it,” Jay says. “People feel like it’s either they do nothing, because they can’t afford it, or they spend a lot of money. You don’t want to spend too much since it’s a short-term space, but you want to invest enough to make it feel like home.”

Jay’s success in this niche has led her to transition from nursing to full-time interior design. She now receives numerous requests from students wanting to hire her for dorm room makeovers. Jay offers in-person services in the New York City area and virtual consultations nationwide for $300 each.

Each dorm room presents its own set of creative challenges, and tailoring designs to her clients’ personalities is a fulfilling aspect of Jay’s work.

Despite the popularity, not everyone is a fan of #DormTok. Some critics question the necessity of luxury dorm rooms, pondering what happens to the decorations once the academic year ends.

Jay disregards the criticism, focusing instead on the positive impact of her work. She believes that #DormTok is about self-expression and making the most of any space, no matter how small.

“I did the room for my sister for her to enjoy, and she loved it,” Jay says. “I loved it. For those who it inspired, it motivated them to do something with their rooms or try their hand at creativity. I’m all for positive feedback, but anyone critical – I just don’t care.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College students are going viral on TikTok for luxury dorm room makeovers. You won’t believe it.

Source: USA Today