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Dorm Decor Has Officially Leveled Up (Twinkle Lights Not Required)

Today's dorm rooms are designed spaces, not just cinderblock walls with string lights — here's how one designer is helping students transform tiny rooms into stylish ones.

By Laura McKittrick·September 14, 2026·1 min read

For those of you who haven’t thought about dorms in the past 5-10 years, take note. The most advanced “dorm decor” when I went to college was scotch taping twinkle lights on cement block walls and praying they wouldn't fall. And if you had a futon? You were in an elite league of your own.

I’m talking beautifully designed, insanely efficient small spaces that actually feel like you are home.

Dorm rooms today look nothing like they used to. Well, they do initially but there are now designers entirely dedicated to transforming them. I’m talking beautifully designed, insanely efficient small spaces that actually feel like you are home. Obviously the cost ranges big time depending on what brands and quality of everything you get. It can go from $1,000 up to, and exceeding, $25,000.

One of my favorite accounts to follow is @mind_for_design. Her designs are incredible. Lucky for us she has a virtual offer for just $199 - you send her photos and measurements and she sends you rendered designs and a shopping list. Also, she separately and graciously provides links to items via her IG profile. Swipe to see the details, and reach out to her for virtual appointments and design help for small spaces.

Featured Practice

@mind_for_design

Dorm & Small Space Design

Virtual design offer: $199 — send photos and measurements, receive rendered designs and a shopping list

Shoppable item links available via her Instagram profile

LM

Laura McKittrick

Editor & Founder, Greenwich Girl — born, raised, still here.

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