Designer dorm rooms becoming increasingly popular among college students

When Dawn Thomas dropped off her daughters at college, she decorated their dorm room as a parting gift. The results were so impressive that she was enlisted to do the same for her niece and others in her circle, leading to the birth of her business venture.

Gone are the days when students moved into dorm rooms with basic furnishings. In the Instagram age, college students across the country aim for bragging rights with the best-decorated rooms on campus.

Thomas is a pioneer in dorm design and has been running After Five Designs for two decades. While initially a novelty, this trend has spread widely.

Last week, billionaire Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt's daughter, Ava, made headlines with her lavish college dorm room at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

However, extravagant dorm makeovers are not limited to NFL royalty. Designers are stepping up to meet the demand from a broader audience, turning college move-in day into an event akin to the Super Bowl of interior design.

Eden Bowen Montgomery of Essentials with Eden launched her dorm-design business three years ago while still in college to fund a summer mission trip. Her business quickly took off, making her one of the most sought-after dorm designers alongside Thomas.

Clients pay substantial fees for these professional makeovers. Thomas charges up to $10,000 per room according to the Wall Street Journal. Montgomery's fees are similar, estimated at $10,000 per room or $5,000 per student depending on selected items' number and quality.

Both designers primarily work in Mississippi and frequently post their work in the Dorm Rooms of Mississippi and Beyond Facebook group, which has nearly 73,000 members.

The current trend in dorm design is Grandmillennial style, embracing wallpaper, florals, and heirloom furniture. Montgomery advises clients to choose classic yet functional pieces suitable for students living away from home for the first time. “Light pinks, hot pinks, and all shades of blue are popular right now,” says Montgomery.

Photos showcase various designs by Thomas and Montgomery featuring vibrant colors and custom-made elements such as bed skirts and artwork.

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