Dorm rooms are a special kind of challenge. They’re small. They’re shared. And they’re definitely not winning any design awards right out of the gate. But with the right perspective (and a little editing magic), you can make them stylish, functional, and personal.
We called up our friend Carmeon Hamilton—Memphis-based interior designer, lifestyle blogger behind Nubi Interiors, winner of HGTV’s Design Star: Next Gen, and star of Reno My Rental—to spill her best tips for dorm living. Spoiler: her advice works for any small space, so moms, if you’re reading this while secretly eyeing your own guest room makeover, consider this your sign.
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Q: You’ve designed everything from gorgeous family homes to TV-worthy makeovers. But what’s your typical plan of action when “home” is basically a shoebox with a twin bed and a mini fridge?
Carmeon: First thing: accept the limits, then get creative within them. I always start with layout—every inch needs a job. Think vertical with over-the-bed shelving and tall storage carts, double-duty with ottomans that hide snacks or notebooks, and mobile with rolling carts or trays you can tuck away. And because dorms are small, edit ruthlessly! Less stuff, more function, better flow.
Q: What about furniture or decor that can move with students from their dorm to their first apartment?
Carmeon: Invest in pieces that are lightweight, modular, and neutral. A sleek side table can be a nightstand in the dorm, then become a living room end table later. A storage ottoman works as seating, a footrest, or a coffee table. Go with a neutral base but swap in fun pillows or throws that can evolve with your style as you move.
Q: If the budget is more instant ramen than Restoration Hardware, where should students splurge and where can they save?
Carmeon: Splurge on what touches your body daily: a good mattress topper (because dorm mattresses are not it), high-quality sheets, and a supportive desk chair if you’ll spend hours studying. Save on decor trends. Skip the neon sign or headboard you’ll outgrow fast. Also, affordable bins and baskets can look good without costing much. Form and function without draining your wallet.
Q: You’re the queen of personal style. How can students make their dorm feel like “them” when they can’t paint, swap the carpet, or escape the fluorescent lighting?
Carmeon: Layer personality through removable and portable pieces: peel-and-stick wallpaper or decals, bold bedding, art prints in easy frames, and statement lamps. Lighting is huge! Swapping the harsh fluorescent glow for a couple of warm table or floor lamps instantly changes the vibe. Then sprinkle in personal touches like photos, travel souvenirs, or even a small rug that tells your story.
Q: Roommates can be… a wild card. Any advice for blending two totally different styles without making the room look like a split-screen?
Carmeon: Think “shared common ground” for big decisions, then layer individuality. Pick a unifying color palette, for example, black and white with pops of each roommate’s favorite accent. For decor, coordinate shapes or finishes—like both having round mirrors, but in different frames. And if all else fails, split the room into zones but repeat one or two elements across both sides so it feels cohesive.
Rapid Fire Round
Three dorm must-haves. Go.
Mattress topper, rolling cart, cozy throw blanket.
Team bed risers or team no bed risers?
Team bed risers! Hidden storage is gold in a dorm!
Best under-$25 find for making a dorm look designer?
A chic plug-in wall sconce! Personality, layered lighting, high style all in one piece!
Most underrated storage spot in a dorm room?
The back of the door! Remember to think UP! Over-the-door hooks or organizers are lifesavers.
One thing you wish every student would stop buying for their dorm?
Oversized bean bags. They eat up half the floor space.
If you could describe your own dorm room back in the day in 3 words, what are they?
Pink, Zebra, Custom! I wish I had a photo!
